Ativan side effects weight loss

Does Ativan (Lorazepam) Cause Weight Gain? How Lorazepam Affects Weight

Ativan is not linked to weight changes, but related drugs, such as Xanax, are often associated with a change in weight.

Article at a Glance:

Ativan (lorazepam) is not known to cause weight gain or weight loss.

However, related drugs like Xanax (alprazolam) are linked to weight changes.

Benzodiazepines like Ativan are often used alongside antidepressants and antipsychotics that can cause weight gain.

Withdrawal from benzos can cause weight loss.

How Lorazepam Affects Weight

Ativan does not usually impact weight, and weight changes are not a known side effect of the medication. However, other drugs that are prescribed alongside lorazepam can contribute to weight changes.

Ativan (Lorazepam) Weight Gain

Weight gain is not a known side effect of lorazepam. However, when used for mental health conditions, lorazepam may sometimes be used alongside other drug classes like antidepressants or antipsychotics, which have both been linked to weight gain. Someone may assume that lorazepam is causing their weight gain, but a different drug may be the culprit.

Does Ativan lose its effectiveness?

Benzos like Ativan do not typically lose their effectiveness over time. However, a person may stop experiencing side effects, like sedation, over time.

Do all benzos make you gain weight?

Most benzos do not cause weight gain. However, they may be used alongside other medications like antidepressants that are linked to weight gain.

Does alprazolam cause weight gain?

Alprazolam (Xanax) has been linked to weight gain in around 27% of people and weight loss in around 23%.

Ativan (lorazepam) Side Effects

Ativan’s most common side effects include:

Sedation
Dizziness
Weakness
Unsteadiness

Different Anti-Anxiety Drugs

Generally, recommended treatments for anxiety include antidepressants and antipsychotics, which are both linked to weight gain. These treatments include:

Venlafaxine
Duloxetine
Paroxetine
Escitalopram
Sertraline
Fluoxetine
Mirtazapine
Quetiapine
Olanzapine

If you or a loved one are misusing anti-anxiety medication or can’t stop despite negative consequences, it may be a sign of a substance use disorder. The Recovery Village can help. Our licensed clinicians and therapists can develop a treatment plan that addresses the substance use and any co-occurring anxiety you experience. Contact us today to discuss treatment options that can start you on the road to recovery.

Editor – Erica Weiman

Erica Weiman graduated from Pace University in 2014 with a master's in Publishing and has been writing and editing ever since. Read more

Medically Reviewed By – Dr. Jessica Pyhtila, PharmD

Dr. Jessica Pyhtila is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist based in Baltimore, Maryland with practice sites in inpatient palliative care and outpatient primary care at the Department of Veteran Affairs. Read more

Drugs.com. “Lorazepam.” November 9, 2020. Accessed November 1, 2021.

Gafoor, Rafael; Booth, Helen P.; Gulliford, Martin C. “Antidepressant utilisation and incidence[…]n based cohort study.” The British Medical Journal (BMJ), May 16, 2018. Accessed November 1, 2021.

Dayabandara, Madhubhashinee; Hanwella, Raveen; Ratnatunga, Suhashini; et al. “Antipsychotic-associated weight gain: ma[…] treatment adherence.” Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, August 22, 2017. Accessed November 1, 2021.

Puttegowda, Beeresha; Theodore, Joseph; Basappa, Ramesh; Nanjappa, Manjunath Cholenally. “Olanzapine Induced Dilated Cardiomyopathy,” The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences, March 2016. Accessed November 1, 2021.

Willems, Inge A.T.; Gorgels, Wim J.M.J.; Voshaar, Richard C. Oude; et al. “Tolerance to benzodiazepines among long-[…]sers in primary care.” Oxford Academic Family Practice, August 2013. Accessed November 1, 2021.

Drugs.com. “Xanax.” September 1, 2021. Accessed November 1, 2021.

Anxiety & Depression Association of America. “Clinical Practice Review for GAD.” July 2, 2015. Accessed November 1, 2021.

Medical Disclaimer

The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.

What They Are and How to Manage Them

If you have anxiety, seizures, or an upcoming surgery, your doctor might prescribe Ativan (lorazepam) for you. Along with other questions you may have about the drug, you could be wondering about its side effects.

Ativan is a prescription medication that’s used to:

treat anxiety in adults and some children
treat status epilepticus (a type of seizure) in adults
help produce sedation (a state of calmness, sleepiness, and relaxation) in adults before receiving anesthesia for surgery

Ativan comes in two forms:

tablets that you swallow
a liquid that a healthcare professional injects into a vein or muscle

Ativan is typically used as a short-term treatment. For more information about Ativan, including details about its uses, see this in-depth article on the drug.

Like other drugs, Ativan can cause mild or serious side effects. Keep reading to learn more.

Some people may experience mild or serious side effects during their Ativan treatment. Below are just a few of the more common side effects of Ativan.

Examples of Ativan’s commonly reported side effects may include:

weakness
dizziness
loss of balance or coordination
drowsiness
pain, redness, discoloration, or stinging at the site where Ativan is injected (for Ativan injections only)

Keep reading to learn about other possible mild and serious side effects of Ativan.

Mild side effects can happen with Ativan.

Examples of mild side effects that have been reported with Ativan include:

weakness
dizziness
loss of balance or coordination
drowsiness
constipation
headache
nausea
short-term changes in mood or behavior, such as restlessness, anger, crying, or confusion
vision problems, such as blurry vision or double vision
pain, redness, discoloration, or burning at the site where Ativan is injected (for Ativan injections only

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed, too. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or that bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And don’t stop using Ativan unless your doctor recommends it.

Ativan may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. For more details, see the medication guide for Ativan tablets or the prescribing information for the injectable form.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Ativan, visit MedWatch.

Rare but serious side effects can occur with Ativan.

Serious side effects that have been reported with Ativan include:

loss of memory
low blood pressure
unexpected reactions such as anxiety, which is unexpected because Ativan is used to treat this condition
visual hallucinations (seeing things such as people or objects that aren’t really there)
respiratory depression*
depression*
boxed warnings:
- risk of serious injury or death if used with opioids**
- risk of misuse and addiction†
- risk of physical dependence and withdrawal**
allergic reaction*‡

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
** Ativan tablets and Ativan injections have a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
* Ativan tablets and Ativan injections have a boxed warning for this side effect. To learn more, see the “Ativan and misuse” section below.
‡ An allergic reaction is possible after using Ativan tablets and Ativan injections. But this side effect wasn’t reported in studies of Ativan injections.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Ativan, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Ativan is not approved for use in children under age 12 years.

Side effects of the drug in children who take it are generally similar to those in adults. One difference is that Ativan may cause certain unexpected reactions more often in children. An example is anxiety, which is unexpected because Ativan is used to treat this condition.

Most of Ativan’s side effects in older adults are expected to be the same as the side effects for younger adults.

But older adults may have an increased risk of certain side effects from Ativan, including:

drowsiness
loss of balance or coordination
unexpected reactions such as anxiety, which is unexpected because Ativan is used to treat this condition
upper digestive tract problems, such as heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
respiratory depression*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

To lower their risk of these side effects, older adults may be prescribed lower doses of Ativan than usual.

If you have questions about your risk of side effects from Ativan based on your age, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Ativan’s side effects.

Does Ativan cause any long-term side effects?

Most of Ativan’s side effects will go away with time. But it’s possible that you may have some long-term side effects from Ativan.

For example, Ativan has risks for certain long-term problems, such as:

physical dependence and withdrawal
misuse and addiction

In fact, Ativan tablets and Ativan injections have boxed warnings for these risks. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details about these warnings, see the “Side effects explained” and “Ativan and misuse” sections below.

If you have questions about how long side effects from Ativan may last, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Could using Ativan lead to weight gain or weight loss?

It’s not likely that Ativan itself will cause weight gain or weight loss. Weight changes weren’t side effects reported in studies of Ativan tablets and Ativan injections. But you might still experience weight changes while taking the drug.

This may happen because weight changes are a possible symptom of anxiety, which Ativan is used to treat. As the drug eases your symptoms of anxiety, you may gain or lose weight. But Ativan itself might not be the cause of these weight changes.

If you’re concerned about weight gain or weight loss with Ativan, talk with your doctor. They can suggest healthy ways for you to manage your weight while taking the drug.

Do side effects of Ativan tablets vary depending on the strength (0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg)?

It’s possible that the side effects of Ativan tablets and injections can vary depending on the strength you take.

For example, higher doses of Ativan can raise your risk of physical dependence.* Physical dependence happens when your body gets used to a drug and needs it to feel normal.

If you have questions about what to expect with Ativan based on the dosage you’re prescribed, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* Ativan tablets and Ativan injections have a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

Will I experience withdrawal side effects if I stop using Ativan?

It’s possible that you may have withdrawal side effects after stopping Ativan.

This can happen if your body becomes physically dependent on Ativan. Physical dependence happens when your body gets used to a drug and needs it to feel normal. And if you stop using Ativan suddenly, physical dependence can lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Ativan tablets and Ativan injections have a boxed warning for the risk of physical dependence and withdrawal. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

Examples of serious withdrawal side effects from Ativan include hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there) and seizures. But other side effects are possible as well. For more details, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

Is anger a side effect of Ativan?

In rare cases, you may have anger as a side effect of Ativan.

Behavior and mood changes have been reported in studies of Ativan tablets and Ativan injections. Examples of these changes include:

rage
agitation
aggressive behavior
irritability

If you’re concerned about your risk of anger as a side effect of Ativan, talk with your doctor.

Can Ativan cause dry mouth?

It’s possible that Ativan may cause dry mouth.

This side effect wasn’t reported in studies of Ativan tablets and Ativan injections. But benzodiazepines (the group of drugs that Ativan belongs to) are known to cause dry mouth. So it’s possible that Ativan could also cause dry mouth.

If you have dry mouth while taking Ativan, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can suggest ways to ease this side effect.

Learn more about some of the side effects Ativan may cause.

Risk of serious injury or death if used with opioids

Ativan tablets and Ativan injections have a boxed warning for the risk of serious injury or death if used with opioids. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Using Ativan with opioids can cause severe side effects. These include extreme drowsiness and respiratory depression (shallow, slow, or weak breathing). In rare cases, coma or death can also occur.

This side effect wasn’t seen in studies of Ativan tablets or Ativan injections. But there have been reports of this side effect in people using benzodiazepines, which is the group of drugs that Ativan belongs to.

Opioid drugs are used to treat pain. Examples include hydrocodone (Hysingla ER, Zohydro ER), morphine (MS Contin), and oxycodone (Oxycontin, Roxicodone).

What might help

Before you start Ativan treatment, tell your doctor about all other medications you take. If your doctor prescribes an opioid with Ativan, they’ll discuss the risks with you. They may also prescribe you a lower dosage of Ativan to reduce your risk of side effects as much as possible.

Risk of physical dependence and withdrawal

Ativan tablets and Ativan injections have a boxed warning for physical dependence and withdrawal. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

Physical dependence happens when your body gets used to a drug and needs it to feel normal. And if you stop using Ativan suddenly, physical dependence can lead to withdrawal symptoms. In some cases, Ativan withdrawal can be life threatening.

Withdrawal symptoms with Ativan can happen within hours of stopping the drug. And these symptoms might last for several weeks. In rare cases, withdrawal symptoms from Ativan may last for many months.

Symptoms of Ativan withdrawal can include:

anxiety
blurry vision
digestive problems, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite
hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there)
headache
loss of memory
muscle stiffness or pain
new or worsened depression
sensitivity to sound or light
suicidal thoughts or behaviors
tremors (uncontrollable movements) or seizures

Physical dependence and withdrawal weren’t seen in studies of Ativan tablets or Ativan injections. But there have been reports of these side effects in people using benzodiazepines, which is the group of drugs that Ativan belongs to.

What might help

Don’t stop your Ativan treatment without talking with your doctor first. If they advise that it’s safe for you to stop taking the drug, they’ll slowly lower your dosage over time. This will help lower your risk of withdrawal symptoms after stopping the drug.

If you have withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking Ativan, tell your doctor right away. They’ll watch you closely to help keep your symptoms from becoming worse. They may also prescribe certain other drugs to help ease your symptoms.

Respiratory depression

Respiratory depression (shallow, slow, or weak breathing) is a rare but serious side effect of Ativan. In some cases, this side effect may lead to respiratory failure (a lack of oxygen flowing to your brain or the rest of your body).

Your risk of respiratory depression with Ativan may be higher if you:

are an older adult
use higher doses of the drug
have breathing problems such as sleep apnea or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
take other drugs that can cause respiratory depression, such as opioids*

* Ativan tablets and Ativan injections have a boxed warning for risks if used with opioids. To learn more, see “Risk of serious injury or death if used with opioids” above.

What might help

Before you start Ativan treatment, tell your doctor about all health conditions you may have. Also tell them about all other medications you take. Your doctor can advise you on whether these factors raise your risk of respiratory depression with Ativan.

And if you have trouble breathing while taking Ativan, tell your doctor right away. They may lower your dosage of the drug, or they may prescribe a drug other than Ativan for you.

Depression

Depression is a rare but serious side effect of Ativan. Ativan may worsen depression symptoms in some people who already have this condition before starting the drug.

Symptoms of new or worsening depression can include:

changes in sleep patterns, which may cause you to sleep more or less than usual
fatigue (low energy)
sadness, hopelessness, anger, irritability, or aggression
loss of interest in activities that you used to find enjoyable
tiredness
trouble concentrating
suicidal thoughts or behaviors

What might help

Tell your doctor right away about any mood or behavior changes you experience while using Ativan. They’ll monitor your condition closely. If your depression symptoms continue, your doctor may prescribe a drug other than Ativan for you.

Suicide prevention
If you think someone is at immediate risk of self-harm or hurting another person:
Call 911 or your local emergency number.
Stay with the person until help arrives.
Remove any guns, knives, medications, or other things that may cause harm.
Listen, but don’t judge, argue, threaten, or yell.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, get help from a crisis or suicide prevention hotline. Try the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, Ativan tablets and Ativan injections can cause an allergic reaction in some people. But this side effect wasn’t reported in studies of Ativan injections.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

skin rash
itchiness
flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. To manage your symptoms, they may suggest an over-the-counter antihistamine you take by mouth, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine). Or they may recommend a product you apply to your skin, such as hydrocortisone cream.

If your doctor confirms that you had a mild allergic reaction to Ativan, they’ll decide if you should continue using it.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms that you had a serious allergic reaction to Ativan, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Keeping track of side effects
During your Ativan treatment, consider keeping notes on any side effects you’re having. Then, you can share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful to do when you first start taking new drugs or using a combination of treatments.
Your side effect notes can include things such as:
what dose of drug you were taking when you had the side effect
how soon after starting that dose you had the side effect
what your symptoms were from the side effect
how it affected your daily activities
what other medications you were also taking
any other information you feel is important
Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help your doctor learn more about how Ativan affects you. And your doctor can use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

This drug comes with several warnings.

Boxed warnings

Ativan tablets and Ativan injections have three boxed warnings. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Risk of serious injury or death if used with opioids. Using Ativan with opioids can cause severe side effects, such as extreme drowsiness and respiratory depression (shallow, slow, or weak breathing). To learn more, see the “Side effects explained” section above.
Risk of misuse and addiction. Using Ativan can cause misuse and addiction. “Misuse” refers to taking a drug differently from how your doctor instructed you take it. “Addiction” refers to the continuous use of a drug despite any harm it may be causing you. To learn more, see the “Ativan and misuse” section below.
Risk of physical dependence and withdrawal. Using Ativan may lead to physical dependence. Physical dependence happens when your body gets used to a drug and needs it to feel normal. This can lead to withdrawal if you suddenly stop taking Ativan. To learn more, see the “Side effects explained” section above.

Other warnings

Ativan may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Ativan. The list below includes some factors to consider.

Liver problems. Before you start taking Ativan, tell your doctor about any liver problems you have. Taking Ativan could worsen certain liver problems, such as hepatic encephalopathy. Your doctor may check your liver function periodically while you take Ativan.

If you have liver problems, your body may not break down Ativan as it should. In this case, your doctor may prescribe a lower dosage of Ativan than usual. Or they may suggest a drug other than Ativan for you.

Breathing problems. Before you take Ativan, tell your doctor about any breathing problems you have. These problems could be caused by conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or sleep apnea. Ativan may cause respiratory depression (shallow, slow, or weak breathing). In rare cases, respiratory depression could be fatal in people with these conditions. If you have breathing problems, your doctor may prescribe a drug other than Ativan for you.

Kidney problems. Before you start taking Ativan, tell your doctor about any kidney problems you have. If you have kidney problems, your body may not get rid of Ativan as well as it should. In this case, your doctor may prescribe a lower dosage of Ativan than usual. Or they may recommend a drug other than Ativan for you.

Acute narrow-angle glaucoma. Before you take Ativan, tell your doctor if you have acute narrow-angle glaucoma. Ativan could raise the pressure inside your eye, which could worsen glaucoma. If you have this type of glaucoma, your doctor may prescribe a drug other than Ativan for you.

Depression. Before you start taking Ativan, tell your doctor if you have depression. It’s especially important to let them know if you aren’t receiving any depression treatment or if your symptoms aren’t managed well. Taking Ativan may worsen depression in people with this condition. If you have depression and your symptoms aren’t managed well, your doctor may prescribe a drug other than Ativan for you.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Ativan or any of its ingredients, you shouldn’t take Ativan. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.

Alcohol use and Ativan

It’s recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol while you’re taking Ativan.

Both alcohol and Ativan can cause central nervous system (CNS) depression. CNS depression slows your brain activity. And this can lead to side effects such as drowsiness, loss of balance, and loss of coordination. Your risk of these side effects is higher if you drink alcohol while taking Ativan.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor. They can suggest ways for you to safely stop drinking, or they may prescribe a drug other than Ativan for you.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Ativan

It may not be safe to take Ativan while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant or breastfeed, talk with your doctor. They can answer any questions you may have about using Ativan during these times.

Ativan tablets and Ativan injections have a boxed warning for the risk of misuse and addiction. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“Misuse” refers to taking a drug differently from how your doctor instructed you take it. “Addiction” refers to the continuous use of a drug despite any harm it may be causing you.

Possible side effects of misuse and addiction can include:

blurry vision
trouble speaking or slurred speech
dizziness
confusion, aggression, or irritability
trouble concentrating
tremors (uncontrollable movements)

Misuse and addiction can also lead to overdose and, in some cases, death. Risk of these events is higher when Ativan is used with opioids and alcohol.

If you’re concerned about your risk of misuse and addiction with Ativan, talk with your doctor. They’ll watch for signs of these conditions before you start taking the drug. And they’ll continue checking your risk periodically while you’re taking Ativan.

Ativan is a short-term treatment option for anxiety and seizures. The drug is also used to help produce sedation (a state of calmness, sleepiness, and relaxation) in adults before receiving anesthesia for surgery.

If you’re considering Ativan as a treatment option, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about its possible side effects. Here are a few questions you may want to ask:

How can I manage the side effects I might have with Ativan?
Am I at a higher risk of certain side effects from Ativan?
Could taking expired Ativan cause certain side effects?

If you use Ativan for anxiety, sign up for Healthline’s anxiety newsletter to get first-person stories and helpful tips.

Q:

Are there any side effects of Ativan that are more common with the injection form than with the tablet form?

Anonymous

A:

Injection site reactions will only occur with the injection form of Ativan. If you have an injection site reaction, you may experience burning, pain, redness, or skin discoloration at the site of injection. Injection site reactions are more likely to occur right after the injection. But they may occur for up to 24 hours following the injection.

In rare cases, certain ingredients in the Ativan injection may cause side effects that the tablets aren’t known to cause. These side effects include a high level of acid in the body and a lack of blood flow to the kidneys. People with kidney problems who receive higher doses of the injection are more likely to experience these side effects.

Melissa Badowski, PharmD, MPH, FCCPAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Arpimed

Tell your doctor if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. It is especially important to note the following drugs:

If necessary, your doctor will reduce the dose of these drugs before you use lorazepam.

Avoid alcohol while taking lorazepam as this may increase the sedative properties of the drug.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking Lorazepam before using any other medicines or when you are hospitalized.

Some elderly patients may experience dizziness and fainting after taking Lorazepam.

When taking Lorazepam, there is a risk of developing addiction, which can lead to a gradual decrease in effectiveness after several weeks of taking Lorazepam.

Lorazepam has the potential to develop dependence, particularly in patients with a history of alcohol and/or recreational drug abuse.

With the usual regimen of lorazepam, the development of dependence is unlikely, but the risk increases with increasing dose and duration of treatment, as well as in patients with a history of alcohol and / or recreational drug abuse, or in patients with a personality disorder. Therefore, lorazepam should be avoided in patients with a history of alcohol and/or recreational drug abuse.

Dependence can lead to the development of a withdrawal syndrome, especially when treatment is stopped abruptly. Therefore, it is necessary to cancel the drug gradually.

When taking lorazepam for more than 4 weeks, your doctor should conduct a study of the peripheral blood picture, as well as a biochemical blood test for liver markers, since drugs in this group can lead to impaired liver function.

Long-term use of Lorazepam may lead to the development of drug dependence. Therefore, Lorazepam is usually prescribed in short courses lasting from several days to 4 weeks, including a period of dose reduction and drug withdrawal. This reduces the risk of developing drug dependence or adverse side effects observed when the drug is discontinued. (See section "Cancellation of Lorazepam").

The dose of Lorazepam should be increased gradually to avoid side effects.

How to take Lorazepam

Lorazepam should be taken exactly as directed by your doctor. If you have any doubts, then you should consult with your doctor.

When Lorazepam is used to treat anxiety and insomnia, treatment usually lasts from a few days to 4 weeks, including a period of dose reduction and drug withdrawal.

The physician should prescribe the lowest effective dose, calculated for the shortest possible period of taking the drug.

Lorazepam tablets should be swallowed with water.

Adults and children over 13 years of age

For anxiety, the daily dose of Lorazepam is 1-4 mg taken in divided doses. Your healthcare provider will determine how often you should take Lorazepam. It is not recommended to take Lorazepam to children under 12 years of age with anxiety.

For sleep disturbances, 1-2 mg Lorazepam at bedtime is prescribed. Before taking the drug, you must be sure that you can sleep for 7-8 hours.

Lorazepam 2-3 mg is given the night before surgery and 2-4 mg 1-2 hours before surgery.

Children 5 to 13 years old

For surgery, the dose is usually 0.5-2.5 mg (depending on your child's weight) taken one hour before the procedure.

Lorazepam is not recommended for use in children 5 to 13 years of age for the treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders, and in children under 5 years of age.

Elderly

The physician should prescribe lorazepam to elderly or malnourished patients at low doses.

The drug may be effective at half or even less than the recommended dose in elderly patients, but if necessary, the dose should be adjusted.

Patients with renal and hepatic insufficiency

In case of impaired renal function or mild to moderate hepatic insufficiency, Lorazepam is allowed to be taken only in low doses.

Lorazepam is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment.

If you forget to take Lorazepam

If you forget to take Lorazepam to treat anxiety and if less than 3 hours have passed from your scheduled appointment time, you should take it as soon as you remember. If more than 3 hours have passed from the appointed time, do not worry, take the next dose at the appointed time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

If you forget to take Lorazepam to treat a sleep disorder, take it if you are sure you can sleep for 7-8 hours after taking the drug.

If you have taken more Lorazepam than recommended

If you have taken more Lorazepam than prescribed by your doctor, get medical help right away, call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital. Take the medicine package with you, even if there are no pills left.

Stopping Lorazepam

After completing the prescribed course of treatment, your doctor will decide whether to continue further treatment.

The dose and frequency of lorazepam should be reduced gradually until the drug is discontinued. This allows your body to adjust to the absence of Lorazepam and reduce the risk of adverse effects when the drug is discontinued. Your doctor will explain to you how to do this.

If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Withdrawal

Abrupt discontinuation of Lorazepam may result in withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, muscle pain, anxiety, tension, depression, restlessness, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, irritability, confusion, confusion agitation, tremors, abdominal pain, heart rhythm disturbances, short-term memory loss, fever, and sweating. Possible relapse of insomnia. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor.

Do not stop taking Lorazepam suddenly. This can lead to more severe withdrawal symptoms such as loss of sense of reality, feelings of unreality or detachment from everyday life, loss of the ability to feel emotions.

Some patients experience numbness or tingling of the hands or feet, vomiting, ringing in the ears, muscle twitches, hallucinations, seizures, and hypersensitivity to light, sound, and touch. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Celecoxib and Tramadol | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Adult Medication

This document, provided by Lexicomp ^® , contains all the information you need to know about this medicine, including indications, directions for use, side effects, and when your healthcare provider should be contacted.

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Warning

This drug is a powerful pain reliever that can be habit-forming, abused or misused. Misuse or abuse of this drug can lead to overdose and death. Consult with your doctor.
This drug may increase the risk of heart and blood vessel problems such as myocardial infarction and stroke. These effects can be deadly. This risk may be increased if you have heart disease or risk factors for heart disease. However, the risk may be increased even for people who do not have or are at risk of developing heart disease. The risk may occur during the first weeks of using this drug and may increase with higher doses or long-term use. This drug should not be used immediately before or after coronary bypass surgery.
This drug may increase the chance of developing severe and sometimes deadly stomach or intestinal problems such as ulcers or bleeding. The risk is increased in the elderly and in people who have previously had ulcers or bleeding in the stomach or intestines. Such disturbances can occur suddenly.
This drug can cause very bad and sometimes deadly breathing problems. Call your doctor right away if breathing is slow, shallow, or difficult.
Even one dose of this drug, taken by another person or by mistake, can be deadly, especially in children. If this drug has been taken by another person or by mistake, get medical help right away.
This drug contains an opioid. Serious side effects have occurred when using opioids with benzodiazepines, alcohol, marijuana, or other forms of cannabis, as well as prescription or over-the-counter drugs that can cause drowsiness or slow action. These effects include slow or labored breathing and death. Benzodiazepines include drugs such as alprazolam, diazepam, and lorazepam. Benzodiazepines can be used to treat many health conditions such as anxiety, sleep disorders, or seizures. If you have any questions, please consult your doctor.
Get medical attention right away if you feel very drowsy, severely dizzy, or if you pass out. Caregivers or others should seek immediate medical attention if the patient does not respond, does not respond, or does not respond in the usual way, or if he sleeps and does not wake up.
Long-term use of this drug during pregnancy may cause withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. This can be life threatening. Consult your doctor.
This drug is not approved for use in children. Do not give to children under 12 years of age. This drug should not be taken by children 12 to 18 years of age who are very overweight or have certain other health problems, including sleep apnea or other lung or breathing problems. If your child has received this drug, ask your doctor about the benefits and risks.
In some children, the use of tramadol after surgery to remove the tonsils or adenoids has led to very severe, sometimes deadly respiratory problems. Do not give this drug to a child under 18 years of age who has had surgery to remove their tonsils or adenoids.

What is this drug used for?

Used to relieve pain.
This drug should only be used when other drugs are not possible or have not worked. If you have any questions, please consult your doctor.

What should I tell my doctor BEFORE taking this drug?

If you are allergic to this drug, any of its ingredients, other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about your allergies and how they have manifested.
If you are allergic to aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
If you are allergic to sulfonamides.
If you have had nasal polyps or inflammation in your mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat, unusual hoarseness, or difficulty breathing while taking aspirin or NSAIDs.
If you have any of the following health conditions: Lung or breathing problems such as asthma, shortness of breath or sleep apnea; high levels of carbon dioxide in the blood; gastrointestinal obstruction or narrowing.
If you have any of the following health conditions: dehydration, gastrointestinal bleeding, heart failure (weakened heart), kidney or liver disease.
If you have recently had a heart attack.
If you have thoughts of suicide, or have previously abused alcohol or other drugs, or suffered from drug/drug or alcohol dependence.
If you have been told by your doctor that certain drugs are metabolized to a slow or fast rate in your body.
If you are taking an NSAID, a salicylate such as aspirin, or pemetrexed.
If you are taking another drug that contains the same drug.
If you are taking any of the following: buprenorphine, butorphanol, linezolid, methylene blue, nalbuphine, or pentazocine.
If you have taken drugs for depression or Parkinson's disease in the last 14 days. These include isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline. An episode of very high blood pressure may occur.
If you are taking any other medicines. Some other drugs can interact with this drug and cause serious side effects, including respiratory problems that can lead to death. Many drugs can have this effect. If in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
If you can't get pregnant or are trying to see if you can get pregnant.
If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or become pregnant while taking this drug. If you take this drug after 20 weeks of pregnancy, it may harm the fetus. If you are 20 to 30 weeks pregnant, take this drug only as directed by your doctor. Do not use this drug after 30 weeks of pregnancy.
If you are breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while taking this drug.

This list of drugs and conditions that may interfere with this drug is not exhaustive.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines you take (prescription and over-the-counter, natural products and vitamins) and any health problems you have. You need to make sure that this drug is safe for your conditions and in combination with other drugs you are already taking. Do not start or stop taking any drug or change the dosage without your doctor's advice.

What do I need to know or do while taking this drug?

Avoid driving and other demanding activities until you see how this drug affects you.
To reduce the risk of dizziness or fainting, get up slowly from a lying or sitting position. Walking up and down stairs should be done with care.
Rare cases of fatal cerebral hemorrhage have been reported with this drug. If you have any questions, please consult your doctor.
Low blood sugar has been associated with this drug. In some cases, hospitalization was required. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of low blood sugar, such as dizziness, headache, drowsiness or weakness, tremors, tachycardia, confusion, hunger, or sweating.
Use of drugs like this has been associated with liver problems. In some cases, this has led to death. Call your doctor right away if you develop signs of liver problems such as dark urine, fatigue, lack of appetite, nausea or abdominal pain, light-colored stools, vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes.
This drug may increase the chance of a very bad brain disorder called aseptic meningitis. If you experience headache, high fever, chills, severe nausea or vomiting, neck stiffness, rash, photophobia, drowsiness, or confusion, seek medical attention immediately.
The risk of developing heart failure is increased with the use of drugs of this kind. People with heart failure have an increased risk of myocardial infarction, hospitalization for heart failure, and death. Consult your doctor.
People with a history of myocardial infarction who are taking this type of drug have an increased risk of recurrent myocardial infarction and heart-related death. People who took drugs of this kind after their first myocardial infarction were also more likely to die one year after myocardial infarction than those who did not take such drugs. Consult your doctor.
A severe and sometimes fatal complication called serotonin syndrome can occur. This risk may be increased if certain other drugs are taken at the same time. Call your doctor right away if you experience agitation, balance problems, confusion, hallucinations, high fever, tachycardia or abnormal heart rhythms, flushing, muscle twitching or stiffness, seizures, tremors or tremors, excessive sweating, severe diarrhea, nausea or vomiting , a very severe headache.
Long-term use of an opioid medicine may lead to a decrease in the level of sex hormones. If you have a decreased interest in sex, fertility problems, no menstruation, or problems with ejaculation, see your doctor.
Use of opioid drugs such as this may cause a rare but severe disorder of the adrenal glands. If you feel very tired or weak, pass out, or have severe dizziness, severe nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite, call your healthcare provider right away.
Other drugs of this kind have had a severe and sometimes fatal reaction. In most cases, this reaction was accompanied by symptoms such as fever, rash, inflammation of the lymph nodes, and dysfunction of various organs such as the liver, kidneys, blood, heart, muscles, joints and lungs. If you have any questions, please consult your doctor.

What side effects should I report to my doctor immediately?

WARNING. In rare cases, this drug can cause serious and sometimes deadly side effects in some patients. Call your doctor right away or get medical help if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be associated with serious side effects:

Signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, hives, itching, red and swollen skin with blisters or flaking, possibly associated with fever, wheezing or wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking, unusual hoarseness, swelling in the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat. In rare cases, some allergic reactions have resulted in death.
Signs of kidney problems, including not passing urine, changes in urine volume, blood in urine, or rapid weight gain.
Signs of high or low blood pressure, such as very severe headache or dizziness, fainting, or changes in vision.
Signs of elevated potassium levels such as feeling palpitations, confusion, feeling weak or dizzy, feeling light-headed, feeling numb or tingly, or short of breath.
Signs of low sodium levels such as headache, trouble concentrating, memory impairment, confusion, weakness, seizures, balance problems.
Labored, slow or shallow breathing.
Severe constipation or abdominal pain. These may be signs of a severe bowel disorder.
Chest pain, angina pectoris, tachycardia or abnormal heart rhythm.
Noisy breathing.
Impaired breathing during sleep (sleep apnea syndrome).
Weakness on 1 side of the body, difficulty speaking or thinking, problems with balance, sagging on one side of the face, or blurred vision.
Black, tarry or bloody stools.
Vomiting of blood or coffee grounds.
Shortness of breath, sudden weight gain or swelling of the arms or legs.
Convulsions.
Influenza-like symptoms.
Gland swelling.
Possible severe skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis). This can lead to severe health problems, which can be permanent, and sometimes death. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as redness, swelling of the skin with blistering or peeling (with or without fever), redness or irritation of the eyes, and sores in the mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

Any medicine can have side effects. However, for many people, side effects are either minor or non-existent. Contact your doctor or seek medical advice if these or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

Feeling dizzy, drowsy, tired or weak.
Constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or decreased appetite.
Heartburn.
Gas formation.
Headache.

This list of possible side effects is not exhaustive. If you have any questions about side effects, please contact your doctor. Talk to your doctor about side effects.

You can report side effects to the National Health Board.

You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You can also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

What is the best way to take this drug?

Use this drug as directed by your doctor. Read all the information provided to you. Strictly follow all instructions.

Take this drug with or without food.
Do not take higher doses than prescribed by your doctor. Taking more than the prescribed amount of the drug increases the risk of serious side effects.
Do not take this drug for longer than the length of time your doctor tells you to.
Do not take with alcohol or products containing alcohol. Dangerous, sometimes deadly, effects may develop.
If this drug is taken for a long time or at high doses, it may not work as well and you may need a higher dose to get the same effect. The so-called tolerance to the drug develops. Talk to your doctor if this drug stops working as you want. Do not take the drug in higher doses than prescribed by your doctor.
Long-term or regular use of opioid drugs such as this may lead to dependence. Reducing the dose or stopping this drug suddenly can cause a serious risk of withdrawal reactions or other serious problems. Talk to your doctor before reducing your dose or stopping this drug. You must follow the doctor's instructions. Tell your doctor if you have severe pain, mood changes, suicidal thoughts, or any other side effects.
Do not take this drug with other strong pain medicines or if you are using a pain patch without talking to your doctor first.
Perform blood tests as directed by your physician. Consult with your doctor.
The use of drugs of this kind was accompanied by high blood pressure. Monitor your blood pressure as directed by your doctor.
If you are taking aspirin to prevent myocardial infarction, talk to your doctor.
If you smoke, ask your doctor.
If you have asthma, talk to your doctor. You may be more sensitive to the drug.
This drug may increase the risk of seizures. The risk may be increased in people with certain health problems, those who use certain other drugs, or those who abuse alcohol. Talk to your doctor to find out if your risk of seizures is increased with this drug.
There is an increased chance of bleeding. Be careful and avoid injury. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.
If you are 65 years of age or older, use this drug with caution. You may experience more side effects.

What if I miss a dose of a drug?

If you take this medicine regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you can.
If it is time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose and then return to your regular dosing schedule.
Do not take 2 doses or an additional dose at the same time.
In most cases, this drug is used as needed. Do not take the drug more often than prescribed by your doctor.

How do I store and/or discard this drug?

Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in the bathroom.
Keep this drug in a protected place out of sight and reach of children and out of the reach of other people. A box or room that is locked with a key can act as a secure storage place for the drug. Keep all medicines out of the reach of pets.
Dispose of unused or expired drugs. Do not empty into a toilet or sewer unless instructed to do so. If you have any questions about disposing of medicines, ask your pharmacist. Drug disposal programs may be in place in your area.

General information about drugs

Tell all your healthcare providers that you are taking this drug. These are doctors, nurses, pharmacists and dentists.
If your health does not improve or even worsens, call your doctor.
Do not give your medicine to anyone or take other people's medicine.
Keep all medicines in a safe place. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets.
Some drugs may come with other patient information sheets. If you have questions about this drug, talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care professional.
A separate patient leaflet is included with this product. Please read this information carefully. Reread it each time you refill your supply. If you have any questions about this drug, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care professional.
An overdose of this drug can be treated with a medicine called naloxone. Your doctor may prescribe naloxone to keep you with you while you are taking this drug. If you have any questions about buying or using naloxone, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. If you think you have overdosed, seek medical attention immediately, even if you have taken naloxone.
If you think you have overdosed, call a poison control center or get medical attention right away. Be prepared to tell or show what drug you took, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Use of Information and Limitation of Liability

This summary information includes summaries of diagnosis, treatment, and/or drug product. It is not intended to be a comprehensive source of data and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or evaluate potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a particular patient. It should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a physician based on a medical examination and assessment of the patient's specific and unique circumstances. Patients should consult with their physician for full information about their health, medical issues, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding the use of medications. This information is not a guarantee that a treatment or drug is safe, effective, or approved for a particular patient.

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