Managing side effects of Lorazepam oral tablets: A guide
Lorazepam, a commonly prescribed medication for anxiety, can provide relief for many individuals. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that long-term use of this drug may come with serious risks.
Taking Lorazepam for more than four months can lead to tolerance, physical dependence, and significant cognitive impairment, including memory problems. Long-term use increases the risk of withdrawal symptoms that can be severe and potentially life-threatening if discontinued abruptly.
The development of tolerance means that the body adapts to the drug, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect, increasing the risk of overdose. Physical dependence occurs when the body relies on Lorazepam to function normally, and stopping the drug suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, tremors, seizures, and hallucinations. Cognitive impairment may worsen memory, attention, and executive function, which can severely impact daily life and learning ability.
Withdrawal risks are particularly concerning, as abrupt discontinuation after long-term use can provoke acute, possibly life-threatening withdrawal reactions. Therefore, gradual tapering is recommended to minimise these risks.
Serious side effects of abuse include slowed breathing, respiratory failure, kidney failure, extreme depression, and in severe cases, coma or death, especially when combined with other depressants.
It's worth noting that the effectiveness of Lorazepam beyond four months has not been well studied, and long-term use is generally not recommended due to these risks.
In addition to these long-term risks, Lorazepam can also cause side effects such as dizziness, weakness, balance problems, sleepiness, and fatigue. Mild side effects that have been reported include dizziness, weakness, balance problems, fatigue, euphoria, sexual side effects, agitation, blurry vision, confusion, sleepiness, nausea, headache, constipation, memory loss, and mild allergic reaction.
If you experience nausea while taking Lorazepam, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Taking the drug along with food may help relieve your nausea. Similarly, if you notice constipation or headaches during your treatment, it's important to discuss these symptoms with your doctor as well.
It's also crucial to be aware that older adults (ages 65 years and older) taking Lorazepam may have an increased risk of certain side effects compared with younger adults.
Lastly, due to the risk of sleepiness, your doctor will likely recommend avoiding driving or operating other machinery until you know how the drug may affect you.
In summary, using Lorazepam for more than four months can cause serious physical, cognitive, and psychological complications, with dependence and withdrawal being major concerns. Careful management by a healthcare professional is essential for those on prolonged therapy.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, it is important to consider alternatives for long-term anxiety management, given the potential risks associated with Lorazepam, such as tolerance, physical dependence, cognitive impairment, and significant withdrawal symptoms.
- While science has yet to fully explore the effects of Lorazepam on mental-health beyond four months, the growing body of evidence hints at the importance of considering alternative fitness-and-exercise-based strategies, nutrition, and holistic approaches for long-term mental health maintenance.
- When navigating the health-and-wellness landscape, be mindful of the impact that Lorazepam may have on your memory, attention, executive function, and learning ability, as cognitive impairment can severely impact daily life and long-term growth.
