Ativan

Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen) that is used to treat a seizure emergency called status epilepticus. Lorazepam injection is also used as a sedative to help you relax before having surgery.

Lorazepam injection may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

If possible before you receive lorazepam injection, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• narrow-angle glaucoma;
• sleep apnea or severe breathing problem;
• a known allergy to polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, or benzyl alcohol; or
• a history of allergic reaction to any benzodiazepine (lorazepam, alprazolam, diazepam, Ativan, Klonopin, Restoril, Tranxene, Valium, Versed, Xanax, and others).

If possible before you receive lorazepam, tell your caregivers if you have ever had:

• seizures;
• asthma or other breathing disorder;
• liver disease; or
• kidney disease.

Lorazepam may harm an unborn baby, and generally should not be used during pregnancy. However, status epilepticus is a life-threatening condition and the benefit of receiving lorazepam to treat it may outweigh any risk to the unborn baby.

Sedatives used during surgery may affect brain development in a child under 3, or an unborn baby whose mother receives this medicine during late pregnancy. These effects may be more likely when a sedative is used for 3 hours or longer, or used for repeated procedures. Effects on brain development could cause learning or behavior problems later in life.

Negative brain effects from sedatives have been seen in animal studies. However, studies in human children receiving single short uses of this medicine have not shown a likely effect on behavior or learning. More research is needed.

In some cases, your doctor may decide to postpone a surgery based on these risks. Treatment may not be delayed in the case of life-threatening conditions, medical emergencies, or surgery needed to correct certain birth defects.

Ask your doctor for information about all medicines that will be used during your surgery, and how long the surgery will last.

In an emergency, you may not be able to tell caregivers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows you received this medicine.

Lorazepam is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

You may need to receive only one dose of lorazepam if your condition improves after the medicine is given.

After the injection, you will be watched to make sure the medicine is working and does not cause harmful side effects.

Because you will receive lorazepam in a clinical setting, you are not likely to miss a dose.

Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

Avoid drinking alcohol within the first 1 or 2 days after you receive lorazepam injection. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.

Lorazepam can cause extreme drowsiness that may last for 24 to 48 hours after the injection. Older adults may feel sleepy for even longer.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until the effects of lorazepam have worn off completely. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Lorazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication, alcohol, or other drugs that can slow your breathing. Your caregivers will watch you for symptoms such as weak or shallow breathing.

Tell your caregivers right away if you have:

• severe drowsiness;
• trouble breathing;
• restlessness, feeling agitated or irritable;
• unusual thoughts, hallucinations; or
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.

The sedative effects of lorazepam may last longer in older adults. You may need help getting out of bed for at least the first 8 hours. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury.

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting;
• drowsiness, dizziness, confusion;
• blurred vision; or
• pain, redness, or burning where the medicine was injected.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Shortly after you are treated with this medicine, taking other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, prescription cough medicine, or medicine for depression or seizures.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• any other benzodiazepines (such as alprazolam, diazepam, Valium, Xanax, and others);
• probenecid;
• valproate or other seizure medication;
• birth control pills; or
• medicine to treat mental illness.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect lorazepam, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about lorazepam injection.