GENERIC NAME: LORAZEPAM INJECTION (lor-AYE-zeh-pam)

BRAND NAME(S): Ativan

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used for anxiety. It is used to produce drowsiness and reduce anxiety prior to surgical or medical procedures. It may also be used in the treatment of seizure disorders, severe headache, alcohol withdrawal or to prevent nausea from cancer treatment.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection by a health care professional. The dose and frequency of use will depend on your condition and response. Long-term or excessive use of this medication can cause dependency. Use only as directed.

SIDE EFFECTS: This drug can cause drowsiness, dizziness, lack of coordination, grogginess, headache, nausea, dry mouth, blurred vision and irritation or redness at the injection site. If these effects continue or become severe, contact your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience: hallucinations, confusion, depression, yellowing of the eyes, a slow pulse, chest pain, shortness of breath or breathing problems, fever/chills, prolonged sore throat, unusual tiredness, unusual bleeding or bruising. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: heart problems, kidney problems, liver problems, breathing problems, muscle disorders, glaucoma, depression or psychiatric conditions, a history of drug dependency, allergies. Use caution driving or performing tasks requiring alertness. A preservative (benzyl alcohol) which may be found in this product or in the liquid used to mix this product (diluent) can infrequently cause serious problems (sometimes death), if given in large amounts (more than 100 mg/kg daily) to an infant during the first months of life (neonatal period). The risk is also greater with low birth weight infants. Symptoms include sudden gasping, low blood pressure, or a very slow heartbeat. Report these symptoms to the doctor immediately should they occur. If possible, a preservative-free product should be used when treating neonates. This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this medication. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Caution is advised. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication. Use with caution. Use of this medication (contains benzyl alcohol) is not recommended for newborns.