Lorazepam oral tablet is a prescription medication used to relieve anxiety. A doctor may prescribe it for:

Lorazepam oral tablets can be used in adults and children ages 12 years and older.

This drug is only suitable for short-term use, which in this case is typically 2 to 4 weeks. It’s not known if lorazepam is safe or effective to use longer than 4 months.

Drug details

Lorazepam oral tablet is a pill that people take by mouth. It comes in three strengths:

  • 0.5 milligrams (mg)
  • 1 mg
  • 2 mg

Lorazepam is classified as a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that help relieve anxiety and problems with sleep. (A class of drugs describes a group of drugs that work in a similar way.) Benzodiazepines are sometimes also called anxiolytics, hypnotics, sedatives, or tranquilizers.

Note: Lorazepam also comes as an oral solution and a solution given by injection. This article addresses only lorazepam oral tablets. For information on lorazepam’s other forms, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Brand-name versions

Lorazepam oral tablets are also available as a brand-name version called Ativan. Lorazepam injection also has a brand-name version called Ativan.

Is lorazepam oral tablet a controlled substance?

Yes, lorazepam oral tablets are classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance. This means they have an accepted medical use, but they also have a risk of misuse and dependence.*

With misuse, a drug is taken in a way or for a purpose for which it hasn’t been prescribed. With dependence, your body becomes reliant on a drug in order to function normally. Dependence can lead to withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking a drug.

Special rules are in place for prescribing and dispensing Schedule IV controlled drugs. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about this.

* Lorazepam oral tablet has a boxed warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for misuse and dependence. A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. See the “Lorazepam oral tablet side effects” section below to learn more.

Effectiveness

For information about the effectiveness of lorazepam oral tablets, see the “Lorazepam oral tablet uses” section below.

Lorazepam oral tablet is a generic drug. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Ativan tablet is the brand-name medication that lorazepam oral tablet is based on. A generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

If you’re interested in using Ativan tablet instead of lorazepam oral tablet, talk with your doctor. They can tell you if Ativan tablet comes in strengths that you can use for your condition. If you have insurance, you’ll also need to check whether your plan will cover Ativan tablet.

To learn more about how generics compare with brand-name drugs, see this article.

Lorazepam oral tablets can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking lorazepam oral tablets. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of lorazepam oral tablets, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to deal with any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with lorazepam oral tablets, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Mild side effects* of lorazepam oral tablets can include:

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* This is a partial list of mild side effects from lorazepam oral tablet. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view lorazepam oral tablet’s prescribing information.
† For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect details” below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from lorazepam oral tablets can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects of lorazepam oral tablet and their symptoms can include:

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect details” directly below.
Lorazepam oral tablet has a boxed warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for these side effects. A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
‡ For more information about this side effect, see the “Lorazepam oral tablet withdrawal and dependence” section below.
§ For more information about this side effect, see the “Lorazepam oral tablet interactions” section below.

Suicide prevention

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

  • Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
  • Listen to the person without judgment.
  • Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
  • Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
  • Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Click here for more links and local resources.

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Side effects in children

Lorazepam oral tablets can be used in children ages 12 years and older. Side effects of this medication in children are similar to those in adults, which are listed above. But children may be more likely to have side effects compared with adults.

Lorazepam oral tablets are not approved for use in children younger than 12 years of age.

Side effect details

Here’s some detail on certain side effects this drug may cause.

Misuse and addiction

Lorazepam oral tablets have a risk of misuse and addiction. In fact, the drug has a boxed warning from the FDA for this side effect. A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

With misuse, a drug is taken in a way not approved or for a use not prescribed by a doctor. Drugs are typically misused to produce pleasurable effects. It’s not known how commonly lorazepam oral tablets are misused. But the drug has a lower risk of misuse than some other prescription medications, such as opioids.

Misuse of lorazepam oral tablets can cause serious side effects, such as breathing problems. It can also lead to overdose and death, especially if someone misuses the drug with alcohol, other medications, or illegal drugs. To read more about this, see the following sections below:

Misuse of lorazepam oral tablets can also lead to addiction. With addiction, it’s difficult to stop using a drug, even though it may be causing physical or psychological harm. Addiction is possible if you do not take lorazepam as prescribed. This is why doctors only prescribe the drug for short periods of time.

Signs of misuse or addiction of lorazepam oral tablets may include:

  • craving higher or more frequent doses
  • taking the tablets in an unapproved way, such as by crushing and snorting them
  • attempting to get an extra supply of the medication
  • secretly taking the medication

You should only take lorazepam oral tablets as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take a higher dose than prescribed. And do not take this medication in a different way, more often, or for a longer period than prescribed. If you’re concerned about misuse or addiction, talk with your doctor as soon as possible. They can help you manage this side effect.

Because lorazepam oral tablets have a risk of misuse, you should store them in a safe place to avoid theft or misuse by others.

Sleepiness

Lorazepam oral tablets may cause sleepiness. This is one of the most common side effects of the medication.

You’re more likely to feel sleepy with lorazepam oral tablets if you take them with alcohol or with other medications that can cause sleepiness. You should not drink alcohol with lorazepam. To learn more, see the “Lorazepam oral tablet and alcohol” and “Lorazepam oral tablet interactions” below.

If you feel sleepy while you’re taking lorazepam oral tablets, do not drive or operate machinery. You should also avoid doing other possibly dangerous activities, such as riding a bike or horse.

If you or someone else taking this medication seems excessively sleepy or sedated or they also have slow or shallow breathing, call your doctor right away. But call 911 or your local emergency number if the symptoms seem life threatening.

Side effects in older people

Older people are more likely than younger people to have troublesome side effects with lorazepam oral tablets.

For example, sleepiness and unsteadiness are more common in older people taking this medication than in younger people. These problems, as well as other side effects such as dizziness or problems with coordination, can lead to falls in older people.

Because older people can be more sensitive to side effects of lorazepam, the medication isn’t generally recommended for this age group.

If you’re older in age, talk with your doctor about other medications that may be more suitable for you.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking lorazepam oral tablets.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

  • skin rash
  • itchiness
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
  • trouble breathing

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to lorazepam, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

The lorazepam oral tablet dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • the type and severity of the condition you’re using lorazepam to treat
  • your age
  • other medical conditions you may have

Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Drug strengths: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg

Lorazepam oral tablets are taken by mouth. They’re available in three strengths:

  • 0.5 milligrams (mg)
  • 1 mg
  • 2 mg

Dosage for anxiety

The usual starting dosage of lorazepam oral tablets for anxiety is 2 mg to 3 mg per day. Typically, your doctor will divide this daily dose into smaller doses that are taken two or three times each day.

If they cannot divide the total daily dose evenly, they will recommend you take the larger portions of the divided daily dose at bedtime.

Your doctor may adjust your dosage of lorazepam, depending on how your body responds to the medication. The normal dose range of lorazepam for anxiety is 2 mg to 6 mg per day. Some people may take a lower dosage, while others may need the maximum dosage of 10 mg per day.

Dosage for insomnia due to anxiety or stress

The usual dose of lorazepam for insomnia (trouble sleeping) that’s caused by anxiety or temporary stress is 2 mg to 4 mg. And it’s taken at bedtime.

Children’s dosage

Lorazepam oral tablets may be prescribed for children ages 12 years and older. It’s not approved for use in younger children.

Children will typically receive a lower dosage of this drug than adults. Their doctor will decide the correct dosage for children.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. But if it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and just take your next dose when scheduled. Never take two doses together to make up for a missed dose. Doing so can cause serious side effects.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or timer on your phone or downloading a reminder app. A kitchen timer can work, too.

Will I need to use this drug long term?

No, lorazepam oral tablets are typically short-term treatments lasting no more than 2 to 4 weeks.

When you stop treatment with lorazepam, you’ll need to gradually stop taking the drug. Do not suddenly stop taking lorazepam. This is because doing so could make your anxiety worse. It could also cause withdrawal symptoms. To read more about this, see the “Lorazepam oral tablet withdrawal and dependence” section below.

When you stop lorazepam treatment, your doctor will usually slowly lower your dosage of the drug. In fact, this may take several weeks. Be sure to carefully follow your doctor’s instructions when stopping lorazepam oral tablets.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about lorazepam oral tablet.

Is lorazepam used for problems with sleep? If so, what’s the dosage for sleep?

Lorazepam oral tablets are used for short-term help with sleep problems caused by anxiety or temporary stress. The usual dosage for this use is 2 mg to 4 mg, taken as a single dose at bedtime.

However, lorazepam oral tablets are not approved for treating other types of sleep problems. If you have sleep problems not related to anxiety, talk with your doctor about the best ways to manage your condition.

Does lorazepam treat alcohol withdrawal, nausea, seizures, pain, or depression?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved lorazepam oral tablets for any of these uses.

However, lorazepam injection is FDA-approved to treat a severe type of seizure called status epilepticus. With this condition, seizures either don’t stop, or they happen one after another without breaks in between.

Lorazepam oral tablets are sometimes used off-label to treat alcohol withdrawal or nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy. The drug might also be used off-label to treat symptoms of vertigo, including nausea and vomiting. (Off-label use means using a drug for a purpose which the FDA hasn’t approved.) If you’re interested in taking lorazepam for these off-label uses, talk with your doctor.

Lorazepam oral tablets are not used to treat depression or pain. But people with depression or pain often also have anxiety or trouble sleeping. Keep in mind that lorazepam can be used for these problems in people with depression or pain. But if you have depression or pain alone, your doctor won’t prescribe lorazepam.

Note: If you have either anxiety or trouble sleeping that’s related to depression, you should not take lorazepam unless you’re also taking an antidepressant. And if you have either anxiety or insomnia that’s associated with pain, you should not take lorazepam if you’re taking an opioid. Using lorazepam with opioids can cause serious side effects. See the “Lorazepam oral tablet interactions” section below to read more about this.

Is lorazepam addictive? Can you take lorazepam by snorting it?

Yes, lorazepam can be addictive. In fact, lorazepam oral tablet has a boxed warning from the FDA regarding the risk of misuse and addiction. A boxed warning is the strongest warning the FDA requires. It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

With misuse, a drug is taken in a way not approved or for a use not prescribed by a doctor. Drugs are typically misused to produce pleasurable effects.

Some people may misuse lorazepam by taking high doses or by crushing and snorting the tablets. But it’s important to know that misuse of lorazepam can cause dangerous side effects, such as breathing problems. This is especially the case if someone misuses the drug with alcohol, other medications, or illegal drugs. Misuse can also lead to overdose or even death.

Misuse of lorazepam oral tablets can also lead to addiction. With addiction, it’s difficult to stop using a drug, even though it may be causing physical or psychological harm. It’s possible to become addicted to lorazepam if you take it as prescribed. This is why doctors only prescribe the drug for short periods of time.

Talk with your doctor if you’re concerned about lorazepam misuse or addiction.

Will lorazepam make me feel ‘high’?

It might. Taking lorazepam can make you feel relaxed, calm, and sleepy. And some people may describe these effects as feeling “high.”

If you have concerns about how lorazepam could make you feel, talk with your doctor.

Sometimes, lorazepam is intentionally misused to produce “high” feelings. (With misuse, a drug is taken in a way not approved or for a use not prescribed by a doctor.)

In fact, lorazepam oral tablets have a boxed warning from the FDA regarding the risk of misuse. A boxed warning is the strongest warning the FDA requires. It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Misuse of lorazepam to produce a “high” feeling can cause dangerous side effects, such as breathing problems. This is especially the case if someone uses it with alcohol or other drugs. Misuse can also lead to overdose or even death.

If you’re concerned about the risk of misuse with lorazepam, talk with your doctor.

Is lorazepam the same as Xanax? And is lorazepam a narcotic?

No, lorazepam isn’t the same as Xanax, but they’re very similar drugs.

Xanax is a brand-name medication that contains the active drug alprazolam. Both alprazolam and lorazepam belong to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. These medications have similar effects, and they’re both used to treat anxiety.

If you’d like to know more about how lorazepam and Xanax compare, talk with your doctor.

Lorazepam is also not a narcotic. Instead, it’s a benzodiazepine. Most narcotics are opioid drugs made from the opium poppy.

Examples of narcotics include:

  • certain illegal drugs, such as heroin
  • strong prescription pain relievers, such as

Does lorazepam cause weight gain?

No, lorazepam isn’t known to cause weight gain. This side effect hasn’t been reported in studies of the drug.

However, some people with anxiety have changes in their appetite that can lead to changes in weight. Keep in mind that lorazepam oral tablets are used to treat anxiety.

If you’re concerned about weight gain with lorazepam, talk with your doctor. They can check for possible reasons for your weight change and recommend ways to help you maintain a healthy weight.

Lorazepam oral tablet is a prescription medication that doctors recommend to relieve anxiety. To read about the drug’s uses in more detail, see the “Lorazepam oral tablet uses” section below.

Lorazepam oral tablets relieve anxiety by boosting the effect of a natural nerve-calming chemical in your brain.

Lorazepam belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. These drugs all have the same mechanism of action, meaning they work in the same way.

Benzodiazepines attach to certain sites in your brain called GABA receptors. This increases the effect of a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that help pass messages between your nerve cells. GABA is a neurotransmitter that has a calming effect. It causes sleepiness, relaxes muscles, and reduces anxiety and tension.

How long does it take to start working?

Lorazepam oral tablets start working about 20 minutes after you take a dose. The drug reaches its maximum effect in your body about 2 hours after you take a dose.

What is lorazepam’s half-life and how long does it stay in your system?

Lorazepam has a half-life of about 12 hours. This is how long it takes for half of a dose to leave your body.

The half-life of a drug is roughly how long the effects of your dose may last. How long a drug lasts in your body depends on how much is taken. For instance, if you take a 1-mg dose of lorazepam, it will last longer in your system than a 0.5-mg dose will last.

Typically, it takes about four to five half-lives for a drug to be fully removed from your system. So lorazepam can stay in your body for about 2.5 days after you’ve taken a dose. But the effects of the dose don’t last that long because the level of the drug decreases with time.

Lorazepam oral tablet is a type of drug called a benzodiazepine. Other drugs, including other benzodiazepines, are available that can treat anxiety.

Some drugs may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to lorazepam oral tablets, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

Note: Some of the drugs listed here are used off-label to treat anxiety. Off-label drug use means using a drug for a purpose other than what it’s been approved for by the FDA.

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat anxiety include:

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as lorazepam oral tablets to treat certain conditions. However, doctors may also prescribe lorazepam oral tablets off-label for other conditions. Off-label drug use means using a drug for a purpose other than what it’s been approved for by the FDA.

Lorazepam oral tablet for anxiety

Lorazepam oral tablet is FDA-approved to relieve anxiety. Doctors may also prescribe it for:

Anxiety can be a normal response to stress or danger. Anxiety associated with the stress of everyday life doesn’t usually need treatment with medication. Instead, anxiety only becomes a problem that may need treatment if it:

  • occurs excessively
  • is out of proportion to the situation
  • interferes with your ability to function normally

Anxiety may occur as part of an anxiety disorder, such as generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder. Anxiety is also common in people with depression.

Symptoms of anxiety can include:

  • long-lasting and excessive worry or fear
  • feeling restless or on edge
  • trouble concentrating
  • insomnia
  • tense muscles
  • irritability
  • panic attacks, which may cause:

Lorazepam has a calming and relaxing effect. It helps to relieve the symptoms of anxiety. It can also help with insomnia caused by anxiety or temporary stress.

This medication is only suitable for short-term use, which in this case is typically 2 to 4 weeks. It’s not known if lorazepam is safe or effective to use longer than 4 months.

Effectiveness for anxiety

Lorazepam is an effective treatment for anxiety that’s been widely used for many years.

The American Psychiatric Association recommends using benzodiazepines such as lorazepam for the short-term treatment of anxiety disorders. Additionally, lorazepam is included as a treatment option in guidelines for managing generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder.

Lorazepam oral tablet and children

Doctors may prescribe lorazepam oral tablets to treat anxiety in children ages 12 years and older. It’s not approved for use in younger children.

Lorazepam oral tablet is FDA-approved to relieve anxiety. It’s often used with other medications to treat anxiety.

For example, both anxiety disorders and depression may be treated with antidepressants. But these drugs can take a few weeks to build up in the body and have their effect.

Lorazepam may be used in combination with an antidepressant when one is first started. This combination of therapy can help quickly relieve anxiety symptoms while the antidepressant starts to work.

Lorazepam may also be used with antidepressants at other times of treatment. For example, if you have periods of time when your anxiety symptoms get worse, the drugs may be used together.

If you’d like to know more about using lorazepam with other drugs, talk with your doctor.

Do not drink alcohol while taking lorazepam oral tablets.

Alcohol increases the central nervous system (CNS) depressant effect of lorazepam. (With CNS depression, brain activity is slowed.)

Drinking alcohol while taking lorazepam can increase the risk of side effects such as:

Drinking alcohol with lorazepam also increases the risk of overdose of lorazepam and even death.

Talk with your doctor if you’re concerned about avoiding alcohol while taking lorazepam oral tablets.

Lorazepam oral tablets can interact with several other medications. This medication can also interact with certain supplements.

Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe.

Lorazepam oral tablet and other medications

Below is a list of medications that can interact with lorazepam oral tablets. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with lorazepam oral tablets.

Before taking lorazepam oral tablets, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Types of drugs that can interact with lorazepam oral tablets include:

  • Opioids.* Taking lorazepam oral tablets with opioids can increase the risk of certain serious side effects,† coma, and death. Lorazepam oral tablets should not be taken with opioids unless there are no other treatment options available. Examples of opioids include:
  • Other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine. Taking it with other benzodiazepines increases the risk of certain serious side effects.† Examples of other benzodiazepines include:
  • Sleeping pills.Taking lorazepam oral tablet with sleep medications increases the risk of certain serious side effects.† Examples of these drugs include:
  • Certain muscle relaxants. Taking lorazepam oral tablets with certain muscle relaxants increases the risk of certain serious side effects.† Examples of these drugs include:
  • Anticonvulsants. Anticonvulsants are seizure medications. Taking lorazepam oral tablets with anticonvulsants increases the risk of certain serious side effects.† Examples of these drugs include:
  • Sedating antihistamines. Sedating antihistamines are medications used to treat allergies. They may also be found in over-the-counter pain relievers or cold and flu remedies. Taking lorazepam oral tablets with sedating antihistamines increases the risk of certain serious side effects.† Examples of these drugs include:
  • Antipsychotics.Antipsychotics are medications used to treat psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Taking lorazepam oral tablets with antipsychotics increases the risk of certain serious side effects.† Examples of these drugs include:
  • Certain antidepressants.Taking lorazepam oral tablets with certain antidepressants increases the risk of certain serious side effects.† Examples of these drugs include:
  • Probenecid. Probenecid is a medication used to treat gout. Taking lorazepam oral tablets with probenecid increases the level of lorazepam in your body. Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of lorazepam that’s lower than usual if you take it with probenecid.
  • Valproate medications. Valproate medications may be used to treat seizures or bipolar disorder. Taking lorazepam oral tablets with valproate medications increases the level of lorazepam in your body. Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of lorazepam that’s lower than usual if you take it with one of these medications. Examples of valproate medications include:
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol). Taking lorazepam oral tablets with this pain reliever might carry a small risk of liver problems. It’s usually fine to take these medications together, but always check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

* Lorazepam oral tablet has a boxed warning from the FDA regarding this interaction. A boxed warning is the strongest warning the FDA requires. It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
† These serious side effects may include excessive sedation (being very sleepy and relaxed) and respiratory depression (slow, shallow breathing).

Lorazepam oral tablet and herbs and supplements

Taking lorazepam oral tablets with herbs or supplements that have sedative effects may cause excessive sleepiness. (With sedation, you’re very sleepy and relaxed.)

Examples of these herbs and supplements include:

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while taking lorazepam oral tablets.

Lorazepam oral tablet and foods

There aren’t any foods that have been specifically reported to interact with lorazepam oral tablets. If you have any questions about eating certain foods with lorazepam oral tablets, talk with your doctor.

You should take lorazepam oral tablets according to the instructions your doctor or healthcare professional gives you.

Lorazepam oral tablet is a pill that people take by mouth.

When to take

For anxiety, you may take lorazepam every day, or just when it’s needed to relieve your symptoms. Always follow your doctor’s instructions. If you take lorazepam every day, you’ll likely take a dose two or three times per day.

For insomnia (trouble sleeping) that’s caused by anxiety or temporary stress, you should take your lorazepam dose just before going to bed.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or timer on your phone or downloading a reminder app. A kitchen timer can work, too.

Taking lorazepam oral tablet with food

You can take lorazepam oral tablets either with or without food.

Can lorazepam oral tablet be crushed, split, or chewed?

You can crush or chew lorazepam oral tablets. You can also split some, but this depends on what the lorazepam tablets look like.

For instance, if your lorazepam tablet is scored, it can usually be split easily. (Scored tablets have a line imprinted on them.) You might want to split your tablets if it’s hard for you to swallow them whole or if you need to take a lower dose than the full tablet contains.

If your tablets aren’t scored, it’s not easy to split them accurately. So ask your pharmacist for scored tablets if you need to split them to take your prescribed dose.

Using more than the recommended dosage of lorazepam oral tablets can lead to serious side effects.

Do not use more lorazepam oral tablets than your doctor recommends.

Overdose symptoms

Symptoms of an overdose of lorazepam oral tablets can include:

What to do in case of overdose

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use their online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Lorazepam oral tablets are not safe to take during pregnancy.

In animal studies, birth defects (development problems) occurred in fetuses of some pregnant females that were given lorazepam. Animal studies don’t always predict what will happen in humans. But studies in humans of drugs similar to lorazepam have shown an increased risk of development problems in fetuses. This was seen when the drugs were used during the first trimester of pregnancy.

In addition, side effects were reported in babies born to mothers who took lorazepam in the last few weeks of their pregnancy. Side effects that may occur in newborns include:

  • being less active than expected for newborns
  • floppiness
  • low body temperature
  • breathing problems such as slow, shallow breathing, or episodes when breathing stops for a period of time
  • feeding problems

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about treatment options other than lorazepam.

If you become pregnant while you’re taking lorazepam, tell your doctor right away. But do not suddenly stop taking lorazepam. Doing so may cause you to have withdrawal symptoms. To read more about this, see the “Lorazepam oral tablet withdrawal and dependence” section below. If you need to stop taking this drug, your doctor will slowly reduce your dosage over time.

Lorazepam oral tablets are not safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re using lorazepam oral tablets.

For more information about taking lorazepam oral tablets during pregnancy, see the “Lorazepam oral tablet and pregnancy” section above.

You should not breastfeed while you’re taking lorazepam oral tablets.

Lorazepam passes into breast milk and can cause side effects in breastfed children. These side effects include:

  • excessive sleepiness or sedation (being very sleepy and relaxed)
  • feeding problems

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about the nursing implications of taking lorazepam. They can recommend the best way to feed your child while you’re taking this drug.

As with all medications, the cost of lorazepam oral tablets can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Before approving coverage for lorazepam oral tablets, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide if it will cover the drug.

If you’re not sure if you’ll need to get prior authorization for lorazepam oral tablets, contact your insurance company.

Financial and insurance assistance

Financial assistance to help you pay for lorazepam oral tablets may be available.

Medicine Assistance Tool and NeedyMeds are two websites offering resources that may help decrease the price you pay for lorazepam oral tablets. These websites also offer tools to help you find low-cost healthcare, as well as educational resources. To learn more, visit their sites.

Mail-order pharmacies

Lorazepam oral tablets may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to get your medication without leaving home.

If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor and your insurance company. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications.

If you don’t have insurance, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about online pharmacy options.

This drug comes with several precautions.

FDA warnings

This drug has boxed warnings. These are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. These warnings are described below.

Risks if used with opioids. Taking lorazepam oral tablets with strong pain medications called opioids can cause serious symptoms. These include excessive sedation (being very sleepy and relaxed), breathing problems, coma, and even death. Examples of opioids include morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl, and codeine.

People should not take lorazepam oral tablets with opioids unless there are no other treatment options available. If you use these medications together, you should take the lowest possible dosage of each drug for the shortest possible time. Call your doctor right away if you become very sleepy or your breathing becomes slow and shallow.

Misuse and addiction. Lorazepam oral tablets have a risk of misuse and addiction. (With misuse, a drug is taken in a way or for a purpose for which it hasn’t been prescribed. And with addiction, it’s difficult to stop using a drug, even though it may be causing physical or psychological harm.) These problems can lead to overdose and death, especially if someone misuses the drug with alcohol, other medications, or illegal drugs. Only take lorazepam oral tablets as prescribed by your doctor.

Dependence and withdrawal. Taking lorazepam oral tablets can lead to dependence on the drug and withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it. (With dependence, your body becomes reliant on a drug in order to function normally.) Withdrawal symptoms from lorazepam can be life threatening. Dependence on lorazepam is more likely if you take it in high doses or over long periods of time. When you stop taking lorazepam, this should usually be done gradually. Follow your doctor’s instructions when stopping this drug.

To learn more about the risk of use with opioids, see the “Lorazepam oral tablet interactions” section above. For more information about misuse and addiction, see the “Lorazepam oral tablet side effects” section. And for more details about withdrawal and dependence, see the “Lorazepam oral tablet withdrawal and dependence” section below.

Other precautions

Before taking lorazepam oral tablets, talk with your doctor about your health history. Lorazepam oral tablets may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include:

  • Acute narrow-angle glaucoma. You should not take lorazepam oral tablets if you have this type of glaucoma, which is also called closed-angle glaucoma. Lorazepam may increase the pressure in your eye and could make this condition worse. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.
  • Allergic reaction. If you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to lorazepam oral tablets or any of their ingredients, you should not take this medication. And you should not take lorazepam oral tablets if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to another benzodiazepine medication. (Lorazepam belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines.) Ask your doctor about other medications that might be better options for you.
  • History of drug or alcohol misuse or addiction. Lorazepam oral tablets have a risk of misuse and addiction. (With misuse, a drug is taken in a way or for a purpose other than prescribed. And with addiction, it’s difficult to stop using a drug, even though it may be causing physical or psychological harm.) The risk of these problems may be higher if someone has misused or had an addiction to drugs or alcohol in the past. Tell your doctor if you have concerns about misuse or addiction with lorazepam. And talk with your doctor about whether this medication is right for you.
  • History of depression. Taking lorazepam oral tablets can cause new or worsening depression. If you’ve had depression in the past, talk with your doctor about whether this medication is right for you. If you currently have depression, you should not take lorazepam oral tablets unless you’re also taking an antidepressant medication. If you have new or worsening symptoms of depression while you’re taking lorazepam, tell your doctor right away.
  • Breathing problems. Taking lorazepam oral tablets can sometimes slow your breathing and worsen breathing problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and sleep apnea. If you have a breathing problem, talk with your doctor about whether lorazepam oral tablets are right for you.
  • Older age. Older people may be more sensitive to the side effects of lorazepam. So the medication isn’t generally recommended for people in this age group. If you’re of older age, talk with your doctor about other medications that may be more suitable for you.
  • Kidney or liver problems. If you have a problem with your liver or kidneys, you may be more likely to have side effects with lorazepam oral tablets. In this case, your doctor may prescribe a dosage of the drug that’s lower than usual.
  • Pregnancy. Lorazepam oral tablet may be harmful if it’s used during pregnancy. For more information, see the “Lorazepam oral tablet and pregnancy” section above.
  • Breastfeeding. Lorazepam passes into breast milk. You should not breastfeed while taking lorazepam oral tablets. For more information, see the “Lorazepam oral tablet and breastfeeding” section above.

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of lorazepam oral tablet, see the “Lorazepam oral tablet side effects” section above.

It’s possible to become dependent on lorazepam oral tablet, even if you take it as prescribed. In fact, the drug has a boxed warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this side effect. A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

It’s more likely for dependence with lorazepam to occur if:

  • a high dose of the drug is taken, or
  • the medication is taken over a long period of time

With drug dependence, your body becomes reliant on a drug in order to function normally. As a result, you can have withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking the drug.

It’s important to note that drug dependence is not the same as drug addiction. With drug addiction, it’s difficult to stop taking a drug, even though it may be causing psychological or physical harm. It’s possible to become addicted to lorazepam. To read more about this, see the “Lorazepam oral tablet side effects” section above.

Withdrawal symptoms of lorazepam oral tablets

Withdrawal symptoms that may occur if lorazepam oral tablets are suddenly stopped can include:

Sometimes, withdrawal symptoms of lorazepam can be serious or even life threatening. And some people who suddenly stop taking lorazepam oral tablets may have withdrawal symptoms that can last for more than a year.

Stopping lorazepam oral tablets

When you stop taking lorazepam, do not do this suddenly. Instead, your doctor will usually slowly reduce your dosage of drug to help you avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Tapering off the medication may take several weeks. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when stopping lorazepam oral tablets.

If you have any withdrawal symptoms when you’re stopping lorazepam oral tablets, tell your doctor right away. They may need to reduce your dosage of lorazepam even more slowly.

When you get lorazepam oral tablets from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the bottle. This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication.

The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid using expired medications. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, talk to your pharmacist about whether you might still be able to use it.

Storage

How long a medication remains good can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication.

Store lorazepam oral tablets at room temperature of 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). They should be kept in a tightly sealed container away from light. Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as bathrooms.

Additionally, because lorazepam oral tablets have a risk of misuse,* you should store them in a safe place to avoid theft or misuse by others. (With misuse, a drug is taken in a way or for a purpose for which it hasn’t been prescribed.)

* Lorazepam oral tablet has a boxed warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for misuse. A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. See the “Lorazepam oral tablet side effects” section above to learn more.

Disposal

If you no longer need to take lorazepam oral tablets and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.

This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information about how to dispose of your medication.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein 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 indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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