Lorazepam

What lorazepam is for

Lorazepam can be used:

• as a short-term treatment for severe anxiety or for sleep problems (insomnia) caused by anxiety
• to help you relax before having a medical treatment or surgery (a sedative)

Lorazepam is a type of medicine called a benzodiazepine.

It works by increasing the effect of a calming chemical in your brain. This can help you feel more relaxed or sleepy.

How to take lorazepam

Lorazepam comes as tablets and as a liquid that you swallow (oral solution). Some tablets are put on your tongue to dissolve (orodispersible tablets).

It can also be given as an injection, which will be done by a healthcare professional.

How much you need to take and for how long depends on why you're taking it. It's usually not prescribed for more than 4 weeks because your body can become used to it and it stops working as well.

You'll usually need to take it 2 or 3 times a day. Your doctor will tell you how much and how often you need to take it.

If you're taking it for sleep problems, it's best to take it around 30 minutes before bedtime.

When taking lorazepam:

• swallow tablets whole, with a drink of water
• put orodispersible tablets on your tongue and let them dissolve
• use the syringe or cup that comes with the liquid medicine (oral solution) to help you measure the right dose

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to use it or have any problems using it.

If you miss a dose of lorazepam

If you're taking lorazepam for anxiety and forget to take a dose:

• if it's been less than 3 hours since you were supposed to take it, take the dose you missed and then take your next dose at the usual time
• if it's been more than 3 hours since you were supposed to take it, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time

If you're taking lorazepam for sleeping problems and forget to take a dose, only take the missed dose if you're able to sleep for at least 7 hours after taking it.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose of lorazepam.

If you take too much lorazepam

Taking an extra dose of lorazepam can be dangerous.

How to stop taking lorazepam

Do not stop taking lorazepam suddenly because this can cause withdrawal symptoms such as confusion or seizures (fits).

Your doctor will gradually reduce your dose so that you can stop taking it safely. Always follow your doctor's advice.

It's possible to become addicted to lorazepam. Your doctor will only prescribe it for a short time and will prescribe the lowest dose you need to help your symptoms.

Talk to your doctor if you're worried about addiction or stopping taking lorazepam.

Side effects of lorazepam

Like all medicines, lorazepam can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of lorazepam include:

• feeling sleepy, tired or less alert
• feeling dizzy or light-headed
• headaches
• feeling anxious, irritable or low
• shaking or muscle weakness
• feeling cold
• memory problems

If you feel sleepy, dizzy or less alert after taking lorazepam, do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until you no longer have these symptoms.

Serious side effects

Lorazepam can sometimes cause serious side effects, although most of them are rare.

Possible serious side effects of lorazepam include:

• an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash or difficulty breathing
• difficulty breathing – causing slower, more shallow breaths or very slow breathing
• a serious problem with your blood (blood dyscrasia) – causing symptoms such as bruising or bleeding easily, feeling very tired, a sudden sore throat or a high temperature (you may feel hot, cold or shivery)
• mental health problems – such as hearing or seeing things that are not there (hallucinations), believing things that are not true (delusions), feeling low or depressed, or having thoughts of suicide or harming yourself

Who can and cannot take lorazepam

Most adults can take lorazepam.

But it's not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if:

• you have had an allergic reaction or serious side effect from lorazepam or a similar medicine before
• you have sleep apnoea or breathing problems
• you have muscle weakness or a condition that causes it, such as myasthenia gravis
• you have mobility problems or are more at risk of getting seriously injured if you fall
• you have kidney or liver problems
• you've been addicted to alcohol, drugs or prescription medicine before, especially opioids
• you have ever had depression or thoughts of trying to harm yourself

Check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it's suitable for you. Before taking lorazepam, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and lorazepam

Lorazepam is sometimes used when breastfeeding, but check with your doctor because the medicine can pass into your breast milk in small amounts. They may suggest switching to a different medicine.

You may be advised to take lorazepam for a short time at a low dose if the benefits to you outweigh the risks to your baby.

It's possible for breastfed babies to get side effects if you're taking lorazepam, such as being sleepier or breathing more slowly than usual. Speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if you have any concerns about your baby.

Do not sleep in the same bed (co-sleep) with your baby if you've taken lorazepam or any other medicine that makes you sleepy or drowsy, as it can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Pregnancy and lorazepam

Lorazepam is not usually used during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or you get pregnant while taking it.

Taking lorazepam with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with lorazepam.

These include:

• other medicines for sleep or anxiety problems
• medicines for moderate or severe pain, such as opioid painkillers like morphine, codeine or oxycodone
• medicines for mental health conditions, such as antipsychotics or antidepressants
• medicines for epilepsy
• medicines for hay fever, rashes or other allergies that can make you feel sleepy (drowsy or sedating antihistamines), such as chlorphenamine or promethazine
• medicines for indigestion (antacids)
• some medicines used to treat HIV

Before taking lorazepam, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Food, drink and alcohol with lorazepam

Do not drink alcohol while taking lorazepam. Alcohol can increase the effects of the medicine, which can cause breathing problems and make it very difficult to wake up.

It's also best to avoid grapefruit juice or drinks containing caffeine, as these can affect the way the medicine works.

You can eat as normal while taking lorazepam.

Find out more about your medicine

To find out more about your medicine, you can:

• check the leaflet that comes with it
• search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
• find out about the law on drugs and driving (GOV.UK)
• speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice