Lorazepam Extended Release Oral Capsule (LORAZEPAM EXTENDED-RELEASE - ORAL)

Instructions

Swallow the medicine without crushing or chewing it.

If unable to swallow the capsule, open the capsule and sprinkle onto applesauce. Eat the applesauce right away.

This medicine may be taken with or without food.

Drink some water after the medicine to make sure it is completely swallowed.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

Discard any unused, mixed medicine after 2 hours at room temperature.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

This medicine can be habit-forming. If you use this medicine regularly for a long time, it can lead to withdrawal symptoms when you stop. Please use this medicine only as directed.

If you stop this medicine suddenly, after using it regularly for a long time, you may have withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor may ask you to slowly reduce your dose before stopping it. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any symptoms of withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms can include headaches, restlessness, hallucinations, confusion, depression, nausea, or seizures.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

If possible, avoid using with alcohol, marijuana, or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Call the doctor if there are any signs of confusion or unusual changes in behavior.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• blurry vision
• constipation
• dizziness or drowsiness
• headaches
• nausea

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
• anger or hostile feelings
• decreased awareness or responsiveness
• loss of balance
• shallow, irregular breathing
• confusion
• cough that does not go away
• depression or feeling sad
• fainting
• fever or chills
• hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
• irritability
• lightheadedness
• memory problems or loss
• restlessness
• seizures
• difficulty speaking
• talking quickly
• suicidal thoughts
• unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
• blurring or changes of vision
• yellowing of eyes or skin

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.