Lorazepam and CKD

[JoBecca]

Has anyone found lorazepam has affected their kidneys GFR or Cr?

[Marvin8]

No, but both it and alprazolam help me get a decent night's sleep.

[oceansplash]

Both are useful but use only short term. Very addicitive!

[userotc]

I think I linked kidney side effects/injury risk for this drug on here a couple of days ago with frontiersin.org/articles/10....

Of course, there are others eg mayoclinic.org/drugs-supple...

albeit worsening with age.

[zengirl64 in reply to userotc]

Thank you for this info userotc. I have been taking trazodone for about 15 years. Not every night but still... I really need to check all of my medications. 😮

[userotc in reply to zengirl64]

Indeed, best not to put pressure on kidneys, liver etc if you can avoid it. And you often can eg with alternative treatment from a qualified, accredited Nutritional Therapist.

2 further links, this time re trazadone

nhs.uk/medicines/trazodone/...

therecoveryvillage.com/traz...

[zengirl64]

I never thought of this. I took lorazepam a long time ago. I can't remember when or for how long. I'm glad you asked this. I need to look at all of my meds to see if any have adverse affects on the kidneys.

[Sammi_n_Munk]

Actually, back in 2009 when I was severely swollen with excessive fluid and was hospitalized, there was a night nurse who was going around asking some patients if they needed a sleep aid, and Lorazepam (Ativan) was what they offered. I did feel a little agitated that evening, and I asked if I could have one. She was very honest with me, as she knew that I had been on Ativan in the recent past (but no longer was at that time), and she told me, “I can give it to you if you think you really need it, but if you think you can get by without it, that’s what I’d recommend. Ativan may be the reason this happened to you in the first place.” She didn’t get right into it, but did say that most sedatives are not helpful with body functions and may very well cause organ damage. That’s all I needed to hear. Never took it again, ever. Apparently, it can cause irreparable damage. I’d recommend also, giving it more consideration. All my best. 🙏

[Hidden in reply to Sammi_n_Munk]

Really?! She is not a Doctor. Thanks for the advise, but take the pill. You're the patient and it is your decision.

[renegade70]

have been on lorazepam for several years and it does not seem to affect my egfr or creatinine levels. unchecked anxiety and depression and insomnia will affect your kidneys and your general health. i am not endorsing any drugs that you absolutely do not need but these medications help if other non drug alternatives have not worked for you.

[Hidden]

I agree with bubbles 53 that it's about balance and to take medications if you need to.

Some info on lorazepam effects: drugs.com/disease-interacti...

"Benzodiazepines (applies to lorazepam)

renal/liver disease

Major Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility. Applicable conditions: Renal Dysfunction

.....Therapy with benzodiazepines should be administered cautiously at lower initial dosages in patients with impaired renal and/or hepatic function. ...."

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to Hidden]

Gee, I’m so thankful to you for sharing this link Wunderkid. It really does explain so much. Now, I understand what that nurse meant. She never really explained exactly how Lorazepam contributed to my issues, but I saw at least three health issues that had placed me in the hospital at that time, listed in that link, the same health issuesI still live with today. Can’t thank you enough. God bless you. ❤️🙏

[Hidden]

Apparently, it does have some negative effects regarding the transplants. My sister was taking it and her nephrologist took her off it. Now, she has to go to a meds doctor for Xanax.