Drug interactions
Ethanol + Lorazepam
Severity: Major
Ethanol and Lorazepam: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Alcohol markedly adds to the sedative and respiratory depressant effects of lorazepam, impairing judgment, coordination and driving ability. Heavy intake with benzodiazepines can lead to coma and death.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethanol and Lorazepam can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression through enhancement of GABA-A receptor activity by both agents.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid alcohol entirely during lorazepam therapy; assess for respiratory depression if both have been taken in significant amounts.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Lorazepam
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethanol with Lorazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ethanol and Lorazepam can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Alcohol markedly adds to the sedative and respiratory depressant effects of lorazepam, impairing judgment, coordination and driving ability. Heavy intake with benzodiazepines can lead to coma and death.
How serious is the interaction between Ethanol and Lorazepam?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to avoid alcohol entirely during lorazepam therapy; assess for respiratory depression if both have been taken in significant amounts.
What other medicines interact with Lorazepam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lorazepam with, for example, Alfentanil, Alprazolam, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Lorazepam page.
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