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