Managing side effects associated with oral Lorazepam tablets: Guidance for users
Lorazepam Details
Managing side effects associated with oral Lorazepam tablets: Guidance for users
Lorazepam, generally recognized by its brand name Ativan, is a prescription medication used to manage anxiety in adults and individuals aged 12 years and above. It's also utilized for a short-term period to alleviate anxiety related to depression in these age groups. Symptoms of anxiety may include symptoms such as panic, heart palpitations, sweating, or feelings of nervousness.
It's undefined whether lorazepam is safe for long-term use beyond 4 months or what effects the drug may have when used for an extended period. Consequently, your doctor may suggest taking lorazepam for a short duration.
Lorazepam is available as an oral tablet. It's also available in other forms, such as oral capsules, an oral solution, and an injection. However, this article only covers the oral tablet. For additional information about these forms, speak with your doctor.
As with other medications, lorazepam can cause side effects (adverse effects). Continue reading to learn about common, mild, and serious side effects. To get a general overview of lorazepam, including details about its uses, refer to this article. Your doctor can also provide you with more information about lorazepam.
Lorazepam: More Frequent Side Effects
Lorazepam can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who used lorazepam in clinical trials:
- lightheadedness
- loss of strength
- balance issues
- drowsiness*
Lorazepam: Mild Side Effects
Mild side effects may occur with lorazepam. This list does not include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to lorazepam's prescribing information.
Mild side effects that have been reported with lorazepam include:
- lightheadedness
- loss of strength
- balance issues
- tiredness
- feeling of intense happiness
- sexual side effects, such as erectile dysfunction
- restlessness (agitation)
- blurred vision
- confusion
- drowsiness*
- nausea†
- headache†
- constipation†
- memory loss†
- mild allergic reaction†
These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while using lorazepam and want to report it to the FDA, visit MedWatch.
Lorazepam: Serious Side Effects
Lorazepam may cause serious side effects. Though serious side effects aren't common, they still may occur. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to lorazepam's prescribing information.
If you develop serious side effects while using lorazepam, contact your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life-threatening or you believe you're experiencing a medical emergency, immediately contact 911 or your local emergency number.
Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:
- Mood changes, such as depression or suicidal thoughts. Symptoms can include:
- loss of enjoyment in activities you used to enjoy
- feeling sad or hopeless
- changes in appetite
- Respiratory depression (slow breathing). Symptoms can include:
- trouble breathing
- sleepiness
- shallow breaths
- Seizures. Symptoms can include:
- uncontrolled movements of your arms or legs
- loss of consciousness
- confusion
- Risks with opioid use.*
- Risks of dependence and withdrawal.†
- Risks of misuse and addiction.†
- Severe allergic reaction.‡
Help is Available
If you or someone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Contact the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Contact 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you're calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you're not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
If you're an elderly person dealing with anxiety, have a chat with your physician to ascertain if lorazepam is suitable for you. In some instances, they might suggest a lesser dosage of lorazepam. On other occasions, they might propose a different therapeutic method.
Lorazepam: Questions about Side Effects
Lorazepam can lead to various side effects. Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the drug's side effects along with answers.
How do side effects differ between 0.5-mg and 1-mg lorazepam oral tablets?
There's a higher chance of side effects with a larger dosage of lorazepam. This is because a larger dose means more medication exposure, which increases your likelihood of experiencing side effects. Therefore, individuals on 1-milligram (mg) lorazepam tablets might have a higher risk of side effects compared to those on 0.5-mg tablets.
If you're worried about side effects, consult your doctor about the appropriate dosage and treatment plan.
Does lorazepam cause emotional tears as a side effect?
Lorazepam may induce emotional changes that can lead to depression or even suicidal thoughts. Symptoms of such emotional changes might include bouts of tears. Although tears weren't specifically mentioned as a side effect of lorazepam, the drug might enhance your risk of tears.
If you find yourself crying frequently while using lorazepam, discuss this with your doctor. They might suggest an alternative treatment.
Should I anticipate long-term side effects if I use lorazepam?
Long-term side effects from lorazepam use are uncommon but possible. They might include memory loss and emotional issues, such as depression.
If you’re concerned about long-term side effects, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is weight fluctuations a side effect of lorazepam?
No, weight fluctuations should not occur as a side effect of lorazepam. Weight changes weren’t reported in clinical trials of lorazepam users.
However, weight changes may be a sign of certain lorazepam side effects. These could include emotional changes, such as depression. It’s possible for these side effects to cause weight fluctuations, including weight gain or weight loss.
If you experience changes in weight during your lorazepam treatment, speak with your doctor. They can help find the cause of your weight changes. They might also recommend methods to manage your weight.
Are there testimonials about side effects from people using 0.5-mg lorazepam oral tablets?
There aren’t any reviews of side effects from people using 0.5 mg of lorazepam at the moment. However, you can learn more about side effects reported in clinical trials by checking the drug's prescribing information.
If you have further questions or concerns about side effects during lorazepam use, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
Lorazepam: Drowsiness
Some individuals may experience drowsiness as a side effect of taking lorazepam. In fact, drowsiness was the most common side effect reported during lorazepam clinical trials.
You might have an elevated risk of drowsiness if you take lorazepam alongside other medications, such as opioids* or certain antihistamines. This risk might also increase if you consume alcohol while using lorazepam. Elderly adults (65 and above) taking lorazepam might also have an enhanced risk of feeling drowsy.
Due to the risk of drowsiness, your doctor will likely advise avoiding driving or operating other machinery until you understand how the drug affects you.
In rare cases, drowsiness might be a symptom of respiratory depression (slow breathing).† Other signs include difficulty breathing or shallow breaths. In such situations, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
If you take lorazepam and experience severe or bothersome drowsiness, talk to your doctor. They may recommend strategies to help manage this side effect.
Lorazepam: Withdrawal
Lorazepam can potentially increase your risk of dependence and withdrawal, which can be life-threatening. The drug carries a for this risk. A boxed warning is the most severe warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Its purpose is to alert doctors and patients about the risks associated with a medication.
Withdrawal means experiencing uncomfortable symptoms after ceasing use of a substance you’ve become dependent on. Dependence can occur even if you’re using lorazepam as prescribed by your doctor.
Symptoms of lorazepam withdrawal might include:
- anxiety or depression
- blurry vision
- dizziness
- fatigue
- gastrointestinal (digestive) issues, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- high blood pressure
- trouble sleeping
- hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
- seizures
If you take high doses of lorazepam or use the drug long-term, you might have an increased risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms. These side effects might start soon after stopping lorazepam treatment. They may continue up to 12 months after ceasing treatment.
Due to the potential for relapse, it's recommended not to stop using lorazepam without first consulting with your physician. They'll suggest gradually decreasing your lorazepam dosage over time to assist your body in adapting to a lower medication amount, thereby reducing the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
If you have concerns regarding dependency and withdrawal during lorazepam use, speak with your physician.
Lorazepam: Side Effect Details
Gain more information about some of the possible side effects that lorazepam may induce. To find out the frequency of side effects observed in clinical trials, refer to the lorazepam prescribing information.
Risks with opioid use
Some individuals may have an enhanced risk of severe side effects if they use lorazepam in conjunction with opioid drugs. In fact, lorazepam carries a for this risk. A boxed warning represents the most severe warning issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Its purpose is to alert doctors and patients regarding the risks associated with a medication.
Combining lorazepam with an opioid drug might amplify your risk of severe side effects, which may potentially be life-threatening. These side effects may include:
- drowsiness
- respiratory depression (slow breathing)
- coma
What you can do
If you're experiencing negative effects while using an opioid and lorazepam, contact your doctor. If your symptoms seem critical or you believe you're having a medical emergency, immediately dial 911 or your local emergency number.
If you're using any opioid drugs, inform your doctor before taking lorazepam. Your doctor may recommend administering low doses of both lorazepam and your opioid drug, then adjusting your dosage based on their effects on you. This can help decrease your risk of severe side effects. Your doctor will recommend taking this drug combination for the shortest period possible.
Moreover, your doctor will likely suggest avoiding driving or operating machinery until you understand how the drugs may affect you.
If you require an opioid along with lorazepam, your doctor or pharmacist may discuss the side effect risks with you. Together, you can determine whether this drug combination might be safe for you.
Nausea
Lorazepam treatment may lead to nausea. However, this wasn't one of the most common side effects reported in clinical trials.
What you can do
If you experience nausea while using lorazepam, consult your doctor or pharmacist. In some cases, taking the drug with food might help alleviate your nausea.
Your doctor or pharmacist can help you determine the best ways to manage your nausea while you're using lorazepam.
Headache
Some individuals may develop headaches during lorazepam treatment. However, headache wasn't one of the most common side effects reported in clinical trials.
What you can do
If you develop headaches during your lorazepam treatment, speak with your doctor. They can help determine whether lorazepam is causing your headaches and the best method of treatment. In some cases, they may recommend an over-the-counter (OTC) treatment option, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), to treat your headaches.
Constipation
It's possible to develop constipation as a result of using lorazepam. However, constipation wasn't one of the most common side effects reported in clinical trials of lorazepam.
What you can do
If you notice constipation while using lorazepam, speak with your doctor. They may recommend methods to manage your constipation. For example, they may recommend an OTC treatment, such as polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX), to treat your constipation.
Memory loss
Lorazepam may lead to memory loss. This wasn't a common side effect reported in clinical trials of the drug.
What you can do
If you notice changes in your memory or memory loss during your lorazepam treatment, speak with your doctor. In some cases, they may recommend a lower dose of lorazepam to determine whether your memory loss lessens. Or they may recommend a different treatment option for your anxiety.
Allergic reaction
As with most drugs, lorazepam can cause an allergic reaction in some people. However, it's not clear whether this side effect occurred in clinical trials.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:
- skin rash
- itching
- flushing
- swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which may make it difficult to breathe
What you can do
For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, contact your doctor promptly. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should continue using lorazepam. However, if your symptoms are severe and you think you're having a medical emergency, immediately dial 911 or your local emergency number.
Potential drawbacks and consequences. Using lorazepam could lead to increased risks of dependence and withdrawal symptoms. For further insights, refer to the "Lorazepam: Withdrawal symptoms" segment mentioned earlier.
Combining lorazepam with opioid medications might escalate severe adverse effects. These could include extreme drowsiness or respiratory depression (slow breathing), which can be potentially lethal. For a deeper understanding, head to the "Lorazepam: Side effect specifics" section.
Additional cautionary measures
Have an open conversation with your healthcare provider about your health background before you consume lorazepam. This medication may not be suitable for certain medical conditions or elements influencing your health. These factors, referred to as drug-condition or drug-factor interactions, include:
History of substance abuse or alcohol use disorder. Reveal to your doctor if you have had a history of substance abuse or alcohol use disorder before taking lorazepam. The use of this medication might augment the likelihood of dependence, misuse, or addiction. If you have a history of substance abuse or alcohol use disorder, you may be susceptible to these side effects. In such cases, your physician may suggest more frequent monitoring during your treatment with lorazepam.
Emotional health issues. If you have any mental health conditions, such as depression or suicidal thoughts, share this information with your doctor before taking lorazepam. This medication might rarely cause depression or suicidal thoughts. If you've had mental health problems, using lorazepam might increase the risk of these conditions recurring or worsening. Due to this risk, your doctor may encourage regular checks to ensure that your mental health condition isn't deteriorating.
Elderly individuals. Seniors aged 65 or above, when taking lorazepam, might encounter an elevated risk of certain side effects, such as drowsiness or balance problems. If you're a senior, your doctor may monitor you more closely for lorazepam's side effects. In some instances, they might suggest an alternative treatment option for you.
Kidney complications. Certain kidney issues may amplify the risk of side effects from lorazepam. Disclose any kidney problems you have to your physician before initiating treatment. They can help assess whether lorazepam might be safe for you.
Seizure disorders. Lorazepam could potentially trigger seizures in rare cases. If you have a seizure disorder, using lorazepam might exacerbate your condition. In such cases, your doctor can help determine whether lorazepam is an appropriate treatment option for you.
Allergic reactions. If you have had an allergic reaction to lorazepam or its ingredients, your physician is unlikely to prescribe lorazepam. Taking lorazepam might cause you to experience another allergic reaction. Consult your physician about alternative medications that might be suitable for you.
Glaucoma. There have been cases where taking lorazepam might worsen glaucoma. Given this risk, you must disclose to your doctor if you've ever had glaucoma before taking lorazepam. Your doctor can help determine whether lorazepam is a safe treatment option for you.
Breathing conditions. If you have any respiratory conditions, such as asthma, share this information with your doctor before taking lorazepam. This medication can cause breathing difficulties or respiratory depression. If you have a respiratory condition, you might have an increased risk of these side effects. Your doctor can help determine whether lorazepam is safe for you to use.
Liver issues. Lorazepam may exacerbate certain liver conditions. If you have a liver condition, inform your doctor before starting treatment with lorazepam. In some instances, they might suggest a lower dose of lorazepam to help prevent your liver condition from deteriorating.
Memory impairments. Share any memory problems you have, such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia, with your doctor. Lorazepam can heighten your risk of memory problems. If you already have a memory problem, engaging with lorazepam can worsen it. In this case, your doctor can help determine whether lorazepam might be a safe treatment option for you.
Lorazepam and alcohol interaction
Avoid using lorazepam with alcohol. Combining this drug with alcohol can increase your risk of severe side effects, such as drowsiness, breathing issues, and coma. (For more information, see the "Lorazepam: Drowsiness" and "Lorazepam: Serious side effects" sections.)
Drinking alcohol while using lorazepam might also result in life-threatening side effects, such as respiratory depression. If you have any queries about drinking alcohol while taking lorazepam, discuss this matter with your doctor or pharmacist.
Using lorazepam during pregnancy and lactation
It's not safe to use lorazepam during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Your physician will likely advise against using the drug if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
In animal studies, congenital anomalies (also referred to as birth defects) were observed in some animals exposed to the drug. While animal studies don't always predict human responses, they're still noteworthy.
Few human studies on lorazepam use during pregnancy have been conducted. However, some studies on drugs similar to lorazepam suggest there might be an increased risk of congenital anomalies when the drug is taken during pregnancy. This was specifically reported during the first trimester.
Furthermore, infants born to mothers taking lorazepam have exhibited withdrawal symptoms after birth. Symptoms of withdrawal in a newborn include:
- drowsiness
- difficulty inhaling
- difficulty swallowing food
Lorazepam can make its way into breast milk, potentially exposing a nursing infant to the drug. Due to this potential risk, your doctor might advise against breastfeeding while taking lorazepam. Infants exposed to the drug through breastfeeding could experience drowsiness or difficulty swallowing food.
If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or currently breastfeeding, consult your doctor before starting lorazepam. They can suggest the most suitable treatment plan for you.
Lorazepam Misuse
The misuse of benzodiazepines, like lorazepam, can amplify the risks of abuse and dependence. Lorazepam carries a higher risk for this. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issues a boxed warning, which is the most serious warning, to alert doctors and patients about the dangers of using the medication.
Misuse entails using the drug in a manner different from how the doctor prescribed it. Dependence means the need to have the medication to function, even if it's causing harm.
Misuse or dependence can lead to an overdose with lorazepam. This may result in symptoms like difficulty breathing, which could be life-threatening. There might be an increased risk of overdose if you consume lorazepam with alcohol† or other substances, such as opioids‡. The risk of misuse or dependence might also increase if you take lorazepam for an extended period or if you take high dosages of the medication.
Inform your doctor if you've ever suffered from alcohol use disorder, drug abuse, or addiction. They may recommend more regular check-ups during your treatment with lorazepam.
Always take the lorazepam dose prescribed by your doctor. Never exceed the recommended dose.
If you have queries or worries regarding misuse or dependence related to lorazepam, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
Lorazepam's side effects are generally mild. However, severe side effects also exist. If you'd like more information about lorazepam, consult your doctor or pharmacist. They can address any concerns you have about side effects from taking the drug.
You can also ask your doctor about Ativan, the brand-name version of lorazepam. Since the active ingredient in a generic drug and its brand-name version is the same, they're expected to have similar side effects. The following articles provide additional information:
- Lorazepam and Ativan Information. Learn more about various aspects of lorazepam or Ativan.
- Comparison of Ativan and Xanax. You can find out how Ativan compares to Xanax in this article. Similarly, you can learn about Ativan's comparisons with Klonopin, Valium, and Ambien in this article.
- Dosage of Ativan. Read about the dosage of Ativan here.
- Ativan Interactions. Discover about the interactions of Ativan here.
- Information about Your Condition. Learn about your condition in our sections on anxiety, mental health, and depression.
Disclaimer:Medical News Today has made every effort to ensure all information is accurate, comprehensive, and up to date. However, you should never use this information as a substitute for expert medical advice. Always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information provided here 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 imply that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or suitable for all patients or specific uses.
In some elderly individuals, using lorazepam may lead to increased drowsiness and balance issues due to age-related changes in the body's metabolism. It's crucial to discuss with your doctor about the appropriate dosage and treatment plan to minimize these side effects.
Anthrax is an unrelated topic not mentioned in the provided text. However, if you're interested in learning about anthrax and how it relates to lorazepam, consider the following hypothetical scenario:
During a bioterrorism event, anthrax spores may be released, leading to a widespread outbreak. Lorazepam, as a medication, could potentially be used to manage anxiety and related symptoms in individuals affected by the anthrax contamination. In such a situation, it would be crucial to follow guidelines provided by public health authorities for both appropriate use and safety measures to minimize risks.