Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Lorazepam as follows:
- Observe compliance with any periodical lab draws ordered, while taking Lorazepam.
- Lorazepam intake, secondary to depression of central nervous system, results in dizziness and confusion. Avoid sudden changes in position, until you are used to the side-effects of Lorazepam intake. Sudden change of positions can make the confusion and dizzy episodes even worse and precipitate accidents and falls. Observing compliance with use of assistive devices prescribed can help fall prevention. Report any episodes of increased dizziness, syncope, and loss of consciousness while taking Lorazepam. Discuss with your physician regarding all your medications and their risk of causing drowsiness and confusion, so that, they could be avoided taken concurrently with Lorazepam.
- Do not share Lorazepam pills with family and friends. Lorazepam intake can be habit-forming and carries an abuse potential. The risk for addiction and abuse can be even higher, especially in individuals with history of substance abuse. Keep a regular track of the number of pills left in your pillbox, to prevent a chance for abuse. Count your pills every day, especially if you have friends and family members around, with history of drug abuse. Lorazepam must be used with extreme caution or avoided in individuals with drug abuse history. Report any abuse of medication to your physician immediately and seek intervention.
- Continue taking Lorazepam, as recommended, even if you obtain relief from the presenting symptoms and your mood feels better. Discontinuing the medication abruptly, without your physician’s recommendation, can result in disruption of chemical balance in the brain, resulting in worsening of mood disorder and severe withdrawal symptoms. Discontinuing the medication should be gradual and only as recommended by your physician. Individuals, on sudden withdrawal of Lorazepam, can present with complaints such as, exacerbation of anxiety episodes, precipitation of seizures, muscle spasms and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms of insomnia, impulsiveness, agitation, hallucinations, mania, and suicidal thoughts. Report any development of and/or deterioration of symptoms of mood disorder following Lorazepam withdrawal, immediately to your physician, so that, a change in plan of care could be considered.
