Warnings


What may interact with Ativan?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

-narcotic medicines for cough
-sodium oxybate

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

-alcohol
-antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold
-certain medicines for anxiety or sleep
-certain medicines for depression, like amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline
-certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone
-general anesthetics like lidocaine, pramoxine, tetracaine
-MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
-medicines that relax muscles for surgery
-narcotic medicines for pain
-phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

What should I tell my health care provider before I take Ativan?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

-glaucoma
-history of drug or alcohol abuse problem
-kidney disease
-liver disease
-lung or breathing disease, like asthma
-mental illness
-myasthenia gravis
-Parkinson''s disease
-suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
-an unusual or allergic reaction to lorazepam, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using Ativan?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Do not stop taking except on your doctor''s advice. You may develop a severe reaction. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy and fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

If you are taking another medicine that also causes drowsiness, you may have more side effects. Give your health care provider a list of all medicines you use. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. Do not take more medicine than directed. Call emergency for help if you have problems breathing or unusual sleepiness.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law.

This medicine may cause accidental overdose and death if taken by other adults, children, or pets. Mix any unused medicine with a substance like cat litter or coffee grounds. Then throw the medicine away in a sealed container like a sealed bag or a coffee can with a lid. Do not use the medicine after the expiration date.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed.