Lorazepam
side effects, nutrient depletions, herbal interactions and health notes:
Data provided by Applied Health
• Alcohol can increase both the sedative and the intoxifying effects of Lorazepam. Use of alcohol should be avoided.1
• Avoid fluids containing caffeine, including sodas, coffee, teas or chocolate. Nutritional supplements containing caffeine should also be avoided.2
• Grapefruit juice may interact with benzodiazepines to increase maximum blood levels and duration of effect of the drugs. The significance of this effect is not known.3
• Tobacco may reduce the calming effects of Lorazepam and should be avoided.4
• The following herbs have sedative qualities and could intensify the effects of Lorazepam: calamus, calendula, chamomile, California poppy, catnip, couch grass, elecampane, ginseng Siberian, goldenseal, gotu kola, hops, Jamaican dogwood, lemon balm, sage, St. John's wort, sassafras, scullcap, shepherd's purse, stinging nettle, valerian, withania root, and yerba mansa.5
• The combination of Kava kava and Lorazepam may be harmful.. Kava kava should not be used while taking this medication.6
• Avoid cola, cocoa, guarana, green tea and mate with benzodiazepines due to their caffeine content.7
References1 Pronsky, ZM: Food-Medication Interactions, 11th edition, 1999
1 Facts and Comparisons, Clinisphere 2.0, Wolters Kluwer Company, 2000
2 Powers DI, Moore AO: Food Medication Interactions. 5th edition. 1986:65.
2 Rybacki, JJ. Concise Essential Guide to Prescription Drugs. HarperCollins, 1997.
2 Pronsky, Z Food Medication Interactions, 11th edition, 1999
3 Ozdemir M, Aktan Y, Boydag BS. Interaction between grapefruit juice and diazepam in humans. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 1998; 23:55-9.
4 Ferguson, T: The Smoker’s Book of Health, New York, 1987.
4 Brinker, F Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions, Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998
5 Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
5 Brinker, F Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions, Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998
5 PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd edition, Medical Economics Company, 2000
6 Davies LP, Drew CA, Duffield P, et al. Kava pyrones and resin: Studies on GABAA, GABAB and benzodiazepine binding sites in rodent brain. Pharm Toxicol 1992;71:120-26.
6 Holm E, Staedt U, Heep J, et al. Studies on the profile of the neurophysiological effects of D,L-kavain: Cerebral sites of action and sleep-wakefulness rhythm in animals. Arzneim Forsch 1991;41:673-83.
6 Almeida JC. Coma from the health food store: Interaction between kava and alprazolam. Ann Intern Med 1996;125:940-41.
7 Brinker, F Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions, Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998
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Disclaimers
The information in Drug Watch is provided as a courtesy to NewsTarget readers by Applied Health Solutions in cooperation with Healthway Solutions. Although the information is presented with scientific references, we do not wish to imply that this represents a comprehensive list of considerations about any specific drug, herb or nutrient. Nor should this information be considered a substitute for the advice of your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare practitioner. Please read the disclaimer about the intentions and limitations of the information provided on these pages. It is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all other drugs and nutritional supplements that you are taking if they are recommending a new medication. Copyright © 2007 by Applied Health Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.
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