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Ativan

(other types of Ativan)
generic: LORazepam (learn more about brand vs. generic drugs)

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Information on Ativan

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Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .

Tablets
Chemical Name: LORAZEPAM (lor-AZ-e-pam)

Common uses
This medicine is a benzodiazepine used to relieve anxiety and cause drowsiness before certain medical procedures. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking clozapine or medicine for seizures. Inform your doctor if you have a history of drug abuse or dependence, a history of lung problems (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]), or if you have any other medical conditions including muscle weakness or fatigue, glaucoma, liver problems, blood disorders, mental or mood problems (such as depression or suicidal thoughts), allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE and you are using it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it, to other benzodiazepines (such as alprazolam), or if you are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed. Exceeding the recommended dose or taking this medicine for longer than prescribed may be habit-forming. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. THIS MEDICINE WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of other medicines and alcohol. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines can cause drowsiness. FOR WOMEN: THIS MEDICINE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while using this medicine include clumsiness, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, lightheadedness, stomach upset, unsteadiness, or weakness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience memory loss. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience bizarre behavior; changes in personality, mood, or behavior; chest pain; confusion; depression; disorientation; fainting; falling or staggering; hallucinations; irregular heartbeat; loss of coordination; severe drowsiness; or unusual tiredness or weakness. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions

If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include confusion, slow reflexes, clumsiness, deep sleep, and loss of consciousness.

Additional information
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children.

Selected data included with permission and copyrighted by Medi-Span, 2009. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a Licensed data provider and is not for distribution in professional healthcare settings.