Lorazepam
Commercial names and formulations:
Brand name: Ativan
Formulations: Tablets, oral concentrate, injectable
Years on the market:
In the US since 1999
How to store it?
Store at room temperature
What does the body do to the medication?
Can I take it with food?
Yes
How long does it take to get to the blood after I take it?
About 2 hours by mouth
How long does it take to start having a steady effect?
1-5 days
Can this medication be started at a high dose or it has to be started gradually?
Gradually
How long does it stay in the body?
About ½ day
How is it eliminated?
Liver
What does the medication do to the body?
Type of epilepsy that helps:
Generalized and Partial Epilepsy
FDA approved for:
Status epilepticus
Common side effects:
• Skin: allergic skin reactions
• Bones: none
• Blood: increase in liver enzymes
• Liver: none
• Kidneys: none
• Stomach and intestines: nausea, change in appetite, constipation, jaundice
• Heart: none
• Brain: drowsiness, amnesia, memory impairment, confusion, disorientation, depression, difficulty with coordination, tremor, dizziness, headache
• Mood: disinhibition, euphoria, suicidal thoughts/attempt, anxiety, agitation, hostility
• Others: fatigue, visual disturbance, slurred speech, change in libido, impotence
Serious side effects:
Risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior, excessive sleepiness leading to breathing difficulty
What happens if I get too much of it (intoxication)?
Symptoms may include drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, tiredness, weakness and in severe cases lack of coordination, decrease in blood pressure, heart problems, difficulty breathing, and coma.
Could be fatal if combined with alcohol or barbiturates.
What happens if I stop it suddenly (withdrawal)?
You should stop taking Lorazepam gradually. Suddenly stopping the medication may cause increased seizures and status epilepticus and withdrawal symptoms such as headache, anxiety, depression, insomnia, restlessness, confusion and irritability.
Who should not take this medication?
You should not take Lorazepam if you are allergic to a class of drug called benzodiazepines or if you have glaucoma.
What is the average dose and how many times a day should be given?
Usually reserved for emergency purposes
Does the body get used to the medication?
Yes
Medications to be careful with:
Other AEDs that can increase the blood level of lorazepam:
Valproic Acid
Other AEDs that can decrease the blood level of lorazepam:
None anticipated
Other drug interactions:
Barbiturates, antipsychotics, sedative/hypnotics, anxiolytics, antidepressants can produce increased CNS-depressant effects.
Blood work required?
How often?
As with other benzodiazepines, periodic blood counts and liver-function tests are recommended for patients on long-term therapy.
Are medication levels in blood useful?
No
Women’s health
Affects contraceptives?
No
Affect fertility?
No
Are safe in pregnancy?
Discuss with your doctor, the use of Lorazepam during pregnancy is not advised.
Category
Pregnancy Category D
Can breastfeed?
You should not take Lorazepam while breast feeding.
Affect bones (osteoporosis)?
No
Men’s health
Affects sexual performance?
Possible decrease in libido, impotence
Affects fertility?
No
Use other than epilepsy:
Insomnia, Anxiety disorders