Lorazepam is a prescription medication indicated primarily for the treatment of anxiety, according to the National Institutes of Health's MedlinePlus online resource. While lorazepam produces pronounced effects for its pharmacological indication, it also has a variety of side effects. Fully understanding the effects of this medication and discussing them with the prescribing physician is important before taking lorazepam.
Features
Lorazepam is a member of a fairly large family of drugs called benzodiazepines, which are central nervous system depressants that include such medications such as diazepam, alprazolam and clonazepam, according to the Mayo Clinic. The drug increases the amount of a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger, in the brain called gamma aminobutyric acid, or GABA. This stimulation of GABA release in the brain produces lorazepam's distinct effects on the way a person feels.
Effects
Commonly prescribed to manage the symptoms of anxiety or panic disorders, lorazepam functions as an anxyolitic, or anti-anxiety drug. The primary effect of lorazepam is fast-acting relief from severe anxiety or a panic attack, which stems from the medication's central nervous system depressant properties. Lorazepam effectively slows down the action of the brain and body, reports the American Cancer Society, producing sensations of relaxation and calm, making it a useful medication to help calm patients before a surgical procedure.
Side Effects
Aside from anxiety relief, lorazepam can cause any of a wide variety of side effects, ranging from minor to problematic. Mild sleepiness and drowsiness are common side effects, reports MayoClinic.com. Side effects of concern, which should be mentioned to the prescribing physician, and listed by MedlinePlus include blurred vision, constipation, and frequent urination. If lorazepam produces severe side effects such as fever, skin rash, tremors, or difficulty breathing, it is crucial to contact a doctor immediately.
Dependence
If lorazepam is taken regularly for than two to three weeks, dependence can occur. Like other benzodiazepines, lorazepam is habit-forming, as the brain grows dependent on the medication to regulate its supply of GABA. If lorazepam use is stopped suddenly during a period of dependence, the effects of withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, insomnia and even seizures can arise. Discontinuing lorazepam after long periods of use should only be done with a doctor's supervision. A physician will develop a strategy to titrate, or taper down the dose to avoid the unpleasant effects of lorazepam withdrawal.
Warning
Lorazepam interacts with certain other drugs, and some interactions can cause harmful effects. Other central nervous system depressant drugs, including barbiturates and different benzodiazepines, will enhance the anxiolytic effects of lorazepam, while amplifying side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. Also, narcotic painkillers such as hydrocodone, oxycodone and morphine, and especially alcohol should be avoided, since these drugs can interact with lorazepam to produce serious effects such as confusion, coma, and even respiratory failure.
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