ativan information
lorazepam (lor A ze pam)
What is the most important information I should know about Ativan?
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardousactivities ativan information. Ativan will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness ativan information. If you experiencedrowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities ativan information.
• Avoid alcohol while taking Ativan ativan information. Alcohol may increase drowsiness anddizziness caused by Ativan ativan information. Alcohol may also increase the risk of having a seizureif Ativan is being taken for a seizure condition ativan information.
• Ativan may be habit forming ativan information. Physical and/or psychological dependencecan occur, and withdrawal effects are possible if the medication is stoppedsuddenly after prolonged or high-dose treatment ativan information. Do not take more than the prescribedamount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor ativan information. Do not stop taking Ativan suddenly without first talking to your doctor if youhave been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days ativan information. Your doctor maywant to gradually reduce the dose ativan information.
What is Ativan?
• Ativan is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines ativan information. Ativan affectschemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety, insomnia,and seizures ativan information.
• Ativan is used to relieve anxiety, nervousness, and tension associatedwith anxiety disorders ativan information. It is also used to treat certain types of seizure disordersand to relieve insomnia (induce sleep) ativan information.
• Ativan may also be used for purposes other than those listed in thismedication guide ativan information.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Ativan?
• Do not take Ativan if you have narrow-angle glaucoma ativan information. Ativan may worsenthis condition ativan information.
• Before taking Ativan, tell your doctor if you
· have kidney disease;
· have liver disease;
· have asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or another respiratory disease;or
· are depressed or have suicidal thoughts ativan information.
• You may not be able to take Ativan, or you may require a dosage adjustmentor special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listedabove ativan information.
• Ativan is in the FDA pregnancy category D ativan information. This means that Ativan isknown to be harmful to an unborn baby ativan information. Do not take this medication without firsttalking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment ativan information.
• Ativan passes into breast milk ativan information. Do not take Ativan without first talkingto your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby ativan information.
• If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experienceside effects from Ativan ativan information. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication ativan information.
How should I take Ativan?
• Take Ativan exactly as directed by your doctor ativan information. If you do not understandthese instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them toyou ativan information.
• Ativan is also available as an injection ativan information. If you are using the injectionat home, your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions regardingpreparation, administration, and storage of the injectable formulation ativan information.
• To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the oral concentrate witha dose-measuring spoon, dropper, or cup, not a regular table spoon ativan information. If you donot have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one ativan information.
• Take each oral dose with a full glass of water ativan information.
• Ativan may be habit forming ativan information. Physical and/or psychological dependencecan occur, and withdrawal effects are possible if the medication is stoppedsuddenly after prolonged or high-dose treatment ativan information. Do not take more than the prescribedamount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor ativan information. Do not stop taking Ativan suddenly without first talking to your doctor if youhave been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days ativan information. Your doctor maywant to gradually reduce the dose ativan information.
• Your doctor may want you to have medical evaluations during treatmentwith Ativan to monitor progress and side effects ativan information.
• Store Ativan tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat ativan information.
• Store the Ativan oral concentrate in the refrigerator between 36 and46 degrees Fahrenheit (2 and 8 degrees Celsius), protected from light ativan information.
What happens if I miss a dose?
• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember ativan information. However, if it is almosttime for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularlyscheduled dose ativan information. Do not take a double dose of this medication ativan information. A double dosecould be dangerous ativan information.
What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected ativan information.
• Symptoms of a Ativan overdose include sleepiness, dizziness, confusion,a slow heart beat, difficulty breathing, difficulty walking and talking, anappearance of being drunk, and unconsciousness ativan information.
What should I avoid while taking Ativan?
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardousactivities ativan information. Ativan will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness ativan information. If you experiencedrowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities ativan information.
• Avoid alcohol while taking Ativan ativan information. Alcohol may increase drowsiness anddizziness caused by Ativan ativan information. Alcohol may also increase the risk of a seizureif Ativan is being taken for a seizure condition ativan information.
• Ativan may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness,including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treatinsomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and musclerelaxants ativan information. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and donot take any medicine without first talking to your doctor ativan information.
What are the possible side effects of Ativan?
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop takingAtivan and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives);
· sores in the mouth or throat;
· yellowing of the skin or eyes;
· a rash;
· hallucinations or severe confusion; or
· changes in vision ativan information.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur ativan information. Continueto take Ativan and talk to your doctor if you experience
· drowsiness, dizziness, or clumsiness;
· depression;
· nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation;
· difficulty urinating;
· vivid dreams;
· headache;
· dry mouth;
· decreased sex drive; or
· changes in behavior ativan information.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur ativan information. Talk to yourdoctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome ativan information.
What other drugs will affect Ativan?
• Ativan may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness,including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treatinsomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and musclerelaxants ativan information. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and donot take any medicine without first talking to your doctor ativan information.
• Antacids may decrease the effects of Ativan ativan information. Separate doses of an antacidand Ativan by several hours whenever possible ativan information.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Ativan ativan information. Talkto your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-countermedicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products ativan information.
Where can I get more information?
• Your pharmacist has additional information about Ativan written for healthprofessionals that you may read ativan information.
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