Can you take Ativan with Esketamine?
1 drug interaction and 28 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:
- Ativan (lorazepam)
- esketamine
Drug interactions
Major drug interactions
Major:
LORazepam esketamine
Applies to: Ativan (lorazepam) and esketamine
Using esketamine together with LORazepam may increase side effects such as:
- drowsiness
- confusion
- difficulty concentrating
- impairment in thinking, judgment, reaction speed, and motor coordination
After receiving treatment with esketamine, you should avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until the next day after a restful sleep.
Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring to safely use both medications.
It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Food/lifestyle interactions
Moderate food/lifestyle interactions
Moderate:
LORazepam Food/Lifestyle
Applies to: Ativan (lorazepam)
Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of LORazepam such as:
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- difficulty concentrating
Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment.
You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with LORazepam.
Do not use more than the recommended dose of LORazepam, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.
Moderate:
esketamine Food/Lifestyle
Applies to: esketamine
Using esketamine together with alcohol may increase side effects such as:
- drowsiness
- confusion
- difficulty concentrating
- impairment in thinking, judgment, reaction speed, and motor coordination
You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with esketamine.
Nausea and vomiting may occur following the nasal application of esketamine.
To help prevent nausea and vomiting, you should avoid eating for at least 2 hours before using esketamine and avoid drinking liquids for at least 30 minutes before using esketamine.
Disease interactions
26 potential interactions Applies to: 22 conditions, including High Blood Pressure, Depression, GERD, Allergies, and Weight Loss.
Acute Alcohol Intoxication
Major:
Ativan
The LORazepam in Ativan has a major potential interaction with Acute Alcohol Intoxication.
The use of benzodiazepines with alcohol is not recommended. Patients with acute alcohol intoxication exhibit depressed vital signs. The central nervous system depressant effects of benzodiazepines may be additive with those of alcohol, and severe respiratory depression and death may occur. Therapy with benzodiazepines should be administered cautiously in patients who might be prone to acute alcohol intake.
Allergies
Major:
esketamine
Esketamine has a major potential interaction with Allergies.
Esketamine causes an increase in systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure at all recommended doses. The increase peaks approximately 40 minutes after administration of esketamine, and lasts for about 4 hours. Blood pressure should be monitored prior and after administration. If baseline blood pressure is elevated before administering (e.g., >140 mmHg systolic, >90 mmHg diastolic), consider the risks of short term increases in blood pressure and benefit of treatment in patients with treatment- resistant depression (TRD). Do not administer esketamine if an increase in blood pressure or intracranial pressure poses a serious risk. Esketamine is contraindicated in patients with aneurysmal vascular disease (including thoracic and abdominal aorta, intracranial, and peripheral arterial vessels), arteriovenous malformations, or a history of intracerebral hemorrhage.
Altered Consciousness
Major:
Ativan
The LORazepam in Ativan has a major potential interaction with Altered Consciousness.
Benzodiazepines should not be administered by injection to patients in shock or coma. The hypnotic and hypotensive effects of these agents may be prolonged and intensified in such patients.
Aortic Aneurysm
Major:
esketamine
Esketamine has a major potential interaction with Aortic Aneurysm.
Esketamine causes an increase in systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure at all recommended doses. The increase peaks approximately 40 minutes after administration of esketamine, and lasts for about 4 hours. Blood pressure should be monitored prior and after administration. If baseline blood pressure is elevated before administering (e.g., >140 mmHg systolic, >90 mmHg diastolic), consider the risks of short term increases in blood pressure and benefit of treatment in patients with treatment- resistant depression (TRD). Do not administer esketamine if an increase in blood pressure or intracranial pressure poses a serious risk. Esketamine is contraindicated in patients with aneurysmal vascular disease (including thoracic and abdominal aorta, intracranial, and peripheral arterial vessels), arteriovenous malformations, or a history of intracerebral hemorrhage.
Asphyxia
Major:
Ativan
The LORazepam in Ativan has a major potential interaction with Asphyxia.
Benzodiazepines may cause respiratory depression and apnea, usually when given in high dosages and/or by intravenous administration. However, some patients may be susceptible at commonly used dosages, including the elderly, debilitated or severely ill patients, those receiving other CNS depressants, and those with limited ventilatory reserve, chronic pulmonary insufficiency or other respiratory disorders. Therapy with benzodiazepines should be administered cautiously in these patients. Appropriate monitoring and individualization of dosage are particularly important, and equipment for resuscitation should be immediately available if the parenteral route is used. Benzodiazepines, especially injectable formulations, should generally be avoided in patients with sleep apnea, severe respiratory insufficiency, or hypoxia.
Cerebral Vascular Disorder
Major:
esketamine
Esketamine has a major potential interaction with Cerebral Vascular Disorder.
Esketamine causes an increase in systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure at all recommended doses. The increase peaks approximately 40 minutes after administration of esketamine, and lasts for about 4 hours. Blood pressure should be monitored prior and after administration. If baseline blood pressure is elevated before administering (e.g., >140 mmHg systolic, >90 mmHg diastolic), consider the risks of short term increases in blood pressure and benefit of treatment in patients with treatment- resistant depression (TRD). Do not administer esketamine if an increase in blood pressure or intracranial pressure poses a serious risk. Esketamine is contraindicated in patients with aneurysmal vascular disease (including thoracic and abdominal aorta, intracranial, and peripheral arterial vessels), arteriovenous malformations, or a history of intracerebral hemorrhage.
Depression
Moderate:
Ativan
The LORazepam in Ativan has a moderate potential interaction with Depression.
Benzodiazepines depress the central nervous system and may cause or exacerbate mental depression and cause suicidal behavior and ideation. Episodes of mania and hypomania have also been reported in depressed patients treated with some of these agents. Therapy with benzodiazepines should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of depression or other psychiatric disorders. Patients should be monitored for any changes in mood or behavior. It may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to these patients.
Drug Dependence
Major:
Ativan
The LORazepam in Ativan has a major potential interaction with Drug Dependence.
Benzodiazepines have the potential to cause dependence and abuse. Tolerance as well as physical and psychological dependence can develop, particularly after prolonged use and/or excessive dosages. However, abrupt cessation following continual use of as few as 6 weeks at therapeutic levels has occasionally precipitated withdrawal symptoms. Addiction- prone individuals, such as those with a history of alcohol or substance abuse, should be under careful surveillance when treated with benzodiazepines. It may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to these patients. After prolonged use or if dependency is suspected, withdrawal of benzodiazepine therapy should be undertaken gradually using a dosage- tapering schedule. If withdrawal symptoms occur, temporary reinstitution of benzodiazepines may be necessary.
Major:
esketamine
Esketamine has a major potential interaction with Drug Dependence.
Esketamine, is a Schedule III controlled substance (CIII), and may be subject to abuse and diversion. Assess each patient's risk for abuse or misuse prior to prescribing esketamine and monitor all patients receiving treatment for the development of these behaviors or conditions, including drug- seeking behavior, while on therapy. Individuals with a history of drug abuse or dependence are at greater risk; therefore, use careful consideration prior to treatment of individuals with a history of substance use disorder and monitor for signs of abuse or dependence.
GERD
Moderate:
Ativan
The LORazepam in Ativan has a moderate potential interaction with GERD.
The manufacturer recommends the use of caution when prescribing lorazepam for prolonged periods in patients with upper gastrointestinal disease, especially in the elderly. The appearance or worsening of upper gastrointestinal symptoms should be monitored.
Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension
Major:
Ativan
The LORazepam in Ativan has a major potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.
The manufacturers consider the use of benzodiazepines to be contraindicated in patients with acute angle-closure glaucoma or untreated open-angle glaucoma. These agents do not possess anticholinergic activity but have very rarely been associated with increased intraocular pressure.
High Blood Pressure
Major:
esketamine
Esketamine has a major potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.
Esketamine causes an increase in systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure at all recommended doses. The increase peaks approximately 40 minutes after administration of esketamine, and lasts for about 4 hours. Blood pressure should be monitored prior and after administration. If baseline blood pressure is elevated before administering (e.g., >140 mmHg systolic, >90 mmHg diastolic), consider the risks of short term increases in blood pressure and benefit of treatment in patients with treatment- resistant depression (TRD). Do not administer esketamine if an increase in blood pressure or intracranial pressure poses a serious risk. Esketamine is contraindicated in patients with aneurysmal vascular disease (including thoracic and abdominal aorta, intracranial, and peripheral arterial vessels), arteriovenous malformations, or a history of intracerebral hemorrhage.
History - Cerebrovascular Disease
Major:
esketamine
Esketamine has a major potential interaction with History - Cerebrovascular Disease.
Esketamine causes an increase in systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure at all recommended doses. The increase peaks approximately 40 minutes after administration of esketamine, and lasts for about 4 hours. Blood pressure should be monitored prior and after administration. If baseline blood pressure is elevated before administering (e.g., >140 mmHg systolic, >90 mmHg diastolic), consider the risks of short term increases in blood pressure and benefit of treatment in patients with treatment- resistant depression (TRD). Do not administer esketamine if an increase in blood pressure or intracranial pressure poses a serious risk. Esketamine is contraindicated in patients with aneurysmal vascular disease (including thoracic and abdominal aorta, intracranial, and peripheral arterial vessels), arteriovenous malformations, or a history of intracerebral hemorrhage.
Hyperkinetic Syndrome of Childhood
Moderate:
Ativan
The LORazepam in Ativan has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperkinetic Syndrome of Childhood.
Paradoxical reactions, including excitability, irritability, aggressive behavior, agitation, nervousness, hostility, anxiety, sleep disturbances, nightmares and vivid dreams, have been reported with the use of benzodiazepines in psychiatric patients and pediatric patients with hyperactive aggressive disorders. Such patients should be monitored for signs of paradoxical stimulation during therapy with benzodiazepines. The manufacturers do not recommend the use of benzodiazepines for the treatment of psychosis.
Liver Disease
Major:
Ativan
The LORazepam in Ativan has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.
The use of some benzodiazepines such as clonazepam and diazepam (oral tablets), is considered by the manufacturer to be contraindicated in patients with clinical or biochemical evidence of significant liver disease. These drugs are primarily metabolized by the liver and there is a risk of excess accumulation. Although all benzodiazepines may worsen hepatic encephalopathy, the manufacturer specifically recommends that lorazepam should be avoided in these patients.
Moderate:
esketamine
Esketamine has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.
Esketamine has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C). Use in this population is not recommended. Additionally, the mean esketamine AUC and t1/2 values were higher in patients with moderate hepatic impairment compared to those with normal hepatic function. Patients with moderate hepatic impairment may need to be monitored for adverse reactions for a longer period of time.
Prematurity/Underweight in Infancy
Major:
Ativan
The LORazepam in Ativan has a major potential interaction with Prematurity/Underweight in Infancy.
Parenteral medications formulated in multidose vials often contain benzyl alcohol as a preservative. Their use is considered by drug manufacturers to be contraindicated in neonates, particularly premature infants and infants of low birth weight. When used in bacteriostatic saline intravascular flush and endotracheal tube lavage solutions, benzyl alcohol has been associated with fatalities and severe respiratory and metabolic complications in low-birth-weight premature infants. Thus, single-dose formulations should always be used in infants whenever possible. However, many experts feel that, in the absence of benzyl alcohol-free equivalents, the amount of the preservative present in these formulations should not necessarily preclude their use if they are clearly indicated. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers benzyl alcohol in low doses (such as when used as a preservative in some medications) to be safe for newborns. However, the administration of high dosages of these medications must take into account the total amount of benzyl alcohol administered. The level at which toxicity may occur is unknown.
Psychosis
Major:
esketamine
Esketamine has a major potential interaction with Psychosis.
Esketamine can cause dissociative or perceptual changes (including distortion of time, space and illusions), derealization and depersonalization. Patients with psychosis must be carefully assessed before administering esketamine, and treatment should be initiated only if the benefit outweighs the risk. Patients must be monitored by a healthcare provider for at least 2 hours at each treatment session, followed by an assessment to determine when the patient is considered clinically stable and ready to leave the healthcare setting.
Moderate:
Ativan
The LORazepam in Ativan has a moderate potential interaction with Psychosis.
Benzodiazepines depress the central nervous system and may cause or exacerbate mental depression and cause suicidal behavior and ideation. Episodes of mania and hypomania have also been reported in depressed patients treated with some of these agents. Therapy with benzodiazepines should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of depression or other psychiatric disorders. Patients should be monitored for any changes in mood or behavior. It may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to these patients.
Moderate:
Ativan
The LORazepam in Ativan has a moderate potential interaction with Psychosis.
Paradoxical reactions, including excitability, irritability, aggressive behavior, agitation, nervousness, hostility, anxiety, sleep disturbances, nightmares and vivid dreams, have been reported with the use of benzodiazepines in psychiatric patients and pediatric patients with hyperactive aggressive disorders. Such patients should be monitored for signs of paradoxical stimulation during therapy with benzodiazepines. The manufacturers do not recommend the use of benzodiazepines for the treatment of psychosis.
Pulmonary Impairment
Major:
Ativan
The LORazepam in Ativan has a major potential interaction with Pulmonary Impairment.
Benzodiazepines may cause respiratory depression and apnea, usually when given in high dosages and/or by intravenous administration. However, some patients may be susceptible at commonly used dosages, including the elderly, debilitated or severely ill patients, those receiving other CNS depressants, and those with limited ventilatory reserve, chronic pulmonary insufficiency or other respiratory disorders. Therapy with benzodiazepines should be administered cautiously in these patients. Appropriate monitoring and individualization of dosage are particularly important, and equipment for resuscitation should be immediately available if the parenteral route is used. Benzodiazepines, especially injectable formulations, should generally be avoided in patients with sleep apnea, severe respiratory insufficiency, or hypoxia.
Renal Dysfunction
Moderate:
Ativan
The LORazepam in Ativan has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
Benzodiazepines are excreted by the kidneys and should be used with caution in patients with impaired renal function and end-stage kidney disease.
Respiratory Arrest
Major:
Ativan
The LORazepam in Ativan has a major potential interaction with Respiratory Arrest.
Benzodiazepines may cause respiratory depression and apnea, usually when given in high dosages and/or by intravenous administration. However, some patients may be susceptible at commonly used dosages, including the elderly, debilitated or severely ill patients, those receiving other CNS depressants, and those with limited ventilatory reserve, chronic pulmonary insufficiency or other respiratory disorders. Therapy with benzodiazepines should be administered cautiously in these patients. Appropriate monitoring and individualization of dosage are particularly important, and equipment for resuscitation should be immediately available if the parenteral route is used. Benzodiazepines, especially injectable formulations, should generally be avoided in patients with sleep apnea, severe respiratory insufficiency, or hypoxia.
Seizures
Major:
Ativan
The LORazepam in Ativan has a major potential interaction with Seizures.
The use of benzodiazepines in patients with seizure disorders may increase the incidence or precipitate the onset of generalized tonic-clonic seizures (grand mal). Appropriate anticonvulsant medication might need to be initiated or the dosage increased. Abrupt cessation of benzodiazepine therapy may precipitate seizures and other withdrawal symptoms, particularly after prolonged use and/or excessive dosages. Status epilepticus may occur in patients with a history of seizures withdrawn rapidly from benzodiazepine therapy. Following chronic administration, cessation of benzodiazepine therapy should occur gradually with incrementally reduced dosages. Patients should be advised not to discontinue medication without first consulting with the physician.
Shock
Major:
Ativan
The LORazepam in Ativan has a major potential interaction with Shock.
Benzodiazepines should not be administered by injection to patients in shock or coma. The hypnotic and hypotensive effects of these agents may be prolonged and intensified in such patients.
Weight Loss
Moderate:
Ativan
The LORazepam in Ativan has a moderate potential interaction with Weight Loss.
The plasma half-lives of benzodiazepines may be prolonged in obese patients, presumably due to increased distribution into fat. Marked increases in distribution (> 100%) have been reported for diazepam and midazolam, and moderate increases (25% to 100%) for alprazolam, lorazepam, and oxazepam. Therapy with benzodiazepines should be administered cautiously in obese patients, with careful monitoring of CNS status. Longer dosing intervals may be appropriate. When dosing by weight, loading doses should be based on actual body weight, while maintenance dose should be based on ideal body weight to avoid toxicity.
More resources
Ativan
A total of 415 drugs are known to interact with Ativan.
- Ativan is in the following drug classes: benzodiazepine anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines, miscellaneous antiemetics.
- Ativan is used to treat the following conditions:
esketamine
A total of 302 drugs are known to interact with esketamine.
- Esketamine is in the drug class miscellaneous antidepressants.
- Esketamine is used to treat the following conditions:
Drug Interaction Classification
| Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. | |
| Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. | |
| Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan. | |
| No interaction information available. |
Further information
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