To my knowledge, the only class action suit regarding Lorazepam within the past 10+ years involved a scam to increase the price of generic lorazepam (generic for Ativan).

It is a widely used drug with some potentially serious side effects so it may seem surprising that there aren't more suits involving this drug. The reasons have to do with Lorazepam being a drug that has been available for many years, which means:
• Safety information has been gathered for a long time
• Appropriate warnings and precautions are included in the package insert and patient information
• It is primarily sold in generic form at very low prices, therefore, there is not one large drug company making a lot of money off of this drug to sue
• Doctors usually discuss the risks and benefits of drug with the patient, and/or document their consideration of the risks and benefits prior to prescribing the drug

The majority of class action suits involving prescription medications involve newer drugs that are still under patent by the original developer of the drug. The suits are usually related to a long-term consequence of the drug which was previously known about and therefore was not included on the package labeling.

The chances of a successful lawsuit involving lorazepam would be unlikely to be worth the potential heartache it would cause, in other words, the potential risks outweigh the potential benefits.

If you would like more information about lawsuits involving prescription medications, you may want to see: http://badproducts.com/ . The website includes a number to call regarding potential harm secondary to use of a prescription medication.

I hope this is helpful!

Hi terryt,

I just reviewed your profile, and realized that you have recently lost your father. I would like to offer my sympathy. It is very difficult losing a parent.

After reading some of the history behind this question, I would like to warn you that if you are thinking about any type of wrongful death suit, there is no way that would stand up in court with a hospice patient, if you could even find an attorney who would take the case.

I know you are going through a very difficult and troubled time. I will pray for you during this time of loss.

Welcome to WebAnswers.

I have used the medication Lorazepam which is the generic name for Ativan. I was put on it for anxiety. I was on .5mg 1 tablet as needed for anxiety. It would always take a while to work approximately a hour which I thought was to long! I had periods of confusion I could not think of what I wanted to say like I was in a fog. I had times which I felt drowiness, dizziness, feeling weak especially my muscles, uncoordinated at times like I was drunk. And dry mouth. I did not have the symptoms every time I took it just off/on. The doctors I go to I have the utmost confidence in and always felt that Lorazepam was one the safest medication for anxiety and depression. But it did help me a lot! Every medications have some side effects and everybody is different how their body is going to react to a certain medication! If you have questions about the Lorazepam I would suggest you go back to the physician who prescribe it and have him or her help you with your concerns! Good Luck

Whether or not I go to an attorney or not there needs to be a warning about giving this medication to patients with COPD. My father did not suffer fron anxiety he suffer from a breathing problem and he didn't need any help to die,Lorazapam hasten his death and for many reasons why.

The following warnings and precautions are included in lorazepam packet insert:

“Use of benzodiazepines, including lorazepam, both used alone and in combination with other CNS depressants, may lead to potentially fatal respiratory depression.”
“Lorazepam should be used with caution in patients with compromised respiratory function (e.g. COPD, sleep apnea syndrome).”

Perhaps the language should stronger, but at least the warning is there.

I understand that you want to do something about this. Consider talking with the director of hospice about your concerns.

Good luck! Thanks for the award :-)