lorazepam (injection) Health Article

Before receiving lorazepam injection, tell your doctor if you have any breathing problems, glaucoma, kidney or liver disease, or a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or addiction to drugs or alcohol.

Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy. They can add to sleepiness caused by lorazepam injection.

In an emergency situation, it may not be possible before you receive medication to tell your caregivers about any health conditions you have or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. However, make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows that you did receive lorazepam injection.

After treatment with lorazepam injection, you will be watched to make sure the medication does not cause harmful side effects.

What is lorazepam injection?

Lorazepam is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens). Lorazepam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety.

Lorazepam injection is used to treat a seizure emergency called status epilepticus. This medication is also used as a sedative to help you relax before having surgery.

Lorazepam injection may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using lorazepam injection?

You should not receive lorazepam injection if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, sleep apnea, or severe breathing problems. You also should not receive this medication if you are allergic to lorazepam or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), or oxazepam (Serax).

If possible before you receive lorazepam injection, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• glaucoma;

• sleep apnea or severe breathing problem;

• asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing problems;

• kidney disease; or

• liver disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to receive lorazepam injection, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.