Lorazepam

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

Equivalent dose of 5 mg of diazepam is 500 micrograms (0.5 mg) of lorazepam. [1] (http://bnf.vhn.net/bnf/documents/bnf.767)

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 like other benzodiazepines lorazepam is not suited for long term treatment. Stresses of everyday life are not proper indication for its use, as they are best treated with psychoterapy[?].
Attention - in some cases there can be paradoxical effects with benzodiazepines like increased hostility and aggression.

Brands

• Ativan

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DISCLAIMER

Please remember that Wikipedia is offered for informational use only. The information is in most cases not reviewed by professionals. You are advised to contact your doctor for health-related decisions.

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