Lorazepam (injection)

Lorazepam (injection)

What is Lorazepam Injection?

Lorazepam injection may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Lorazepam Injection Side Effects

If necessary, get emergency medical helpSigns of an allergic reaction:hives; difficulty breathing; Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Lorazepam may slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently taken an opioid medication, alcohol, or other medications that can slow your breathing.Your healthcare provider will monitor you for symptoms such as weak or shallow breathing.

Tell your healthcare providers immediately if you have:

• weak or shallow breathing;

• severe drowsiness;

• restlessness or you feel restless or irritable;

• unusual thoughts, hallucinations; or

• a dizzy feeling, like you might faint.

Drowsiness or dizziness may last longer in older adults. Use caution to avoid falls or accidental injuries. You may need help getting up for at least the first 8 hours.

Common lorazepam side effects may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness;

• difficulty breathing; or

• Redness or burning when lorazepam is injected into a muscle.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Lorazepam may slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently taken an opioid medication, alcohol, or other medications that can slow your breathing.

Continued use of lorazepam can become habitual.

Before you take this medicine

If possible, tell your doctor before receiving a lorazepam injection if you are allergic to any medicine or if you have:

• angle-closure glaucoma;

• sleep apnea or severe breathing problems;

• a known allergy to polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, or benzyl alcohol; or

• a history of allergic reactions to benzodiazepines (Lorazepam, Alprazolam, Diazepam, Ativan, Klonopin, Restoril, Tranxene, Valium, Versed, Xanax and others).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• asthma or other breathing disorders;

• liver disease; or

• Kidney disease.

Lorazepam can harm an unborn baby.and should generally not be used during pregnancy. However, status epilepticus is a life-threatening condition and the benefits of treatment with lorazepam may outweigh the risk to the unborn child.

Sedatives used during surgery can affect the brain development of a young child or an unborn child (if used on the mother), which can lead to learning or behavioral problems later in life. Long operations or repeated procedures carry the highest risks.

A life-threatening illness, a medical emergency, or surgery to correct a birth defect may still require the use of a sedative. Your doctor can tell you about any medicines that will be given to you during an operation or procedure.

If possible, tell your healthcare provider in an emergency whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How is a lorazepam injection given?

Lorazepam is injected into a muscle or vein by a doctor.

If your condition improves after the injection, you may only need to receive one dose of lorazepam.

After the injection, you will be monitored to make sure the medicine is working and not causing harmful side effects.

Lorazepam injection is for single or occasional use.Continued use may become habit-forming or may result in long-lasting withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the drug.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Lorazepam is used as a single dose and does not have a daily dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

In the medical field, an overdose would be treated quickly.

What should I avoid after a lorazepam injection?

Avoid consuming alcohol for the first day or two after your lorazepam injection.Dangerous side effects or death could occur.

Lorazepam can cause extreme sleepiness, which may last 24 to 48 hours after the injection. Older adults may feel sleepy for even longer.

Avoid driving or engaging in dangerous activities until the effects of lorazepam have completely worn off. Dizziness or drowsiness can lead to falls, accidents or serious injury.

What Other Drugs Affect Lorazepam Injection?

Shortly after treatment with lorazepam, taking other medications that make you sleep or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death.Consult your doctor before taking opioid medications, sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, or anti-anxiety or seizure medications.

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, especially:

• all other benzodiazepines (such as Alprazolam, Diazepam, Valium, Xanax and others);

• probenecid;

• valproate or other seizure medications;

• birth control pills;

• medicines for the treatment of mental illnesses; or

• Medicines to treat or prevent nausea and vomiting.

This list is not complete. Other medications can affect lorazepam, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

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More information

Remember to keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medicine only for the prescribed indication.