Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Lorazepam
Other Names: Ativan Injection
Drug Class: Benzodiazepines
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: Yes
Product Images & Descriptions:
Pronunciation:

What is/are Ativan Injection? (Back to top)
LORAZEPAM is a benzodiazepine. It is used to treat anxiety and certain types of seizures. It is also used to cause sleep before surgery and to block the memory of the procedure. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• alcohol or drug abuse problem
• bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis or other mental health condition
• glaucoma
• kidney or liver disease
• lung disease or breathing difficulties
• myasthenia gravis
• Parkinson's disease
• seizures or a history of seizures
• suicidal thoughts
• an unusual or allergic reaction to lorazepam, other benzodiazepines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
  

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
This medicine is for injection into a muscle or into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
This does not apply.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)

• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures, like phenobarbital
• clozapine
• medicines for depression, mental problems or psychiatric disturbances
• medicines for sleep
• phenytoin
• probenecid
• theophylline
• valproic acid
  

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• changes in vision
• confusion
• depression
• mood changes, excitability or aggressive behavior
• movement difficulty, staggering or jerky movements
• muscle cramps
• restlessness
• weakness or tiredness

• constipation or diarrhea
• difficulty sleeping, nightmares
• dizziness, drowsiness
• headache
• nausea, vomiting
  

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
You may feel dizzy or drowsy for about 6 to 8 hours after an injection of this medicine. Elderly patients may feel these effects more strongly and for a longer time.

Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy and fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine can cause loss of recall of recent events. This loss of memory is only temporary.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, pain or allergies without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can increase possible side effects.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
This medication will be given to you in a hospital or health clinic setting. You will not be given this medicine to take home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Last Updated:March 20, 2007

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