Details

Lorazepam belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines. Lorazepam affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with anxiety. Lorazepam is used to treat anxiety disorders. Do not drink alcohol while taking lorazepam. This medication can increase the effects of alcohol. You should not take lorazepam if you have narrow-angle glaucoma myasthenia gravis or a history of allergic reaction to any benzodiazepine. To make sure lorazepam is safe for you tell your doctor if you have seizures or epilepsy kidney or liver disease (especially alcoholic liver disease) asthma or other breathing disorder open-angle glaucoma a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behaviour or a history of drug or alcohol addiction. Lorazepam should not be used when pregnant.

Typical Uses

Lorazepam is used to treat anxiety. Lorazepam belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines which act on the brain and nerves (central nervous system) to produce a calming effect. This drug works by enhancing the effects of a certain natural chemical in the body (GABA). If directed by your doctor, this drug may also be used to reduce the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, to prevent nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, and for trouble sleeping (insomnia).

Side Effects

Common side effects of lorazepam include severe drowsiness thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself unusual changes in mood or behaviour confusion, aggression, hallucinations worsened sleep problems sudden restless feeling or excitement muscle weakness, drooping eyelids, trouble swallowing vision changes or upper stomach pain, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Drug Interactions

• Lorazepam+propoxyphene- Using propoxyphene together with lorazepam may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should take propoxyphene exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• Lorazepam+clozapine- Talk to your doctor before using clozapine together with lorazepam. Combining these medications can increase the effects of both medications. Depending on the doses you are using and the routes by which they are taken (orally or by injection), you may experience side effects such as extreme drowsiness, confusion, shallow breathing, low blood pressure, weak pulse, and incoordination.
• Lorazepam+droperidol- Using droperidol together with lorazepam can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances.
• Lorazepam+olanzapine- Ask your doctor before using lorazepam together with olanzapine. This can cause low blood pressure, shallow breathing, weak pulse, muscle weakness, drowsiness, dizziness and slurred speech. This may be more likely to occur in older adults or those with a debilitating condition.

Mechanism of action

Lorazepam is belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines. It works by enhancing the action of a signalling chemical called gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain and thus producing a calming effect.

Pregnancy Category : D