Apo-Lorazepam Warnings

Lorazepam is not recommended for use in depressive neurosis or in psychotic reactions. Because of the lack of sufficient clinical experience, lorazepam is not recommended for use in patients less than 18 years of age. It should not be used in children under 6 years of age. Since lorazepam has a CNS depressant effect, patients should be advised against the simultaneous use of other CNS depressant drugs. Patients should also be cautioned not to take alcohol during the administration of lorazepam because of the potentiation of effects that may occur.
Occupational hazards: Excessive sedation has been observed with lorazepam at standard therapeutic doses. Therefore, patients on lorazepam should be warned against engaging in hazardous activities requiring mental alertness and motor coordination, such as operating dangerous machinery or driving motor vehicles.
Pregnancy and Lactation: Safe use in pregnancy has not been established. Therefore, lorazepam is not recommended for use during pregnancy or lactation. Several studies have suggested an increased risk of congenital malformations associated with the use of the benzodiazepines, chlordiazepoxide and diazepam, and meprobamate, during the first trimester of pregnancy. Since lorazepam is also a benzodiazepine derivative, its administration is rarely justified in women of child-bearing potential. If the drug is prescribed to a woman of child-bearing potential, she should be warned to contact her physician regarding discontinuation of the drug if she intends to become or suspects that she is pregnant.