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