Lorazepam Solution for injection

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What is this medicine?

LORAZEPAM (lor A ze pam) is a benzodiazepine. It is used to treat anxiety and certain types of seizures. It is also used to cause sleep before surgery and to block the memory of the procedure.
 
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• alcohol or drug abuse problem
• bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis or other mental health condition
• glaucoma
• kidney or liver disease
• lung disease or breathing difficulties
• myasthenia gravis
• Parkinson's disease
• seizures or a history of seizures
• suicidal thoughts
• an unusual or allergic reaction to lorazepam, other benzodiazepines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a muscle or into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What may interact with this medicine?

• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures, like phenobarbital
• clozapine
• medicines for depression, mental problems or psychiatric disturbances
• medicines for sleep
• phenytoin
• probenecid
• theophylline
• valproic acid

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

You may feel dizzy or drowsy for about 6 to 8 hours after an injection of this medicine. Elderly patients may feel these effects more strongly and for a longer time.

Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy and fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine can cause loss of recall of recent events. This loss of memory is only temporary.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, pain or allergies without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can increase possible side effects.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
• changes in vision
• confusion
• depression
• mood changes, excitability or aggressive behavior
• movement difficulty, staggering or jerky movements
• muscle cramps
• restlessness
• weakness or tiredness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• constipation or diarrhea
• difficulty sleeping, nightmares
• dizziness, drowsiness
• headache
• nausea, vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This medication will be given to you in a hospital or health clinic setting. You will not be given this medicine to take home.

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.