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