ativan us
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 us. Ativan will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness ativan us. If you experiencedrowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities ativan us.
• Avoid alcohol while taking Ativan ativan us. Alcohol may increase drowsiness anddizziness caused by Ativan ativan us. Alcohol may also increase the risk of having a seizureif Ativan is being taken for a seizure condition ativan us.
• Ativan may be habit forming ativan us. Physical and/or psychological dependencecan occur, and withdrawal effects are possible if the medication is stoppedsuddenly after prolonged or high-dose treatment ativan us. Do not take more than the prescribedamount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor ativan us. 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 us. Your doctor maywant to gradually reduce the dose ativan us.
What is Ativan?
• Ativan is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines ativan us. Ativan affectschemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety, insomnia,and seizures ativan us.
• Ativan is used to relieve anxiety, nervousness, and tension associatedwith anxiety disorders ativan us. It is also used to treat certain types of seizure disordersand to relieve insomnia (induce sleep) ativan us.
• Ativan may also be used for purposes other than those listed in thismedication guide ativan us.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Ativan?
• Do not take Ativan if you have narrow-angle glaucoma ativan us. Ativan may worsenthis condition ativan us.
• 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 us.
• 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 us.
• Ativan is in the FDA pregnancy category D ativan us. This means that Ativan isknown to be harmful to an unborn baby ativan us. Do not take this medication without firsttalking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment ativan us.
• Ativan passes into breast milk ativan us. Do not take Ativan without first talkingto your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby ativan us.
• If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experienceside effects from Ativan ativan us. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication ativan us.
How should I take Ativan?
• Take Ativan exactly as directed by your doctor ativan us. If you do not understandthese instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them toyou ativan us.
• Ativan is also available as an injection ativan us. If you are using the injectionat home, your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions regardingpreparation, administration, and storage of the injectable formulation ativan us.
• 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 us. If you donot have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one ativan us.
• Take each oral dose with a full glass of water ativan us.
• Ativan may be habit forming ativan us. Physical and/or psychological dependencecan occur, and withdrawal effects are possible if the medication is stoppedsuddenly after prolonged or high-dose treatment ativan us. Do not take more than the prescribedamount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor ativan us. 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 us. Your doctor maywant to gradually reduce the dose ativan us.
• Your doctor may want you to have medical evaluations during treatmentwith Ativan to monitor progress and side effects ativan us.
• Store Ativan tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat ativan us.
• Store the Ativan oral concentrate in the refrigerator between 36 and46 degrees Fahrenheit (2 and 8 degrees Celsius), protected from light ativan us.
What happens if I miss a dose?
• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember ativan us. However, if it is almosttime for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularlyscheduled dose ativan us. Do not take a double dose of this medication ativan us. A double dosecould be dangerous ativan us.
What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected ativan us.
• 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 us.
What should I avoid while taking Ativan?
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardousactivities ativan us. Ativan will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness ativan us. If you experiencedrowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities ativan us.
• Avoid alcohol while taking Ativan ativan us. Alcohol may increase drowsiness anddizziness caused by Ativan ativan us. Alcohol may also increase the risk of a seizureif Ativan is being taken for a seizure condition ativan us.
• 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 us. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and donot take any medicine without first talking to your doctor ativan us.
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 us.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur ativan us. 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 us.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur ativan us. Talk to yourdoctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome ativan us.
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 us. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and donot take any medicine without first talking to your doctor ativan us.
• Antacids may decrease the effects of Ativan ativan us. Separate doses of an antacidand Ativan by several hours whenever possible ativan us.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Ativan ativan us. Talkto your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-countermedicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products ativan us.
Where can I get more information?
• Your pharmacist has additional information about Ativan written for healthprofessionals that you may read ativan us.
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