Sometimes the anxiety and restlessness we feel can be overwhelming, right? To help you through these overwhelming, overwhelming times, your doctor may have prescribed a medication called Lorazepam. It is also known by the brand name Ativan. So today, let's talk briefly about this medication, what it does, and what you should be aware of when using it.
What is this Lorazepam?
Simply put, Lorazepam is
a medication that helps reduce your anxiety . Our
nervous system sometimes becomes overactive, which is why we feel this restless feeling. So this medication works by slowing down the nervous system a bit and calming the mind. These belong to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Doctors recommend this medication not only for anxiety, but also for some other medical conditions. So if you have any questions, talk to your doctor about it.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before giving you Lorazepam, your doctor will need to know your complete
health history . You should
especially tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Health condition or fact | Description |
|---|
| Eye diseases | Eye pressure-related diseases such as glaucoma. |
| Drug/alcohol use | If you have previously been addicted to drugs or alcohol or are currently using them. |
| Kidney or liver disease | If there is any impairment in kidney or liver function. |
| Respiratory diseases | Lung or breathing problems, such as asthma. |
| Mental health problems | Depression or suicidal thoughts, or attempts to do so (yourself or a family member). |
| Other medical conditions | Conditions such as myasthenia gravis or Parkinson's disease. |
| Allergies | If you have allergies to lorazepam or any other medicines, foods, or dyes. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
You should take this medicine with a glass of water.
It is very important to take the right dose at the right time, as the doctor said. Do not increase the dose as you feel like it, or take it more often.
The most important thing is to never stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so could cause a severe reaction. If you need to stop taking the medicine, your doctor will explain how to do so.
If you think you have taken too much medicine,
go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call
the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Treat this as an emergency.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time.
Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. Other things that can cause problems with this medicine
Lorazepam can interact with other medications and alcohol, so you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal products).
Taking Lorazepam with these is very dangerous! These things can also cause problems - ask the doctor
| Alcohol | Taking this medicine with alcohol may cause excessive drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. |
| Some cough medicines | Narcotic medications for cough that contain narcotic painkillers. |
| Sodium oxybate | This is a medicine given for another condition. |
| Medications for allergies | Antihistamines. |
| Medication for depression | Medications such as amitriptyline and fluoxetine. |
| Medicines for seizures | Medications such as carbamazepine and phenobarbital. |
| Severe pain medication | Narcotic painkillers. |
| Medications given during surgery | Muscle relaxants and anesthetics. |
Things to be careful about when taking medication
- Drowsiness and dizziness : This medicine may make you feel drowsy and dizzy . Therefore , do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Don't get up too quickly: Getting up suddenly from a sitting position or from sleeping can cause dizziness and fall. This is especially important for older people.
- Avoid alcohol : Drinking alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Therefore, avoid alcohol completely while taking this medication.
- Pay attention to symptoms: If your symptoms don't improve or get worse, tell your doctor.
Side effects
Like any medication, Lorazepam can cause some side effects. Some are dangerous, while others are common.
If these side effects occur, see your doctor immediately. They are usually noticeable, but if they persist, tell
your doctor. | Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Decreased nervous system function (CNS depression) | Slow or shallow breathing, difficulty breathing, excessive sleepiness, confusion. |
| Mental changes | Suicidal thoughts, worsening mood, and increased depressive symptoms. |
| Dizziness | Drowsiness |
| Headache | Nausea and vomiting (Nausea, Vomiting) |
How to protect the medicine?
Keep this out of the reach of children. Keep this medicine in a safe place that can be protected from theft, as it can be addictive. Keep it tightly closed at room temperature, away from light, and in a dry place.
Do not give your medicine to anyone else for any reason. Doing so is illegal and very dangerous.
Take-Home Message
- Lorazepam is a medication that reduces anxiety and calms the nervous system.
- Always take the dose prescribed by your doctor, at the prescribed time. Never change the dose arbitrarily.
- Avoid stopping the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking the medication.
- Avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving, as drowsiness may occur.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with anyone else.
- If you have any questions or concerns about the medication, talk to your doctor about it.
Lorazepam, anxiety medication, Ativan, mental health, benzodiazepines, drowsiness, side effects
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