Lorazepam
Also known as: Ativan, Lorazepam Intensol, Intensol
Lorazepam is a medication used to help control seizures or manage severe anxiety and phobias in pets. - **Appetite Changes:** This medication may increase your pet's appetite. Diligent food restriction may be required to prevent unwanted weight gain. - **Behavioral Shifts:** Watch for changes in activity levels. It can cause either sleepiness/lethargy or, conversely, increased activity, excitement, and vocalization. - **Do Not Stop Abruptly:** Do not stop treatment suddenly without your veterinarian's guidance. Animals receiving this medication regularly for a prolonged period may develop withdrawal signs if not properly 'weaned off'. - **Liver Health:** Although liver toxicity has not yet been reported in animals receiving lorazepam, a similar drug (diazepam) has rarely caused liver toxicity in cats. If you notice vomiting, lack of appetite, or yellowing of the whites of the eyes or gums, contact your veterinarian immediately. - **Administration Tip:** The tablets are relatively tasteless and readily disintegrate in saliva. If pilling is difficult, place the tablet inside the patient's cheek and follow in a minute or so with a small treat to facilitate swallowing.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Fears/anxiety
- Fears, anxieties, phobias
- Anxiolytic
- Short-term management of anxiety disorders
- Status epilepticus (alternative to diazepam)
- Status epilepticus
- Fears, anxieties, phobias
- Anxiolytic
- Fears/anxiety
- Fears, anxieties, phobias, aversions
- Short-term management of anxiety disorders
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Increased appetite
- Aggression
- Increased activity/excitement (paradoxical reaction)
- Vocalization
- Ataxia
- Somnolence
- Lethargy
- Disinhibition (potential emergence of aggression)
- Drowsiness
- Mild transient incoordination (ataxia)
- Tremor and inappetence (associated with acute withdrawal)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines
- Severe respiratory insufficiency (unless mechanically ventilated)
- Glaucoma
- Significant liver disease
- Significant kidney disease
- Pregnant animals
- Lactating animals
- **Withdrawal:** When using for negative behaviors, withdraw the drug gradually to avoid a rebound effect. Physical dependency has been induced in dogs; long-term regular usage requires gradual weaning. **Administration Warning:** Injectable lorazepam must NOT be given intra-arterially; arteriospasm may occur resulting in necrosis. **Pregnancy:** Designated FDA Category D in humans (evidence of fetal risk), but animal studies suggest relative safety at usual dosages. High doses just prior to delivery can cause 'floppy infant' syndrome.
Drug interactions
- CNS Depressants (opiates, barbiturates, sedatives, anticonvulsants): Additive CNS effects
- Probenecid: Decreased renal clearance of lorazepam
- Scopolamine: Increased CNS depression, irrational behavior
- Theophylline: Decreased sedation from lorazepam
- Valproate: Increased lorazepam serum concentration
- Itraconazole: Inhibits the metabolism of lorazepam, potentially leading to increased plasma concentrations and prolonged sedation.
- Ketoconazole: May inhibit the metabolism of lorazepam, increasing the risk of toxicity.
- Other CNS Depressants: Additive CNS depression and sedation.
Frequently asked questions
What is Lorazepam used for in pets?
Lorazepam is a medication used to help control seizures or manage severe anxiety and phobias in pets. - **Appetite Changes:** This medication may increase your pet's appetite. Diligent food restriction may be required to prevent unwanted weight gain. - **Behavioral Shifts:** Watch for changes in activity levels. It can cause either sleepiness/lethargy or, conversely, increased activity, excitement, and vocalization. - **Do Not Stop Abruptly:** Do not stop treatment suddenly without your veterinarian's guidance. Animals receiving this medication regularly for a prolonged period may develop withdrawal signs if not properly 'weaned off'. - **Liver Health:** Although liver toxicity has not yet been reported in animals receiving lorazepam, a similar drug (diazepam) has rarely caused liver toxicity in cats. If you notice vomiting, lack of appetite, or yellowing of the whites of the eyes or gums, contact your veterinarian immediately. - **Administration Tip:** The tablets are relatively tasteless and readily disintegrate in saliva. If pilling is difficult, place the tablet inside the patient's cheek and follow in a minute or so with a small treat to facilitate swallowing.
Is Lorazepam safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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