Lorazepam (Injection)

Introduction:

Lorazepam (lor-AZ-e-pam)

Treats seizure disorders, such as epilepsy. Also used before certain medical procedures, such as surgery, to relieve anxiety. Belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines.

Brand Name(s):

Ativan

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to lorazepam, if you are pregnant, or if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, severe lung disease, or sleep apnea (temporary stopping of breathing during sleep).

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

  • Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins or given as a shot into one of your muscles.
  • A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using clozapine (Clozaril®), haloperidol (Haldol®), loxapine (Loxitane®), probenecid (Benemid®), phenobarbital, scopolamine, or valproate (Depakene®).
  • Tell your doctor if you are using birth control pills, an MAO inhibitor (such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®), or a phenothiazine medicine (such as prochlorperazine, Compazine®, Mellaril®, Phenergan®, Thorazine®, Trilafon®).
  • Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are breasfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or mild to moderate lung disease.
  • If you develop any unusual or strange thoughts and behavior while taking lorazepam injection, be sure to discuss it with your doctor. Some changes that have occurred in people taking this medicine are like those seen in people who drink too much alcohol. Other changes might be confusion, agitation, and hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there).
  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Blue lips, fingernails, or skin.
  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
  • Increase in how much or how often you urinate.
  • Lightheadedness or fainting.
  • Loss of consciousness.
  • Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed.
  • Painful or difficult urination.
  • Problems with vision, speech, or walking.
  • Seizures.
  • Severe muscle weakness or trouble standing.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Slurred speech, confusion, or severe drowsiness.
  • Trouble concentrating or memory loss.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Dry mouth, headache, tiredness, nausea and vomiting.
  • Irritability or agitation.
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