Lorazepam Health Article

Definition

Lorazepam is a tranquilizing drug used in managing anxiety, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, and seizures.

Purpose

Lorazepam decreases anxiety. Doctors may order it to treat muscle spasms that may accompany severe pain. Lorazepam may also be given with other drugs to help control nausea and vomiting associated with cancer treatment. It may be given just prior to the administration of chemotherapy to decrease the chances of nausea and vomiting. Patients experiencing difficulty sleeping may receive lorazepam. It is sometimes given prior to surgery or other procedures to help the patient relax, feel drowsy, and decrease his or her memory about the procedure.

Description

Lorazepam depresses the central nervous system when taken at the recommended dose.

Recommended dosage

Lorazepam may be given by mouth, injected into a muscle or administered through a vein. Patients should take the smallest dose possible that relieves symptoms. The dose should be adjusted, based on the patient's reaction to the drug. Between 0.5 mg and 1 mg of Lorazepam may be given every six to eight hours to aid in controlling treatment-related nausea and vomiting. When given prior to chemotherapy to decrease the risk of this side effect, 2 mg is usually administered a half-hour before treatment. An additional 2 mg may be given every four hours as needed. To control anxiety, 1 mg to 3 mg at two to three times per day is the typical dose. For sleep, patients may take from 2 mg to 4 mg at bedtime. Older or debilitated adults may be given 0.5 mg to 2 mg per day in divided doses. If a dose is missed, the patient should take it as soon as possible, but patients should not take two pills at the same time. This drug may be taken with or without food.

Precautions

Lorazepam, like other drugs of this type, can create physical and mental dependence. Patients should not take more than the amount ordered and should not suddenly stop taking this medication. The amount taken should gradually be decreased, then discontinued. If the drug is abruptly stopped, the patient may experience agitation, irritability, difficulty sleeping, convulsions, and other withdrawal symptoms.

Patients allergic to this type of anti-anxiety drug should not take lorazepam. Those with narrow-angle glaucoma, pre-existing depression of the central nervous system, severe uncontrolled pain, or severe decrease in blood pressure should avoid taking it. This drug should be used cautiously in patients with kidney or liver disease, myasthenia gravis, lung disease, alcohol intoxication, or anyone with a history of drug abuse. This drug should not be given to children under 12. Children between 12 and 18 may receive the drug by mouth, but not through a vein. Pregnant women and those trying to become pregnant should not take lorazepam. This drug has been associated with fetal malformations when taken during the first three months of pregnancy. Patients taking this drug should not breast feed.