Details for: LORAZEPAM INJECTION USP

• Severe anaphylactic/anaphylactoid allergic reactions have been reported with the use of benzodiazepines. Cases of angioedema (swelling inside the mouth and throat) involving the tongue, glottis or larynx have been reported in patients after taking the first or subsequent doses of benzodiazepines. Some patients taking benzodiazepines have had additional symptoms such as dyspnea (difficult respiration), throat closing, or nausea and vomiting. Some patients have required medical therapy in the emergency department. If angioedema involves the tongue, glottis or larynx, airway obstruction may occur and be fatal. Patients who develop angioedema after treatment with a benzodiazepine should not restart the drug
• Lorazepam Injection USP may affect your ability to be alert. Driving, operating machinery and other hazardous activities should therefore be avoided altogether or at least during the first few days of treatment. This effect of Lorazepam Injection USP may be made worse if you take alcoholic drinks. If your doctor has increased your dose or if you have changed the timings of when you take your medication this may also modify your reactions.
• You must not consume alcohol or other drugs that affect the central nervous system while taking Lorazepam Injection USP (see INTERACTIONS WITH THIS MEDICATION below).
• Benzodiazepines such as Lorazepam Injection USP have produced dependence (addiction) and withdrawal symptoms can occur when treatment is stopped suddenly. The risk of dependence (addiction) increases with higher doses and longer duration of treatment.
• Always contact your doctor before stopping or reducing your dosage of Lorazepam Injection USP, as suddenly stopping treatment or a large decrease in dose can cause withdrawal symptoms (See Withdrawal-related side effects in the section SIDE EFFECTS AND WHATTO DO ABOUT THEM below).
• An increased risk of falls and fractures has been reported in elderly people who take benzodiazepines such as Lorazepam Injection USP.
• Memory loss may occur when Lorazepam Injection USP is used at therapeutic doses.
• A variety of abnormal thinking and behaviour changes may occur when you use a benzodiazepine, including aggressiveness, extroversion, confusion, strange behaviour, restlessness, illusions, hallucinations, feeling like you are not yourself, worsening of insomnia or worsening of depression including suicidal thinking. It is rarely clear whether such symptoms are caused by the medication, by an illness that was present before the medication was used or are simply spontaneous happenings. If you develop any unusual or disturbing thoughts or behavior while using Lorazepam Injection USP, discuss the matter immediately with your doctor
• Lorazepam Injection USP is not recommended for use in depressive neurosis or in psychotic reactions.
• Certain benzodiazepines have been linked to birth defects when taken during the early months of pregnancy. In addition, benzodiazepines taken during the last weeks of pregnancy have been known to sedate the baby and may also cause withdrawal symptoms after birth. Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant, or might become pregnant, unless advised by your doctor. Contact your doctor if you think you may be pregnant, or are intending to become pregnant.
• Lorazepam Injection USP passes into breast milk. Therefore, if you are breast feeding, this medicine should be avoided. Your doctor will discuss this with you.

BEFORE you use talk to your doctor or pharmacist if:

• You have lung disease or breathing problems (e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea syndrome)
• You have a history of depression, suicide attempts or psychosis
• You regularly drink alcohol or use recreational drugs or have a history of dependence /addiction to alcohol or drugs.
• You have liver disease
• You have kidney disease
• You are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant
• You are breastfeeding