The Anti-Anxiety Drug Lorazepam

Lorazepam is an anti-anxiety drug that is also utilized to treat irritable bowel syndrome, nausea and vomiting due to cancer chemotherapy, insomnia, epilepsy, and alcohol withdrawal. Often given patients before anesthesia, Lorazepam goes under the brand name of Ativan, and if you are allergic to drugs such as Xanax, Librium, Valium, Serax, Dalmane, or any of this family of drugs, you should avoid its use. Like most drugs, Lorazepam has some side effects, but they are not too severe in most people, however you should never drink alcohol when you are taking Lorazepam, as the drug maximizes its effects.

Lorazepam is designed to work on chemical imbalances in the brain that can precipitate anxiety, making it an ideal candidate to treat individuals with anxiety disorders. However, if you have glaucoma, liver disease, a history of suicidal thoughts, severe depression, or asthma, you may not be able to take Lorazepam. The drug can also cause birth defects, making it a no-no during pregnancies, and birth control should be used while women are on it. Other drugs that can make you tired or feel sleepy should be avoided while on Lorazepam, and you must be warned that it can be habit-forming as well. It is not recommended that people should be on Lorazepam for more than four months at a time, and due to its addictive nature, those using it often are weaned off of it gradually.

Internet purchases of Lorazepam have been known to contain Haldol, a very powerful anti-psychotic drug that has dangerous side effects, so be aware of that distinct possibility. The older you are, the more prolonged the sedative powers of Lorazepam can be, and this can result in falls in the elderly population that uses it. Lorazepam is not prescribed to kids under the age of 12. Lorazepam comes in a tablet form and a liquid form. There are other generic forms and brand names of Lorazepam, but Ativan is by far the most common. The pill form of Ativan will have five sides with a raised letter "A" on it; it comes in .5, 1, and 2 milligram doses. The liquid form comes with a dropper that is marked for specific dosages. The concentrate should be added to water, juice, or other liquids before you take it and diluted. Lorazepam is taken 2 to 3 times each day, and it is stored at room temperature and should be kept someplace where it cannot get wet. If you forget to take a dose of Lorazepam, do not attempt to "double up" on the next scheduled dosage. Overdoses of this drug can be deadly.

Some of Lorazepam's side effects can be potentially dangerous; allergic reactions and thoughts of suicide, becoming agitated and hallucinating have been documented. Some of Lorazepam's milder side effects could be blurry vision, lack of balance, tiredness and a dizzy feeling, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Any side effects should be reported to your physician, and needless to say if you have any questions about how to use Lorazepam, or its possible effects, ask your pharmacist.