Lorazepam (Injection)

Lorazepam (lor-A-ze-pam)

Treats anxiety and is sometimes used to treat or prevent nausea and vomiting. Belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines.

Brand Name(s):

Ativan
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to lorazepam.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given.
• An IM injection is a shot given in your muscle (upper arm, thigh, buttocks). An IV injection is medicine that is put directly into your body through one of your veins.
• This medicine should be given by a person trained to give IV or IM medicine. Sometimes you, someone in your family, or a friend can be taught to give your medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• If you take this medicine regularly, take the missed dose as soon as possible.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store in a refrigerator, away from light. Do not freeze.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking cimetidine (Tagamet®), phenobarbital, antidepressants, an MAO inhibitor (such as Nardil®, Parnate®, or Marplan®), a phenothiazine (such as Mellaril®, Thorazine®, or Stelazine®), or medicines that make you sleepy such as antihistamines, sleeping pills, or narcotic pain-killers.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you have myasthenia gravis, liver disease, lung disease, or glaucoma.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
• This medicine may make you sleepy. Avoid driving a car or using machinery.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Trouble breathing
• Severe muscle weakness or trouble standing
• Slurred speech or severe drowsiness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Irritability or agitation
• Trouble concentrating or memory loss
• "Hangover" effects
• Drowsiness, dizziness, clumsiness
• Blurred vision
• Pain where the injection was given

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.