WARNING

Ativan (generic Lorazepam) is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. Here are some key risks associated with its use:

• Dependence and Withdrawal: Prolonged use can lead to physical dependence, and abrupt discontinuation may cause withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, agitation, and seizures.
• Drowsiness and Impairment: It can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination, affecting your ability to perform tasks requiring full alertness, such as driving.
• Memory and Cognitive Effects: Long-term use may impair memory and cognitive function.
• Drug Interactions: It can interact with other medications, especially those that depress the central nervous system, such as alcohol and opioids, increasing the risk of severe sedation or respiratory depression.
• Overdose Risk: High doses or combining with other depressants can lead to overdose, which may cause severe drowsiness, confusion, and respiratory depression.

Always use Ativan under the guidance of a healthcare provider and follow the prescribed dosage to minimize these risks.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Ativan (Generic Lorazepam) is commonly prescribed to manage symptoms of anxiety, including excessive worry and stress. It can be used for short-term treatment of severe insomnia. Ativan is used to control and prevent seizures, especially in emergency situations. It may be administered to calm patients before surgery or other medical procedures.

How should this medicine be used?

Ativan (Generic Lorazepam) should be used according to the following guidelines:

• Follow Your Prescription: Take Ativan exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not adjust the dose or frequency without consulting them first.
• Administration: Ativan is typically taken orally. It comes in tablet form or as a liquid solution. You can take it with or without food. If you’re using the liquid form, measure the dose carefully with a marked measuring device.
• Dosage: The dose and frequency depend on the condition being treated. Generally, it is taken 2 to 3 times a day. Follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one.
• Avoid Alcohol and Other CNS Depressants: Do not drink alcohol or use other central nervous system depressants while taking Ativan, as it can increase the risk of severe side effects like drowsiness and respiratory depression.
• Gradual Discontinuation: If you need to stop taking Ativan, your healthcare provider will guide you on how to taper off the medication gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
• Storage: Store Ativan at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep it out of reach of children.

Always consult your healthcare provider for detailed instructions tailored to your specific situation.

Other uses for this medicine

• Panic Disorders: It can be used to manage acute panic attacks or panic disorder.
• Alcohol Withdrawal: Ativan may be prescribed to manage symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, such as agitation and tremors.
• Nausea and Vomiting: It can be used as part of a treatment regimen for severe nausea and vomiting, particularly if associated with anxiety or certain medical treatments.
• Preanesthetic Medication: Used before anesthesia to help relax patients and reduce anxiety.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special Precautions to Follow for Ativan:

• Dependence and Withdrawal: Use Ativan for the shortest duration necessary to avoid developing dependence. Do not suddenly stop taking it without consulting your healthcare provider, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
• Drowsiness and Impairment: Be cautious of drowsiness and impaired coordination. Avoid activities requiring full alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how Ativan affects you.
• Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all other medications and supplements you’re taking, especially other central nervous system depressants, as they can increase the risk of severe side effects.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Discuss with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, as Ativan can affect the fetus or infant.
• Liver and Kidney Function: If you have liver or kidney issues, inform your healthcare provider. Ativan is metabolized in the liver and excreted by the kidneys, so impaired function may require dose adjustments.
• Mental Health Conditions: Be cautious if you have a history of mental health disorders, including depression or suicidal thoughts, as Ativan can potentially worsen these conditions.
• Avoid Alcohol: Do not consume alcohol while taking Ativan, as it can significantly enhance the sedative effects and increase the risk of severe side effects.

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance based on your specific health conditions and treatment needs.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol while taking Ativan. Alcohol can enhance the sedative effects of Ativan and increase the risk of severe side effects such as drowsiness and respiratory depression.
• Food: There are generally no specific dietary restrictions while taking Ativan. However, maintaining a balanced diet can help overall health and well-being.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• Take It as Soon as Possible: If you remember soon after the missed dose, take it as soon as you can.
• Skip If Close to Next Dose: If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one.
• Consult Your Provider: If you are unsure or have missed multiple doses, consult your healthcare provider for guidance on how to proceed.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Ativan (Generic Lorazepam) can cause a range of side effects, including:

• Common Side Effects:
  • Drowsiness or sedation
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Unsteadiness or impaired coordination
  • Dry mouth
  • Anxiety
  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Confusion
  • Insomnia
• Less Common Side Effects:
  • Confusion
  • Memory problems
  • Depression or mood changes
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Blurred vision
• Serious Side Effects:
  • Severe allergic reactions (e.g., rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing)
  • Severe drowsiness or sedation that impairs breathing
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicidal thoughts
  • Hallucinations or agitation
  • Difficulty breathing or severe respiratory depression
  • Unusual or extreme changes in mood or behavior

If you experience any severe or unusual side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately. For less serious side effects, consult your provider if they persist or become bothersome.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Ativan (Generic Lorazepam):

• Storage:
  • Store Ativan at room temperature, typically between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
  • Keep it in its original container, tightly closed, and protect it from light and moisture.
  • Store it out of reach of children and pets.
• Disposal:
  • Dispose of unused or expired Ativan according to your local drug take-back program or disposal guidelines. Many communities have drug take-back days or drop-off locations.
  • If a take-back program is not available, you may use the FDA’s flush list to determine if Ativan should be flushed down the toilet to prevent potential misuse. Always check current guidelines or consult your pharmacist.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Seek Help: Call emergency services (911) or go to the nearest emergency room if you suspect an overdose.
• Symptoms: Signs of an overdose may include severe drowsiness, confusion, loss of coordination, slow or difficult breathing, or loss of consciousness.
• Overdose Treatment: In an overdose situation, treatment may include supportive measures, activated charcoal, and possibly an antidote like flumazenil, depending on the severity and circumstances.

What other information should I know?

• Medication Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and recreational drugs. Ativan can interact with many substances, potentially causing dangerous effects.
• Regular Monitoring: Your healthcare provider may monitor your response to the medication, especially if you are using it long-term or have underlying health conditions.
• Medical History: Share your complete medical history with your healthcare provider, including any history of substance abuse, mental health conditions, or liver/kidney problems.
• Counseling and Support: If you experience side effects or have concerns about using Ativan, discuss them with your healthcare provider. They can provide additional support and adjustments to your treatment plan if needed.

Always follow the specific instructions given by your healthcare provider and consult them if you have any questions or concerns about your medication.