What is Lorazepam (injection)?
Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen) that is used to treat a seizure emergency called status epilepticus. Lorazepam is used to relax you before surgery.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Lorazepam.
Side effects of Lorazepam (injection)
Seek immediate medical care if you have any of these symptoms: difficulty breathing, swelling in your face, lips, throat, or tongue.Lorazepam may slow or stop breathing. This is especially true if you've recently taken an opioid, alcohol, or another drug that slows breathing.
If you:
- Weak or shallow breathing
- Severe sleepiness
- Restlessness or feeling agitated
- Hallucinations, unusual thoughts or feelings;
- Feeling light-headed, like you might pass out.
Older adults may experience drowsiness and dizziness for a longer period of time. Be careful to prevent falls or accidents. You may need assistance getting out of bed during the first eight hours.
Lorazepam can cause a number of side effects.
- Feeling drowsy and light-headed
- Breathing problems
- When lorazepam injections are made into muscles, they can cause redness or burns.
There may be other side effects.Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report adverse effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Lorazepam may slow or stop breathing, particularly if you've recently taken an opioid medication or alcohol or used other drugs that can slow breathing.The use of lorazepam on a regular basis may become habit-forming.
Before you take this drug
Tell your doctor, if possible, before receiving lorazepam if you're allergic to any medications or have:
- Narrow-angle glaucoma;
- Sleep apnea, or severe breathing problems;
- A known allergic reaction to propylene, polyethylene glycol, or benzyl alcohol
- A history of an allergic reaction to any benzodiazepine. (lorazepam, alprazolam, diazepam) Ativan. Klonopin. Restoril. Tranxene. Valium. Versed. Xanax.
Tell your doctor about:
- Asthma and other breathing disorders
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease is a serious condition.
Lorazepam can harm an unborn child. It is not generally recommended that pregnant women take this medication.Status epilepticus can be a life-threatening disorder, and the benefits of receiving lorazepam in order to treat it could outweigh the risks to an unborn child.Sedatives can affect the brain development of a child or an unborn baby if used on a mother. This may cause learning or behavioural problems in later life. The highest risk is associated with long surgeries or repeated procedures.You may need to take a sedative if you have a medical emergency or a condition that is life-threatening. Or, if you are having surgery to correct an inherited defect, You can ask your doctor about any medicines prescribed during surgery or a procedure.Tell your carers, if possible, if you're pregnant or nursing during an emergency.
How to take Lorazepam (injection)?
A healthcare provider injects Lorazepam into a vein or muscle.If your condition improves following the injection, you may only need one dose.You will be monitored to ensure that the medication is working properly and has no harmful side effects.Lorazepam is only for occasional or single use. Continued use of the drug may cause withdrawal symptoms or habit formation.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Lorazepam does not require a daily dosage schedule and is only used in a single dose.
What happens if I overdose?
In a medical setting, an overdose is treated immediately.
What should be avoided?
Don't drink alcohol for the first 2 or 3 days after receiving lorazepam. You could experience dangerous side effects, including death.Lorazepam may cause extreme sleepiness, which can last up to 48 hours following the injection. Even older adults can feel sleepy for even longer.Do not drive or engage in any hazardous activities until all the effects of lorazepam are gone. Dizziness and drowsiness may cause accidents or serious injuries.
Interaction with other drug
Ask your doctor if you want to use a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or a medicine for anxiety or seizures.
Tell your doctor all of your other medications, including:
- Any other benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (such as Valium, Xanax, and others);
- Probenecid;
- Valproate or any other seizure medications;
- Birth-control pills
- Medicine to treat mental illness
- Medicine to treat or prevent vomiting and nausea
This list is incomplete. Lorazepam can be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs. This list does not include all possible interactions with other drugs.
