Lorazepam

Lorazepam

We have all experienced moments of anxiety or sleepless nights at some point in our lives. That is where lorazepam comes into play. This potent medication has gained recognition for its effectiveness in managing anxiety disorders and sleep issues. 

Let us take a closer look at what lorazepam is and how it works in the body. We will discuss the various lorazepam 2mg tablet uses, including its role in treating anxiety and as a sleep aid. 

What is Lorazepam?

Lorazepam drug is a powerful medication that belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. It influences the brain and nerves, producing a calming effect. We use lorazepam tablets to treat various conditions, including anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and certain seizure disorders like epilepsy. This drug enhances the effects of GABA, a natural chemical in our body. It is important to note that lorazepam works by slowing brain activity, allowing for relaxation and reducing anxiety symptoms. 

Lorazepam Tablet Uses

We use lorazepam tablets for various purposes. The FDA-approved lorazepam uses are:

• Short-term relief of anxiety manifestations related to anxiety disorders. 
• Anxiety-associated insomnia.
• Lorazepam has an influence on premedication for anaesthesia in adults, helping to relieve anxiety or induce sedation and amnesia. 
• Doctors also employ lorazepam tablets to treat status epilepticus, a severe seizure condition. 

Off-label uses are:

• Chemotherapy-associated nausea and vomiting
• Managing alcohol withdrawal syndrome
• Muscle spasms
• Insomnia
• Rapid tranquillisation of agitated patients
• Panic disorders
• Psychogenic catatonia

How to Use Lorazepam Tablets

Individuals always take lorazepam precisely as their doctor has instructed. 

• Individuals should take lorazepam tablets with a drink of water, with or without food. The dosing depends on the individual's medical condition, age, and response to treatment. 
• Swallow the lorazepam tablet whole without breaking, crushing, or chewing it. 
• If you are using lorazepam regularly, take it at the same time(s) each day to get the most benefit. 
• It is important not to suddenly stop using lorazepam without consulting our doctor, as some conditions may worsen when the drug is abruptly stopped.
• Using this medication for a long time may make it ineffective. Consult your doctor if this medication no longer works as well as it used to.

Side Effects of Lorazepam Tablets

Lorazepam tablets can influence individuals in various ways. Common side effects include: 

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Hypotension
• Weakness
• Headaches
• Blurred vision
• Problems with coordination
• Confusion or trouble with memory
• Libido changes
• Irregular menstruation 
• Signs of infection, like persistent sore throat or fever
• Appetite changes or constipation

More serious side effects, though rare, can occur, such as: 

• Respiratory depression and failure
• Tachycardia
• Depression
• Suicidal thoughts
• Increased risk of misuse and addiction associated with lorazepam
• Paradoxical reactions, such as hyperactive and aggressive behaviour

Precautions

Individuals must take certain precautions when using lorazepam tablets, such as: 

• Medicinal Precaution: It is important to inform your doctor about your allergies, especially benzodiazepines or other medications. Individuals also tell their doctor about all ongoing medicinal history to avoid any drug interaction.
• Medical History: Individuals should also disclose their medical history, particularly if they have kidney or liver disease, glaucoma, breathing problems, mental health disorders, or a history of substance abuse disorder. 
• Drowsiness Precaution: Lorazepam may cause drowsiness or dizziness, so individuals should avoid driving a vehicle or operating machinery. They should also avoid alcohol while taking this medication. 
• Elderlies: For older adults, lorazepam may have a heightened effect, increasing the risk of falls. 
• Pregnancy: Pregnant women should be aware that lorazepam can harm an unborn baby and may even cause withdrawal symptoms in newborns. Therefore, it is essential to discuss the complications and benefits with our doctor if we are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• Lactation: Lorazepam passes into breast milk, so consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

How Diazepam Tablet Works

Lorazepam, a benzodiazepine, has a significant influence on the central nervous system. It gets attached to specific receptors in the brain, enhancing the effects of GABA, a natural chemical that calms nerve activity. This binding causes an increase in the flow of chloride ions inside the cells, causing hyperpolarisation & stabilisation of the cellular plasma membrane. This results in a calming effect on the brain and nerves. Lorazepam's anticonvulsant properties are linked to its binding to voltage-dependent sodium channels, which limits sustained repetitive firing. Interestingly, the binding site of lorazepam determines its effects. For instance, binding in the amygdala helps with anxiety disorders, while binding in the cerebral cortex aids in managing seizure disorders.

Can I Take Diazepam with Other Medicines?

You need to be cautious when taking lorazepam with other medicines. It is mandatory to inform your doctor about all ongoing medications, including herbal remedies, vitamins, and supplements. Lorazepam can interact with various drugs, such as: 

• Alcohol
• Opioid pain or cough reducers, such as codeine and hydrocodone
• Antidepressants
• Antiseizure medication such as valproic acid
• Antihistamines like cetirizine
• Antipsychotics such as clozapine
• Barbiturates such as phenobarbital, pentobarbital, primidone
• Cannabis
• Sedatives and sleeping drugs like ketamine, zolpidem, zaleplon
• Strong painkillers
• Herbal medicines for anxiety or insomnia like valerian or passionflower
• Muscle relaxants like carisoprodol

Dosing Information

Individuals can take lorazepam tablets with or without food, usually twice or thrice daily. 

For anxiety in adults, doctors typically start with 2 to 3 mg daily, divided into doses. 

To address sleeping problems, doctors typically start with 1 to 2 mg before bedtime. 

Older adults or individuals with kidney or liver issues may need a lower dose. 

It is important to follow your doctor's instructions precisely. Treatment is usually short-term, often up to four weeks. Your doctor may gradually decrease your dose at the end of the treatment to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Conclusion

Lorazepam has an influence on our lives in numerous ways, offering relief from anxiety and sleeplessness while requiring careful consideration of its use. This medication's ability to calm the nervous system provides much-needed support for those grappling with anxiety disorders, panic attacks, and insomnia. However, it is important to remember that lorazepam is a powerful drug with potential adverse effects and risks, including drowsiness, dizziness, and the possibility of dependence.

To use lorazepam safely, follow your doctor's instructions closely and be aware of any interactions with other medications or substances. While lorazepam can be a valuable tool in managing anxiety and sleep issues, it is just one part of a comprehensive treatment approach to mental health. Combining medication with therapy, lifestyle changes, and open communication with doctors can lead to the best outcomes and improve overall well-being.

FAQs

1. Does lorazepam cause weight gain?

Lorazepam can influence weight, causing both gain and loss. Short-term use may lead to decreased appetite and weight loss, while long-term use is more likely to result in weight gain. This can be due to the drug's sedating effects, which may reduce physical activity and slow down metabolism.

2. Does lorazepam cause depression?

Lorazepam may cause mood changes, potentially leading to depression or suicidal thoughts. If individuals have a history of mood disorders, taking lorazepam might increase the risk of these conditions returning or worsening. It is necessary to inform our doctor about any pre-existing mental health conditions before starting lorazepam treatment.

3. Who should not take lorazepam?

If there is a history of drug or alcohol abuse, severe respiratory disease, or are at high risk of falls, it is recommended to avoid lorazepam. It is also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with renal or hepatic impairment, or those with pre-existing depression. Older adults and children may be more sensitive to its effects and should use it cautiously.

4. Is it OK to take lorazepam daily?

Doctors usually prescribe lorazepam for short-term use, typically from a few days to 4 weeks. Taking it daily for extended periods can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms. 

5. Which is better, lorazepam or clonazepam?

Both lorazepam and clonazepam are benzodiazepines used to treat anxiety disorders. Lorazepam is also used for insomnia and alcohol withdrawal, while clonazepam is used for seizure disorders. The choice between the two depends on our specific condition and individual response. 

6. How quickly does lorazepam work?

Lorazepam's onset of action varies and depends on the administration route. When taken orally, it typically starts working within 20 to 30 minutes. However, when administered intravenously, lorazepam starts showing clinical effects after about 5 minutes, with its maximum effect noted approximately 20 minutes after administration.

7. What happens if I miss a dose?

If you forget to take your lorazepam dose for anxiety and it is less than 3 hours since the missed dose, you should take it as soon as you remember. If more than 3 hours have passed, you should skip the missed dose and have your next dose at the usual time. For sleeping problems, you should leave out the missed dose if you still need to take it by bedtime.

8. What should I avoid while taking lorazepam?

Individuals should avoid alcohol while taking lorazepam, as it can increase the chance of side effects such as drowsiness and respiratory depression. It is also important to avoid driving a vehicle or operating machinery until you know how lorazepam affects you. Individuals should not take any other medications, including over-the-counter drugs, without first consulting their doctor to ensure compatibility with lorazepam.