What side effects are possible with this medication?
A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. A side effect may be mild or severe, temporary or permanent, but does not occur in everyone. The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away over time. If you develop any of these side effects (or any other side effects not listed here) or they change in intensity, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice on managing them and on the risks and benefits of the medication.
- clumsiness or unsteadiness
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- drowsiness
- weakness
Click here to learn about serious side effects that can potentially occur with any medication. These examples are provided for information purposes only and are not meant to be exhaustive. Always consult your doctor for sound medical advice specific to your particular medication and treatment.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone at 1-800-332-1088.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Breathing problems: People with breathing problems should be carefully monitored by their doctor while taking lorazepam, since it can slow down the breathing rate.
Dependence and withdrawal: Physical dependence (a need to take regular doses to prevent physical symptoms) has been associated with benzodiazepines such as lorazepam. Severe withdrawal symptoms may be experienced if the dose is significantly reduced or the medication is suddenly stopped. Withdrawal symptoms can include:
- abdominal cramps
- agitation
- confusion
- diarrhea
- extreme anxiety
- hallucinations
- headache
- irritability
- memory impairment
- muscle pain
- nervousness
- restlessness
- sensitivity to light and noise
- sleep problems
- tension
- tremors
- vomiting
Reducing the dose gradually under medical supervision can help prevent or decrease these withdrawal symptoms. People who have a history of addiction or substance use problems should discuss the risks and benefits of taking this medication.
Depression: People who have preexisting depression may experience emerging or worsening symptoms of depression while taking this medication. If you experience this, contact your doctor as soon as possible. People with depression should be treated with appropriate antidepressant therapy.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Lorazepam causes drowsiness and sedation. People taking lorazepam should not drive a car or perform hazardous tasks until they determine that this medication does not impair their ability to perform these tasks safely. Avoid drinking alcohol, as it can increase the drowsiness effects of this medication.
Kidney and liver function: People with impaired kidney and liver function should be closely monitored by a doctor while taking this medication.
Lung disease: People with underlying lung disease (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep apnea) should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Paradoxical reactions: Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam can sometimes cause a worsening of the condition that the medication is intended to treat. This occurs more often in children and seniors. If you notice a worsening of your symptoms, stop taking this medication and talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy. Using lorazepam during the first trimester of pregnancy may result in an increased risk of certain birth defects. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, stop taking it immediately and call your doctor.
Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking lorazepam, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established for children under 12 years of age.
Seniors: Seniors may be more likely to experience side effects of lorazepam, such as sedation and impaired coordination. Seniors should use extra caution in situations requiring alertness or coordination, such as getting up during the night. Seniors should discuss with their doctor the risks and benefits of taking this medication.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
There may be an interaction between lorazepam and any of the following:
- alcohol
- aminophylline
- anesthetics (e.g., propofol)
- anticonvulsants (e.g., carbamazepine, valproic acid)
- antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine, venlafaxine)
- antihistamines (e.g., chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine)
- antipsychotics (e.g., chlorpromazine, olanzapine)
- barbiturates (e.g. phenobarbital)
- clozapine
- MAO inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine)
- narcotics (e.g., codeine, morphine)
- other benzodiazepines(e.g.,diazepam, clonazepam)
- probenecid
- sedatives (e.g., zopiclone)
- theophylline
- tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, imipramine)
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.