A nurse plans health teaching for a patient diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) who takes lorazepam (Ativan) . What information should be included? (Select all that apply.)

A) Use caution when operating machinery.
B) Allow only tyramine-free foods in diet.
C) Restrict intake of caffeine.
D) Avoid using alcohol and other sedatives.
E) Take the medication on an empty stomach.

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that acts as an antagonist to the benzodiazepine lorazepam. Daily caffeine intake should be reduced to the amount contained in one cup of coffee. Benzodiazepines are sedatives, thus the importance of exercising caution when driving or using machinery and the importance of not using other central nervous system depressants such as alcohol or sedatives to avoid potentiation. Benzodiazepines do not require a special diet. Food will reduce gastric irritation from the medication.