Lorazepam

Lorazepam

What is Lorazepam?

Lorazepam is prescribed to relieve anxiety. Lorazepam belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. It is a prescription-only medication used to treat a number of mental health issues like anxiety and insomnia (inability to fall asleep). It calms and relaxes brain activity. The action of this medication is to increase the effects of a specific natural chemical in the body (GABA). Therefore, you can take it to relieve stress prior to surgery or other medical or dental procedures. Lorazepam is administered orally (in the form of sublingual pills or capsules) or through injections (IV).

What Is Lorazepam Used For?

The following conditions can be treated with Lorazepam:

• Seizures
• Anxiety disorders
• Sleeping problems (insomnia)
• Panic Disorders
• Vomiting and nausea caused by chemotherapy (Off-label use)
• Alcohol Withdrawal

How to Take Lorazepam?

• Follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions before taking Lorazepam.
• Take the extended-release Lorazepam capsule once daily in the morning.
• If you're using Lorazepam to treat insomnia (difficulty falling asleep), take it an hour or so before bed.
• Extended-release capsules should not be broken, chewed, dissolved, or bitten. Swallow it whole with a full glass of water.
• You can take Lorazepam with or without food.
• Keep Lorazepam tablets below 25°C, away from moisture, light, and heat.
• Do not swallow the entire Lorazepam sublingual tablet. Put it under your tongue and let your saliva dissolve it.

When should I avoid Lorazepam use?

Avoid taking Lorazepam if you have any of the following conditions, or use it very cautiously if it is absolutely required if you have any of these conditions currently.

• Hypersensitivity
• Severe respiratory depression
• Acute narrow-angle glaucoma
• Sleep apnea

Lorazepam Dose and Its Strengths

Lorazepam comes in the form of oral tablets, extended-release capsules, or injections depending on factors such as:

• The extent of your illness
• Your medical history
• Your age

Strengths and Dosage Forms of Lorazepam:

• Pills: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg.
• Capsules for extended release: 1 mg, 2 mg, and 3 mg.
• Injectable solutions: 2 mg/ml and 4 mg/ml.

What Lorazepam dosage should I take?

The amount of Lorazepam to be taken depends on the condition, the patient's medical history, and other factors. Follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions strictly.

The standard dosage of Lorazepam is listed below:

Dosage for Insomnia

The standard dosage for insomnia is 2 to 4 mg, taken orally at bedtime every day.

Dosage for Anxiety

The recommended starting dose of Lorazepam pills is 2 to 3 mg administered after every eight hours. Do not take more than 10 mg per day over the recommended dose.

Dosage for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting

The Lorazepam dosage is 0.5 to 2 mg per oral or IV given every six hours or as required for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

Dosage for Status Epilepticus

Status epilepticus is typically treated with a 4 mg per dose slow IV at a rate of 2 mg per minute.

After ten minutes, if seizures are still happening, 4 mg IV is given once again.

What Are The Lorazepam Side Effects?

The following are the most common Lorazepam side effects:

• Fatigue
• Sleep apnea
• Depression
• Sedation
• Weakness
• Drowsiness and Dizziness
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Low blood pressure
• Changes in sex drive

Following are some of Lorazepam's serious side effects:

• Agitation and excitement
• Ataxia (lack of control over body motions)
• Seizures
• Hypersensitivity reactions
• Breathing depression
• Muscle Spasms and jerky movements
• breathing difficulties
• Speaking difficulty
• Visual disturbances

If you experience severe Lorazepam adverse effects, talk to your physician or pharmacist immediately.

How Can Side Effect From Lorazepam Be Managed?

The common lorazepam side effects subside over time. You, therefore, don't need to worry about them because they commonly happen. However, consult your pharmacist to switch medications if they persist or become intolerable.

Each patient will experience Lorazepam's side effects differently. Here are some suggestions for controlling Lorazepam's common side effects:

• After taking Lorazepam, avoid any mental-exerting activities.
• Rest, as the medication makes you drowsy and dizzy. In addition, mentally demanding tasks will make tiredness more noticeable as a side effect.
• Use Lorazepam before or during a meal if you have GIT disturbance or nausea from it.
• To reduce side effects, start with a lesser dose according to the pharmacist's advice and gradually raise the Lorazepam dose.
• Avoid combining Lorazepam with other sedatives, antidepressants, seizure drugs, or pain relievers since they may exacerbate the drug's adverse effects.
• Take Lorazepam consistently each day at the same time.
• Opioids like codeine, hydrocodone, and tramadol should not be taken with Lorazepam.
• While taking Lorazepam, avoid consuming grapefruit or its juice.
• Take Lorazepam without alcohol.
• To manage constipation and GIT disruptions, drink plenty of fluids.
• Your doctor might administer a flumazenil injection in the event of a Lorazepam overdose or toxicity to reverse the drug's harmful impacts. Loss of consciousness, bewilderment, profound sleep and delayed reflexes are all signs of a Lorazepam overdose.
• If you have ever experienced a drug allergy to Lorazepam, avoid taking it.

If you are currently on any prescription or herbal medications, let your doctor know before starting Lorazepam.

Before taking Lorazepam, let your doctor know if you have liver or kidney illness, glaucoma, depression, alcohol usage, medication allergies, or a history of substance misuse.

Inform your pharmacist as soon as possible if Lorazepam is having an impact on your mental well-being.

How Does Lorazepam Work?

Lorazepam functions by enhancing an inhibitory neurotransmitter (chemical) in your brain, which calms unneeded excitation and anxiety. This aids in easing central nervous system illnesses such as anxiety, panic attacks, sleep issues, and others.

Why Is Lorazepam Seen As A Successful Option For Treatment Of Nausea And Vomiting?

For nausea and vomiting brought on by chemotherapy, Lorazepam is a non-approved treatment option. Given that vomiting and nausea are related to the same region of the brain known as the chemoreceptor trigger zone and that Lorazepam has a calming effect on the brain, it is a useful therapy choice for treating nausea and vomiting.

Can I buy Lorazepam Online?

Yes, but it may also depend on the particular pharmacy, your prescription status, and their policies. Because there is a chance of physical dependence and abuse, Lorazepam is only available via prescription.

Therefore, if you have a prescription for Lorazepam and the pharmacy accepts online orders, you can buy Lorazepam by presenting your prescription.