I take 4mg lorazepam at bedtime for insomnia?

I take 4mg lorazepam at bedtime for insomnia. I forgot my refill and cannot get it until tomorrow. I have a bottle of liquid lorazepam that has been in the fridge, but expiration is 2004. Is it safe to take? I am concerned that is it bad, but really do not know what will happen if I do not get my nightly dose in.

Age: 38
Female
Medications: Levothyroxine 125, lorazepam 4mg po.

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Dr. Javez Ernesto
1:19 pm

Normally medication don’t become toxic after the expiry date they just lose their efficacy. Liquid meds are particularly unstable so you do need to be a little more careful with them. Liquid medications may lose up to 10% of their efficacy each year after the expiration date. So considering your Lorazepam is dated 2004, its efficacy may be very low. If it were me, I would try not to use it especially if it looks suspicious.

Dr.Honey Arora
9:14 am

Hi.
Thanks for the query..

If you ask me, it is a big straight “NO” regarding taking expired lorazepam.

As it is expired since long and you do not know the status of its decomposition post being expired.

Along with loss of efficacy tgere can be a number of contaminants that xan change the nature of the drug.

So better throw it now for your and your family safety.

Also consult an Emergency doctor if you need urgent refill..

Hope this helps..

Regards.