Lorazepem

[DEN53]

Is anybody taking this at the moment, would just like some feedback.

[stonekicker]

yep. lovely stuff - what are you taking it for, when during the day and what dose? just to offer appropriate advice. max of 4mg in 24hrs and can make you drowsy and lower your blood pressure. alcohol will also increase the effects of lorazepam, so be careful. standard warnings of do not drive or operate machinery if you are drowsy x

[DEN53]

Its not me taking it stoney - its my Mum who is 81 she has vascular dementia - she is on 1mg per day - but she has half in the morning and half at night. Not sure if it will help her, but we live in hope. Den x

[stonekicker]

ok, den. your mum will probably be having it to help with anxiety or agitation that can occur with dementia as it will be a confusing and stress provoking experience for her. she is on a smaller dose than the max of 4mg as she is older and her liver will excrete the drug more slowly than a younger adult.

this is better than the older and more sedating drugs that people used to use to keep patients quiet, but often had the reverse effect as the drugs would build up in their systems or be too strong, making them more confused in the end. the use of lorazepam is not unusual alongside newer treatments for dementia and is usually part of a sound medication approach to the disorder. i wish you, your mum and family all the best x

[DEN53]

stoney - she was on Pregablin 75mg twice a day, but had no affect on her. She has only been on Lorazepem for 2 days, but we have noticed she seems more agitated.

[ann_h]

Check the times she is getting agitated - Lorazepam is much more short acting than other benzo's,and possibility of a rebound effect, so maybe she needs a different schedule?

[DEN53]

Thanks Ann.

[RATTER15]

I work in a severe dementia unit as a senior carer very involved in medication, we have a few residents on Lorazepam, it does work very well and helps control agitation very well, Talk to your Dr about scheduling and take notes of what times she is getting agitated and if there are triggers for the agitation. some times it can take a while to get the right balance, be patient and keep your GP informed of any changes and problems, it could also be that this drug is not the one for your Mother.

[DEN53]

Thanks for your reply Ratter.

[tweaker]

Lorazepam 1mg are very strong. I'd say it's the same as a 10mg diazepam tablet.
muscle relaxants, as with other benzodiazepines, stress, anxiety, sleeping, etc...

I'd check this link out, it seems rather informative.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorazepam

[tweaker]

Sorry Den53 this link!

http://www.medicinene...lorazepam/article.htm

[DEN53]

After reading this Tweaker- I am not sure if my Mum should be on them.

[tweaker]

Each person is so unique that some medications will work better with some rather than others, I take it your mother's G.P prescribed them?, or were they prescribed by a hospital consultant? I knew lorazepam were strong, but short acting - may-be thats were the problem lies up down up down, if she was on a steady dose 24 hours and always had them same amount in her system she might improve.

You say she's been on them for 2 days, well with benzodiazepines most are instantaneous, I my self have nitrazepam 2x5mg a day (in the morning). Nitrazepam is supposed to be taken at night for insomnia, but they keep me awake, which is like I said everyone is different.

I'm not a doctor, but the advice given so far on this thread is sound, I guess a further visit to the G.P is best.

[DEN53]

Just an update, Stoney, Tweaker, Ann and Ratter - we stopped the Lorazepem - my Mum collapsed last night, definately the meds.

[tweaker]

My God, Do not stop the benzodiazepines, they can be lethal. See the G.P immediately. Please.