Medication Info

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Lorazepam(Ativan)

Oral Solution

Be sure to carefully read the following information and contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any additional questions or concerns.

THIS MEDICATION IS USED:

To relieve nervousness and tension, relax muscles or relieve muscle spasm. Also used to treat certain convulsive disorders.

PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION:

Take this medicine exactly as your doctor instructed.
This medicine can be taken with food (e.g. crackers, slice of bread or a small meal) or a full glass of water (8 ounces) unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Liquid:

This medicine can be diluted with the following to improve the taste: ½ glass (4 ounces) of water, grapefruit, orange, tomato or pineapple juice. DO NOT mix with caffeine containing products (e.g. coffee, tea, soft drinks).
If a dropper is used to measure the dose and you do not fully understand how to use it, ask your pharmacist.
You should use a specially marked measuring spoon, or other device to measure an accurate dose. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of medicine. Your pharmacist can assist you in obtaining a proper measuring device.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO REMEMBER:

This medicine may cause drowsiness, dizziness or light-headedness. DO NOT drive a car, operate any dangerous machinery or do jobs that require you to be alert until you know how you are going to react to this medicine.
This medicine may cause dizziness or light-headedness. AVOID sudden changes in posture. Sit or lie down at the first signs of dizziness. Be careful going up or down stairs.
The use of alcohol with this medicine may increase your chance of becoming drowsy, dizzy or light-headed. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before drinking alcoholic beverages or taking nonprescription medicines that contain alcohol. This effect may last for a few days after you stop taking this medicine.
DO NOT take an antacid (e.g. Maalox, Mylanta, etc.) at the same time that you take this medicine. The antacid will slow down the time it takes for this medicine to have an effect.
Caution: If taking this medicine before napping or at bedtime, DO NOT SMOKE in bed. You may fall asleep while the cigarette is still lit.
It is important that you advise your other doctors and dentists that you are taking this medicine before starting other treatment.
DO NOT change the amount of medicine taken or stop the medicine abruptly without first consulting your doctor.
It is important that you ask your doctors or pharmacist advice before taking any nonprescription drugs such as pain relievers, antacids, sleeping pills, diet products, and cough/cold or allergy medications while you are taking this medicine.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS:

Call your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have any concerns regarding side effects and before treating any side effects you may experience.

Dizziness, drowsiness, light-headedness, clumsiness, blurred vision, constipation, difficulty in urination, headache, nausea or vomiting, slurred speech, unusual tiredness, weakness or mental confusion.

MISSED DOSE INSTRUCTIONS:

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. BUT if it is almost time for the next dose, DO NOT take the missed dose or DO NOT DOUBLE the next dose. Instead, continue with your regular dosing schedule.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE SAFE USE OF YOUR MEDICINE:

CAREFULLY read the prescription label and any auxiliary labeling; if you do not understand the directions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you may take your medicine(s) with fruit juices (such as grapefruit juice), hot liquids, carbonated beverages or milk.
Never share your medicines with your family or friends, even if their symptoms seem to be the same as yours.
Read the labels of nonprescription drugs carefully before you take them. Look for warnings, which indicate if the nonprescription medicine interacts with other medicines or interferes with or aggravates certain diseases. If such a warning pertains to your condition or prescription, DO NOT take the nonprescription medicine without first checking with your doctor or pharmacist.