Overview

Lorazepam is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines). It affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety. Lorazepam is used to treat anxiety disorders.

WHAT IS LORATIF AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR?

Lorazepam is a member of a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. It can help to relieve anxiety. Lorazepam is prescribed as short-term therapy for anxiety (2 -4 weeks), or sleeping difficulties due to anxiety. It may also be used as a sedative before surgery or operative dental treatment. Lorazepam Tablets are not to be used for longer than 4 weeks, to treat mild or moderate anxiety in adults or for anxiety/insomnia in children.

Indications and Uses

Lorazepam tablets are indicated for the management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety or anxiety associated with depressive symptoms.The effectiveness of lorazepam tablets in long-term use, that is, more than 4 months, has been assessed by systematic clinical studies. The physician should periodically reassess the usefulness of the drug for the individual patient.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Lorazepam is used to relieve anxiety. Lorazepam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It works by slowing activity in the brain to allow for relaxation.

Warnings

Do not take LORATIF:

If you have severe breathing or chest problems..

If you are allergic to benzodiazepines or any of the other ingredients in Lorazepam Tablets.

If you have myasthenia gravis (very weak or tired muscles.

If you have serious liver problems.

If you suffer from sleep apnoea (breathing problems when you are asleep).

if you are breast-feeding, since the drug may pass into breast milk.

If you are planning a pregnancy or are pregnant.

If you have been only prescribed Lorazepam Tablets for anxiety and no other medications. please consult with your doctor whether other medications should also be prescribed.

Contraindications

Do not use this medication if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, or if you are allergic to lorazepam or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam , chlordiazepoxide, clorazepate diazepam or oxazepam.
Before taking lorazepam, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

Glaucoma

Asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing problems

Kidney or liver disease

A history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior

A history of drug or alcohol addiction.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take lorazepam. FDA pregnancy category D. Lorazepam can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use lorazepam without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medicine. It is not known whether lorazepam passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Side Effects

Lorazepam may cause side effects. Call your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:

Drowsiness

Dizziness

Tiredness

Weakness

Diarrhea

Nausea

Changes in appetite

Restlessness or excitement

Constipation

Difficulty urinating

Frequent urination

Dosage

This is Preferred Dosage:
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
Disclaimer:To be taken only after consulting with the doctor.

Storage

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action

Lorazepam interacts with the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-benzodiazepine receptor complex, which is widespread in the brain of humans as well as other species. This interaction is presumed to be responsible for lorazepam's mechanism of action. Lorazepam exhibits relatively high and specific affinity for its recognition site but does not displace GABA. Attachment to the specific binding site enhances the affinity of GABA for its receptor site on the same receptor complex. The pharmacodynamic consequences of benzodiazepine agonist actions include antianxiety effects, sedation, and reduction of seizure activity. The intensity of action is directly related to the degree of benzodiazepine receptor occupancy.

Pharmacokinetics

Lorazepam is a short acting benzodiazepine. Lorazepam enhances the inhibitory effect of GABA on neuronal excitability by modulating GABAA receptors.
Onset: Hypnosis: 20-30 minutes (IM); sedation: 5-20 min (IV); anticonvulsant: 5 minutes (IV), 30-60 minutes (oral).
Duration: 6-8 hours.
Absorption: Readily absorbed (oral, IM); peak plasma concentrations after 2 hours.
Distribution: Crosses the placenta and blood-brain barrier; enters breast milk. Protein-binding: 85%.
Metabolism: Hepatic; converted to inactive metabolites.
Excretion: Urine and faeces; 10-20 hours (elimination half-life).

Interactions

Following drugs can interact while taking LORATIF:
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with lorazepam. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Hydantoins (eg, phenytoin) or theophyllines because they may decrease lorazepam's effectiveness
• Clozapine, kava, loxapine, narcotic pain relievers (eg, morphine, codeine), sodium oxybate (GHB), or valproic acid because side effects, such as extreme sedation, slowed breathing, confusion, or memory problems, may occur
• Digoxin, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), narcotic pain relievers (eg, morphine, codeine), nondepolarizing muscle relaxants (eg, vecuronium), or sodium oxybate (GHB) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by lorazepam
• Nondepolarizing muscle relaxants (eg, vecuronium) because they may decrease lorazepam's effectiveness

For Patients

Information for Patients:
This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use lorazepam if you are pregnant.
Before taking lorazepam, tell your doctor if you have any breathing problems, glaucoma, kidney or liver disease, or a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or addiction to drugs or alcohol.
Do not drink alcohol while taking lorazepam. This medication can increase the effects of alcohol.
Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy. They can add to sleepiness caused by lorazepam.
Lorazepam may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Lorazepam should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.