What is lorazepam?
lorazepam vs diazepam belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It is thought that benzodiazepines work by enhancing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
Lorazepam is used in adults and children at least 12 years old to treat anxiety disorders.
Loreev XR extended-release capsules are used to treat anxiety disorders in adults only.
Lorazepam is also used to treat insomnia caused by anxiety or temporary situational stress.
Lorazepam is sometimes used to treat nausea and vomiting from cancer treatment and to control agitation caused by alcohol withdrawal.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use lorazepam if you have:
- narrow-angle glaucoma; or
- a history of allergic reaction to any benzodiazepine (alprazolam, diazepam, Valium, Xanax, Versed, Klonopin, and others).
To make sure lorazepam is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea, or other breathing disorder;
- drug or alcohol addiction;
- depression, mental illness or psychosis, mood changes, or suicidal thoughts or actions;
- seizures;
- an allergy to aspirin or yellow food dye; or
- kidney or liver disease.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you use lorazepam during pregnancy, your baby could be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, and may need medical treatment for several weeks.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of lorazepam on the baby.
You should not breastfeed.
If you do breastfeed, tell your doctor if you notice drowsiness, feeding problems, or slow weight gain in the nursing baby.
How should I take lorazepam?lorazepam vs diazepam
Take lorazepam exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Never use lorazepam in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of lorazepam.
Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medicine where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Measure the oral concentrate (liquid) with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). Mix the liquid with water, juices, soda or soda-like beverages, or with semi-solid foods such as applesauce or puddings. Swallow this mixture right away.
Swallow the extended-release capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.
If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, open it and mix the medicine with applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing.
Do not stop using lorazepam without asking your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use.
Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
