Lorazepam is a medication used to treat anxiety. It can also be used to treat anxiety with symptoms of depression, according to Drugs.com. It belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines, which work to balance certain neurotransmitters in the brain that become unbalanced during anxiousness. Lorazepam is available as a tablet that is typically taken every day.
Routine Side Effects
In a study of 3,500 patients treated for anxiety, the National Library of Medicine reported that 15.9 percent developed drowsiness, 6.9 percent experienced dizziness, 4.2 percent had weakness and 3.4 percent had unsteadiness. According to Drugs.com, lorazepam may cause blurry vision, muscle weakness, lack of coordination and trouble concentrating. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, changes in appetite and difficulty concentrating. Call your doctor if these symptoms persist for at least three days.
Harmful Side Effects
According to MedlinePlus, serious side effects include constipation, trouble urinating, changes in libido and restlessness. Other harmful side effects are a persistent tremor, fever, arrythmia (irregular heartbeat) and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). You can also develop a shuffling gait and have trouble breathing. Call 911 if you have these manifestations, as they can pose a threat to your life.
Other Side Effects
The National Library of Medicine says that other side effects include memory problems, euphoria, convulsions, slurred speech, erectile dysfunction and headaches. You can also develop alopecia (hair loss), thrombocytopenia (low platelet counts) and hyponatremia (low sodium levels). Other side effects include agitation, hostility, aggression and hallucinations.
Miscellaneous Concerns
Do not take lorazepam if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. According to Drugs.com, lorazepam can seep into umbilical cord blood and affect your baby. It can also transfer into breast milk and harm your nursing baby.
Avoid alcohol use when taking lorazepam, as the combination can lead to impaired thinking and slow reaction times.
You should not take lorazepam if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. You can develop trouble breathing, swelling of your tongue or throat and hives.
Avoid lorazepam if you have a history of drug or alcohol addiction. You can become physically or psychologically dependent on it.
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