Lorazepam
Lorazepam, a prescription medication used for the treatment of anxiety. It is a drug that has been found to work by increasing the effects of a brain chemical called gamma-amino butyric acid and has naturally calming properties. Lorazepam is available in oral liquid, tablet and can be administered by injection. As is the case for all prescription medications, there are possible side effects when taking this medicine. Some of the more common side effects might include unsteadiness, weakness and dizziness.
Lorazepam - What Is It?
Lorazepam is also known as generic Ativan. It is a medication that is only available by prescription that is used in the
treatment of anxiety . This medication is also available in injection form, and is used to help decrease anxiety and nervous tension and has been found to stop severe seizures. Lorazepam belongs to a group of prescription drugs known as
benzodiazepines.
(Click on
What Is Ativan Used For? To get more information about the uses of the drug.)
Who is the Maker of Lorazepam?
Currently, Lorazepam is produced by Biovail Pharmaceuticals.
How Does Lorazepam Work?
Lorazepam is considered to be part of the group of medications known as benzodiazepines. This type of drugs have been found to have many effects including but not limited to:
- Stopping severe seizures
- Causing memory problems
- Reducing feelings of anxiety
- Causing drowsiness
- Relaxing muscles
All of the medications that fall under the benzodiazepine category have been found to have the same effects to some level, depending on which drug is being used. They work by increasing the effects of a brain chemical known as GABA, or gamma-amino butyric acid. GABA is naturally calming and has been found to stop or slow down the nerve signals to the brain that cause feelings of tension and anxiety. For this reason, lorazepam, as well as other
benzodiazepines are considered to be
tranquilizers, depressants to the central nervous system or sedatives.
How and When You Should Take Lorazepam
Some things to consider when deciding how and when to take Lorazepam should include:
- Lorazepam is available as an oral liquid, as an injection or in tablet form. When taken by mouth, the recommended dosage is usually twice to three times daily, depending on the problem that is being treated.
- This drug can be taken with food or without. If it is bothersome to the stomach, food may help.
- In order for the medicine to properly do its job, it has to be used as your doctor prescribes. Lorazepam has the potential for serious negative side effects if taken a doses higher than prescribed or for longer than recommended.
Recommended Dosing
The dose that your doctor prescribes to you will depend on many factors which include:
- Other medicines you might be taking
- Other medical conditions that you might have
- Your age
It is always recommended that you not change the dosage of your lorazepam unless your doctor tells you to.
Potential Side Effects of Lorazepam
As is the case with any medications, Lorazepam side effects could occur. It's important to remember that not all people who take this medication will have side effects. It has been found that most people do very well while taking this medication. If you do experience side effects, they are often minor and need no treatment or are easily treated by your doctor. It is less common to notice serious side effects of any kind.
Lorazepam side effects that are common might include:
- Sleeping or feeling of calm
- Feeling of vertigo or dizziness
- Unsteadiness
- Feelings of weakness
What Happens if I Overdose on Lorazepam?
When people overdose on lorazepam they may experience certain symptoms:
- Disorientation
- Problems with speech
- Sedation
- Coma
- Trouble breathing
- Blood pressure that is lower than normal
- Feeling lethargic
- Death.
If you feel that you have taken too much of lorazepam you should immediately contact your health care provider.
(Click on < a href="http://ipharmacylist.com/meds/ativan-overdose.html">Ativan Overdose to get more information.)
Available Lorazepam Generic Drug Strengths
Tablets of Lorazepam offer the following strengths:
- Lorazepam 0.5mg online
- Lorazepam 1mg online
- Lorazepam 2mg online
This medication can also be obtained as an injection and as an oral liquid.