pms-Lorazepam

Lorazepam

Short-term relief of manifestations of excessive anxiety in patients w/ anxiety neurosis. Adjunct for the relief of excessive anxiety that might be present prior to surgical interventions.

Generalized anxiety disorder Adult Initially 2 mg daily in divided doses of 0.5, 0.5 & 1 mg, or 1 mg & 1 mg. Carefully increase or decrease daily dose by 0.5 mg based on tolerance & response. Usual dose: 2-3 mg daily. Optimal dose: 1-4 mg daily. Max: 6 mg daily. Elderly & debilitated patient Initial daily dose should not exceed 0.5 mg. Gradually adjust based on tolerance & response. Excessive anxiety prior to surgical procedures Adult Individualized dose.

May be taken with or without food.

Hypersensitivity to lorazepam or other benzodiazepines. Patients w/ myasthenia gravis or acute narrow angle glaucoma.

Use of benzodiazepines can lead to abuse, misuse, addiction, physical dependence (including tolerance) & w/drawal reactions. Avoid abrupt discontinuation or rapid dose reduction. Always prescribe at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible. Reports of severe anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions. Not recommended for use in depressive neurosis or in psychotic reactions. Do not use in patients w/ non-pathological anxiety. Not effective in patients w/ characterological & personality disorders or those w/ obsessive-compulsive neurosis. Suicidal tendencies may be present during use. Pre-existing depression may emerge or worsen during use. Perform periodic blood counts & liver function tests in patients for whom prolonged therapy is indicated. May worsen hepatic encephalopathy. Use w/ caution in patients w/ compromised resp function (eg, COPD, sleep apnea syndrome). Do not co-administer w/ other CNS depressant drugs. Concomitant use w/ opioids. May impair ability to drive or operate machinery. Patients w/ renal or hepatic impairment. Do not use during pregnancy & lactation. Do not use in childn <18 yr. Avoid long-term use in geriatric or debilitated patients.

Drowsiness.

Additive CNS depressant effects w/ other CNS depressants eg, barbiturates, antipsychotics, sedative/hypnotics, anxiolytics, antidepressants, narcotic analgesics, sedative antihistamines, anticonvulsants, anesth & alcohol. Increased incidence of sedation, hallucinations & irrational behaviour w/ concomitant use of lorazepam inj & scopolamine. Increased risk of profound sedation, resp depression, coma, & death w/ opioids. Apnea, coma, bradycardia, heart arrest, & death w/ concomitant use of lorazepam inj & haloperidol. Marked sedation, excessive salivation, & ataxia w/ clozapine. Increased plasma conc & reduced clearance w/ valproate. More rapid onset or prolonged effect w/ probenecid. Reduced sedative effect w/ theophylline or aminophylline.

Anxiolytics

N05BA06 - lorazepam ; Belongs to the class of benzodiazepine derivatives anxiolytics. Used in the management of anxiety, agitation or tension.

DD, P₁S₁S₃