iPsychology

Ativan ( Alzapam, Loraz, Lorazepam Intensol )
In Canada ( Apo-Lorazepam, Novo-Lorazepam, Nu-Loraz )

Ativan (Lorazepam) is an anti-anxiety agent (benzodiazepines,mild tranquilizer) used for the relief of anxiety, agitation and irritability, to relieve insomnia, to calm people with mania / schizophrenia and intravenously as a sedative and for nervous tension or to relieve anxiety prior to surgery. It has less of an effect on the liver than other benzodiazepines, making it better suited if you are taking birth control pills, anti-abuse drugs, propranolol, ulcer medications, or any other drug that affects the liver. Ativan (Lorazepam) may also be used to help in the prevention of severe alcohol withdraw symptoms (Delirium Tremens, or DTs), to treat amnesia, or in patients who are undergoing chemotherapy and have severe vomiting. It may be given to children to treat serial seizures by placing it under the tongue.

Strengths:

Tables: 0.5 mg, 1 mg,2mg
Sublingual Tables: 0.5 mg,1 mg,2mg
Oral Solution: 2 mg per ml
Injection: 2 mg per ml,4mg per ml

Dosages: Actual dosage must be determined by a physician.

Normal dosage:
If under 18 years of age:
Safety and effectiveness not established! 1 to 4mg under tongue to treat serial seizures in children.

18 to 60 years of age:
For sedation and anxiety, 2 to 3mg
For insomnia, 2 to 4mg taken at bedtime

Over 60 years of age:
Never over 2mg daily
Sedation and anxiety,0.5 to 1mg
Insomnia,0.5 to 1mg taken at bedtime

Oral:
Start: 1 to 2mg daily in 2 or 3 doses
Increases: 0.5 mg as needed
Maintenance: 2 to 6mg in 24 hours in divided doses
Maximum: 10 mg in 24 hours

Problems with:
Liver Function: Lower dosage, as needed. Do not use if in liver failure.
Kidney Function: Lower dosage, as needed. Do not use if in kidney failure.

Test:
Before taking: None
While taking: None

Take: On an empty stomach with a full glass of water.

Full Benefits: In first week.

Missed Dose(s): If within one hour, take. If over an hour skip and then continue on your normal schedule. Never Take a Double Dose!

If Stop Taking: Do not stop without consulting your physician and never abruptly if medication has been taken for four or more weeks.

Overdose symptoms include: Confusion, loss of consciousness, or sleepiness.

Narcotics may increase the sedative effects of this drug. Do not take other sedatives, benzodiazepines or sleeping pills with this drug. The combinations could be fatal. Do not drink alcohol when taking any benzodiazepine. Alcohol can lower blood pressure and decrease your breathing rate to the point of unconsciousness.
The habit-forming potential of this drug is high. Do not stop taking this drug abruptly; this could cause psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms.

Do not take Ativan (Lorazepam) if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Do not take this drug if you are breast-feeding.

Do not give Ativan (Lorazepam) to anyone under 12 and only in small doses if over 60.

Do not use Ativan (Lorazepam) in these situations:

• You have had negative reactions to other benzodiazepine.
• You have a history of drug dependence.
• You have had a stroke.
• You have multiple sclerosis.
• You have Alzheimer's disease.
• You are seriously depressed.
• You have other brain disorders.
  

Common: clumsiness, dizziness, sleepiness, unsteadiness, weakness

Rare: abdominal cramps, blurred vision, confusion, convulsions, disinhibition, dry mouth, forgetfulness, hallucinations, headache, memory loss, racing heartbeat / palpitations, shaking / slurred speech, sore breast / milk secretion, staggering / trembling, trouble breathing, irregular menstruation, urination problems

See physician if severe: clumsiness, dizziness, sleepiness, unsteadiness, weakness
See physician always: abdominal cramps,blurred vision, confusion, convulsions, disinhibition, dry mouth, forgetfulness, hallucinations, headache, memory loss, racing heartbeat / palpitations, shaking / slurred speech, sore breast / milk secretion, staggering / trembling, trouble breathing, irregular menstruation, urination problems

See physician NOW: convulsions, hallucinations, memory loss, trouble breathing,staggering / trembling

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