Do you often feel a great burden, worry, or anxiety in your mind? Sometimes it's hard to keep your mind in one place, isn't it? Lorazepam is a medicine that can help at times like these, and it is prescribed by a doctor. Let's take a look at some more details about this medicine, as simple as talking to a friend.
What kind of medicine is Lorazepam?
Simply put, Lorazepam is a medication that helps reduce your anxiety . It works by slowing down the activity of your nervous system. This makes you feel a little more relaxed and calm. This medication belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines.
But doctors can sometimes use this medicine for other things, so if you have any questions, it's best to ask your doctor or pharmacist.
What should I tell the doctor before taking this medicine?
This is very important . Before you start taking Lorazepam, it is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist about the following:
- If you have glaucoma (a disease that causes increased pressure in the eyes).
- If you have ever been addicted to drugs or alcohol before.
- If you have kidney disease .
- If you have liver disease .
- If you have a lung disease or breathing difficulty (such as asthma).
- If you have any mental illness .
- If you have myasthenia gravis (a disease that weakens the muscles).
- If you have Parkinson's disease .
- If you have thoughts of harming yourself, suicidal thoughts or plans , or if you or someone in your family has tried to do so in the past.
- If you have had an unusual allergic reaction to Lorazepam, other medicines, foods, food dyes, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Telling your doctor these things will help him or her decide whether this medication is right for you or not, and how to use it carefully.
How do you use this medicine correctly?
It is very important to know how to use this medicine properly.
- This comes as an oral liquid .
- You must follow the instructions on the prescription label exactly .
- When measuring medication, use a specially marked spoon or cup . It is difficult to measure accurately with regular teaspoons at home. If you do not have such a special spoon, ask the pharmacy for one.
- This medicine should be mixed with water, fruit juice, soda, applesauce, or pudding and drunk.
- Try to take your medicine on time, at about the same time every day . Do not take more than the amount your doctor has prescribed.
- Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice . Doing so may cause you to experience discomfort.
- When you get this medicine from the pharmacy, you will be given a special instruction leaflet (MedGuide) . This is given with every prescription, and every time you get a refill. Always remember to read the instructions carefully .
- If you are giving this medicine to children : This medicine can be used in selected cases in children over 12 years of age. However, there are some special precautions that you should take. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to your child, talk to your doctor about it and get advice.
- Overdose : If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, call a poison control center or the nearest hospital emergency room immediately .
- This medicine is for you only : This is very important. Do not share this medicine with anyone else . Even if it is good for you, it may be harmful to someone else.
What do you do if you miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember . However, if it is very close to your next dose when you remember (for example, it is only a few hours away), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time . Never take double or extra doses .
What other things can interact with this medicine?
There are some medications and other things that can cause problems when combined with Lorazepam, so it's good to be aware of this as well.
Things you should never take with this medicine:
- Some narcotic medications for cough
- Sodium oxybate
Other things that may interact with this medicine:
- Alcohol : This is something you definitely need to stop.
- Some types of antihistamines are given for allergies, coughs, and colds.
- Some other medications for anxiety or sleep.
- Some medications used for depression, for example: amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline.
- Some medications used to treat seizures, for example: carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone.
- General anesthetics are medications given before surgery, for example: lidocaine, pramoxine, tetracaine.
- MAOIs are a class of medications, for example: Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate.
- Medicines given to relax muscles before surgery.
- Some narcotic medications for pain.
- Phenothiazines, for example: chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine.
This list may not be complete. So, tell your doctor about all the medications, herbs, vitamins, and dietary supplements you take . Also, be sure to tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some things can interact with your medications.
Things to be careful about when using this medicine
You should also consider these things for your safety while taking this medication.
- If your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse, tell your doctor .
- Again, do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice . Doing so may cause a severe reaction. Your doctor will tell you how to gradually reduce the dose and stop taking it.
- You may feel sleepy or dizzy . Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires alertness until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Don't stand or sit up suddenly , especially if you're elderly. Doing so can reduce the chance of dizziness and falling.
- Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of this medication and can also increase drowsiness . Therefore, avoid drinking alcohol completely.
- If you take other medicines that make you sleepy (such as some cough and cold medicines, pain relievers), you may have more side effects. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking. Your doctor will tell you how much to take. Do not take more than the prescribed amount .
- If you have difficulty breathing or are unusually drowsy, call emergency services immediately .
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like all medications, Lorazepam can cause some side effects. Some are serious and require immediate medical attention, while others are usually not a big deal.
Side effects that should be reported to a doctor or medical service immediately:
- Allergic reactions : skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Central nervous system depression (CNS depression) : Slow or shallow breathing, difficulty breathing, fainting, dizziness, confusion, difficulty staying awake.
- Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself , mood swings, feelings of depression.
Side effects that usually do not require medical advice, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
This list may not include all side effects. If you notice anything else unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
Where should I keep this medicine?
It is also very important to store your medication properly.
- Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and household pets .
- Since this medicine can be abused, it should be kept in a safe place to protect it from theft . A place where no one can easily see it or get hold of it.
- Again, do not share this medicine with anyone else . Selling or giving this medicine to someone else is very dangerous and against the law.
- Store the medicine in the refrigerator at a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius (36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit) . Do not freeze. Also, protect from light .
- If this medicine is swallowed by other adults, children, or pets, an accidental overdose can occur and even death can occur . Therefore, if you have any unused medicine left over, do not just throw it in the trash. Mix it well with something like cat litter or coffee grounds . Then put the medicine in a sealed container (for example, a tightly sealed plastic bag or a coffee can with a lid) and throw it away.
- Do not use expired medicine .
Finally, what to remember (Take-Home Message)
So, these are the most important things you need to know about the drug Lorazepam. Remember, this is a drug that a doctor has prescribed for you, for your condition . So take it exactly as your doctor tells you, in the amount he tells you, and for the exact time he tells you.
Do not stop taking this medicine for any reason, change the dosage, or give it to someone else without your doctor's advice. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They will help you. Stay healthy!
` Lorazepam, anxiety, benzodiazepines, drowsiness, side effects, drug interactions, mental health


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