Lorazepam Viatris (Lorazepam)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Lorazepam Viatris Used For?
Lorazepam Viatris contains the active ingredient lorazepam and belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. These medications work by affecting brain chemicals to help you feel calmer.
Primary Uses
Lorazepam Viatris is used to relieve anxiety, though anxiety from normal everyday stress usually doesn’t need medication treatment. It’s also given before surgery to help you relax.
How It Works
Benzodiazepines like Lorazepam Viatris work by affecting brain chemicals to produce a calming effect.
Short-term use recommended: Benzodiazepines should generally be taken for short periods only (2-4 weeks) unless your doctor advises otherwise, as longer use may lead to dependence.
How to Take Lorazepam Viatris
Your doctor will determine the right dose for you based on your condition and individual needs. Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly.
Dosage Instructions
For anxiety: usual daily dose is 2-3 mg divided throughout the day, but can range from 1-10 mg daily. For sleep problems due to anxiety: 1-2 mg at bedtime. Before surgery: 2-4 mg the night before, with another 2-4 mg dose 1-2 hours before surgery if needed. Elderly patients may need lower doses. Swallow tablets whole with water, with or without food.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If you miss more than two doses in a row, contact your doctor. For bedtime doses: don’t take if you wake up late at night or early morning, as it may make waking difficult.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. This could be dangerous.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Clumsiness or unsteadiness
- Weakness
- Loss of memory
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Skin rashes
- Feeling sick or vomiting
- Outbursts of anger and increased excitement
- Confusion or depression
- Headache
- Sleep disturbances
- Blurred vision
- Low blood pressure
- Dry mouth
- Excessive salivation
- Changes in appetite
- Nausea
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Lorazepam Viatris should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Take Lorazepam Viatris
Don’t take if you’re allergic to lorazepam or other benzodiazepines, have severe chronic lung disease, sleep apnea (breathing problems during sleep), or depression with or without anxiety (as lorazepam can increase thoughts of death or suicide).
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have liver, kidney or lung disease, blood disorders, fits or convulsions, severe muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis), low blood pressure, glaucoma, depression, psychosis or schizophrenia. Also inform your doctor if you drink alcohol regularly.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Don’t take during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless you and your doctor have discussed the risks and benefits. The medication may affect newborn development, cause breathing difficulties, muscle stiffness, temperature drops, or skin yellowing. Babies born to mothers taking this medication may experience withdrawal symptoms and require ventilation at birth.
Children: Safety and effectiveness in children under 16 years has not been established. Don’t give to children unless advised by their doctor.
Drug Interactions
Several types of medications can interact with Lorazepam Viatris and affect how it works or increase side effects.
Important: These medications may increase the effects of Lorazepam Viatris. Your doctor may need to adjust your doses or prescribe different medicines.
- Other sleeping tablets, sedatives or tranquillizers
- Medicines for depression
- Medicines for allergies (antihistamines or cold tablets)
- Pain relievers
- Muscle relaxants
- Medicines to control fits
Alcohol & Driving
Lorazepam Viatris can significantly affect your ability to drive safely and can interact dangerously with alcohol.
Alcohol
Alcohol increases the effects of Lorazepam Viatris, making symptoms like dizziness and drowsiness worse. Your doctor may suggest avoiding alcohol or reducing the amount you drink while taking this medication.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Don’t drive or operate machinery until you know how Lorazepam Viatris affects you. This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness and affect your alertness. Even if you take it at night, you may still feel drowsy or dizzy the next day.
Storage
Keep tablets in their original pack until it’s time to take them. Store in a cool, dry place where temperature stays below 25°C. Don’t store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Store where young children cannot reach it.
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve taken too much Lorazepam Viatris, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine. Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, confusion, tiredness, dizziness, breathing difficulties, weakness, or unconsciousness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lorazepam Viatris should usually be taken for short periods only (2-4 weeks). Continuous long-term use is not recommended unless advised by your doctor, as benzodiazepines may lead to dependence.
Yes, you can take Lorazepam Viatris with or without food. Swallow the tablets with a glass of water.
Don’t stop suddenly without checking with your doctor first. Stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms including insomnia, anxiety, fast heartbeat, panic attacks, dizziness, and other effects. Your doctor will slowly reduce your dose to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Alcohol increases the effects of Lorazepam Viatris and may make symptoms like dizziness and drowsiness worse. Your doctor may suggest avoiding alcohol or reducing the amount you drink while taking this medication.
Elderly patients may need lower doses and should be especially careful as they may experience side effects like drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, and unsteadiness, which can increase the risk of falls.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember. Never take a double dose. If you miss more than two doses in a row, contact your doctor.
Don’t take during pregnancy unless you and your doctor have discussed the risks and benefits. It may affect newborn development and cause breathing difficulties, muscle stiffness, temperature drops, or withdrawal symptoms in babies.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.