Lorazepam

To use the tablet form: chew tablets and swallow or swallow the tablet whole. This can be taken with or without food. Drink a small glass of water or liquid to wash down any leftover medicine.

It’s important that this medicine is taken regularly or it won’t work right. Don’t skip doses even if you feel that you don’t need the drug.

Sometimes when a person takes this medicine long-term or in large amounts, their body may get used to this drug making the drug less effective or helpful. In most patients, lorazepam is usually prescribed for a period of 4-6 months, though at times your doctor may decide to keep you on the medication for a longer period of time. You should never stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor. Stopping the drug suddenly can worsen your condition and cause withdrawal symptoms including irritability, sleeplessness, nervousness, and seizures. Your doctor will need to decrease your dose gradually. Keep this medicine in its original container tightly closed and out of reach of children. Store your prescription at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture (i.e. not the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take an extra dose unless prescribed by your doctor.

Common side-effects include poor coordination, behavior changes, unsteadiness, sleepiness, fatigue, drowsiness, blurred or double-vision, and dizziness.

Various side-effects may occur in taking this medication. Most side-effects are not serious and may disappear naturally. Call your doctor if you have any questions concerning your possible side effects. However, do not stop taking your medication without advice from your doctor. Contact your physician immediate if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• Allergic reactions (rashes, hives, difficulty breathing, swallowing)
• Aggressive behavior
• Suicidal thoughts
• Chest congestion
• Hallucinations
• Memory loss
• Shortness of breath
• Tremors

Just for women:
Women who are taking this medication who wish to become pregnant should discuss treatment options with their physician before becoming pregnant. Lorazepam passes into breast milk and it is not known whether the medication will affect the nursing infant. Do not take Lorazepam without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.

Does this medication affect birth control pills?
This medication is not known to have any drug interactions with birth control pills.

Will the medicine affect my menstrual cycle?
This medicine should not affect the menstrual cycle. If your cycle becomes irregular, call your doctor.

In the United States, companies that manufacture medicines are required to publish certain kinds of information about each product. This document is commonly known as a “package insert” because it is usually included with each package of the medicine.

You can also read these documents (also called "prescribing information") online. The U.S. package insert for Ativan (lorazepam) is found at:

• http://www.valeant.com/Portals/25/Pdf/PI/Ativan-Jan13.pdf

Some of the information may differ in other countries.

To learn how to read and understand a package insert, see How to read a package insert.