Generic Name and Brand Name
Generic name: Lorazepam Tablets [lor-A-ze-pam]
Brand name: Ativan
Drug classes: Benzodiazepine anticonvulsants, Benzodiazepines, Miscellaneous antiemetics
Medically reviewed by XanaxBars.Green. Last updated on Apr 8, 2023.
Warning
This medicine is a benzodiazepine. The use of a benzodiazepine drug along with opioid drugs has led to very bad side effects. Side effects that have happened include slowed or trouble breathing and death. Opioid drugs include drugs like codeine, oxycodone, and morphine. Opioid drugs are used to treat pain and some are used to treat cough. Talk with the doctor.
If you are taking this medicine (lorazepam tablets) with an opioid drug, get medical help right away if you feel very sleepy or dizzy; if you have slow, shallow, or trouble breathing; or if you pass out. Caregivers or others need to get medical help right away if the patient does not respond, does not answer or react like normal, or will not wake up.
Uses of Lorazepam Tablets
It is used to treat anxiety.
It is used to treat seizures.
It is used to ease anxiety before surgery.
It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Lorazepam Tablets?
You should tell your doctor if:
You are allergic to this medicine (lorazepam tablets); any part of this medicine (lorazepam tablets); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
You have any of these health problems: Glaucoma, low mood (depression), or certain mental problems.
You have sleep apnea.
This is not a complete list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (lorazepam tablets). Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (lorazepam tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Lorazepam Tablets?
You should:
Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (lorazepam tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how this medicine (lorazepam tablets) affects you.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine (lorazepam tablets).
Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs and natural products that slow your actions.
Have your blood work checked if you are on this medicine (lorazepam tablets) for a long time. Talk with your doctor.
Do not take this medicine (lorazepam tablets) for longer than you were told by your doctor.
If you have been taking this medicine (lorazepam tablets) on a regular basis and you stop it all of a sudden, you may have signs of withdrawal. Do not stop taking this medicine (lorazepam tablets) all of a sudden without calling your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have any bad effects.
If you are 65 or older, use this medicine (lorazepam tablets) with care. You could have more side effects.
Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
This medicine may cause harm to the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant. If you are pregnant or you get pregnant while taking this medicine (lorazepam tablets), call your doctor right away.
Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. This medicine passes into breast milk and may harm your baby.
How is this medicine
