Lorazepam

For thoughtful child sponsors

Lorazepam is a member of the group of drugs called benzodiazepines. It is available in tablets and as a solution for intramuscular and intravenous injections.

The main indication for its use are some forms of anxiety disorders, so it is also commonly known as an anxiolytic. Other uses are:

treatment of insomnia
treatment of symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal

A dose equivalent to 5 mg of diazepam is 500 micrograms (0.5 mg) of lorazepam. [1]

Table of contents

1 Dosage
2 Disadvantages
3 Brands

Dosage

Needs to be individualized especially in the elderly and debilitated patients in whom the risk of oversedation is greater. Safety and effectiveness of lorazepam is not well determined in children under 18 years of age, but it is used to treat serial seizures.

Disadvantages

Lorazepam, like other benzodiazepines, can cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms after cessation of a prolonged use. The withdrawal is even more likely because lorazepam is a short-acting benzodiazepine. Therefore, lorazepam is not suited for long term treatment. Stresses of everyday life are not proper indications for its use, as they are best treated with psychotherapy.

In some cases there can be paradoxical effects with benzodiazepines, such as increased hostility and aggression.

Brands

Ativan