Often used for:
treating seizures, nausea and vomiting, and anxiety
About Lorazepam
Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine. This type of medicine acts to slow the activity of the central nervous system (CNS). Lorazepam can help to control seizures, reduce nausea and vomiting during cancer treatments, lower anxiety, and calm patients before medical procedures.
This drug may be habit-forming with long-term use. Follow dosing instructions carefully.
Possible Late Effects
- Some patients may experience tolerance or dependence with long-term use.
- In young children, frequent use before medical procedures may lead to long-term brain problems.
Possible Side Effects
- Feeling sleepy
- Fatigue or weakness
- Dizziness
- Slower than normal rates of breathing
- Blurry vision
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Problems urinating
- Not all patients who take lorazepam will experience these side effects. Common side effects are bolded, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.
Tips for Families
- Be sure to discuss these and other recommendations with your doctor or pharmacist.
- If patients have taken lorazepam for a long time, they should not stop taking lorazepam without medical supervision. The doctors may slowly decrease the dose to reduce bad effects due to withdrawal.
- Patients should avoid drinking alcohol while on this medicine.
- Female patients of child-bearing age receiving lorazepam should talk to their doctor before becoming pregnant.
- Patients should tell their doctor if they are pregnant or breastfeeding.
