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Pharmacy/Expired Lorazepam

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Question
I recently found a bottle of prescription Lorazepam in the back of one of my kitchen cabinets. I've read that it is commonly used as an anti-anxiety medication. But the thing is, the date prescribed was 8/21/01 and the 'discard after' date was 8/21/02. Is it still safe to take? Also, what are the risks of taking it now?

Answer
Hi Erin,
Your lorazepam pills are well past their prime. They do not deteriorate to toxic substances as far as I know, but they are not likely to be effective anymore either. Get a fresh supply.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm

Pharmacy

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Eric Brandt

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I am a practicing pharmacist.On my drug information website, I have answered hundreds of questions to date. The articles posted on my site include Parkinson`s disease. depression, menopause, diabetes, sleep and aging, congestive heart failure, calcium channel blockers, thyroid hormone replacement therapy, ADHD, multiple sclerosis an more.

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I have experience in retail as well as hospital pharmacy pracice. Currently working in a hospital pharmacy. I am experienced in drug information. Over the last 6 years I have developed a successful web site for drug information.

The addressfor my drug information website is http://www.druginformation.bc.caThere you can read articles on varios areas of health interest. You can also leave me questions which I will personally answer. I also have a free health information newsletter called The Caplet. To subscribe send e-mail to thecaplet-subscribe@topica.com

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