Health Library

Lorazepam (By mouth)

Lorazepam (lor-AZ-e-pam)

Treats anxiety.

Brand Name(s):

Ativan, LORazepam Intensol, Loreev XR

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Long Acting Capsule, Liquid, Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Oral liquid:
  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
  • Mix the medicine with water, juice, soda, applesauce, or pudding. Drink or eat the mixture right away. Do not store it for later use.
• Extended-release capsule:
  • Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
  • If you cannot swallow the extended-release capsule, you may open it and sprinkle the medicine onto a tablespoon of applesauce. Stir this mixture well and swallow it without chewing. Drink water after swallowing the mixture. Take the mixture within 2 hours of mixing. Do not store for future use.
• This medicine is not for long-term use.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If you are more than 1 hour late, skip the missed dose and wait until it is time for your next dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• • Oral liquid: Refrigerate the oral liquid. Throw away an opened bottle after 90 days.
  • Tablets and extended-release capsules: Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

• Some medicines can affect how lorazepam works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Aminophylline, clozapine, probenecid, theophylline, valproate
  • Medicine to treat depression or mental health problems
  • Medicine to treat seizures
  • Other benzodiazepine medicine
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Using this medicine during the later part of a pregnancy may cause problems in your newborn baby (including sedation or withdrawal symptoms). Tell your doctor right away if you think you have become pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. This medicine passes into your breast milk and may cause problems in your baby. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, lung or breathing problems (including COPD, sleep apnea), or a history of drug or alcohol abuse, depression, mental problems, or seizures.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased risk of overdose, which can be life-threatening
  • Respiratory depression (serious breathing problem that can be life-threatening), especially when used with narcotic pain medicines
  • Unusual thoughts and behavior
• This medicine may make you drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

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

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Anxiety, depression, irritability, nervousness, unusual mood or behavior, thoughts of hurting yourself
• Blue lips, fingernails, or skin, trouble breathing, chest pain
• Blurred vision, change or loss of consciousness, dizziness, faintness, lightheadedness, problems with coordination or walking, unusual drowsiness
• Seizures
• Severe drowsiness or weakness, slow heartbeat
• Worsening of depression

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

• Dizziness, clumsiness

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

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024