lorazepam at a glance
Medicine class
Benzodiazepine with anxiolytic, sedative, hypnotic and anticonvulsant effects.
Main licensed roles
Severe anxiety, anxiety-related insomnia, procedural premedication and formulation-specific acute hospital uses.
Dependence and withdrawal
Dependence can develop; abrupt stopping may cause serious withdrawal, so agree a stopping plan with the prescriber.
Driving and alcohol
It may impair alertness, memory and coordination. Do not drive if affected, and avoid alcohol.
What is lorazepam used for?
Licensing differs by formulation. Selected products cover:
Short-term symptomatic relief of severe, disabling or highly distressing anxiety, including anxiety associated with insomnia.
Premedication before surgery, operative dentistry or diagnostic procedures.
Injection in hospital for acute anxiety states, acute excitement or acute mania.
Injection for control of status epilepticus.
How does lorazepam work?
Lorazepam positively modulates GABA-A receptors, strengthening the inhibitory effect of GABA in the brain. This reduces neuronal excitability, producing calming, sedative and anticonvulsant effects.
lorazepam preparations and strengths
Dispersible tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 1 mg
Oral solution
Route: Oral
Strengths: 1 mg/mL
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2.5 mg
How to take lorazepam
Use lorazepam exactly as prescribed and do not share it. Administration depends on the formulation.
Swallow conventional tablets with water; they may be taken with or without food.
Measure oral solution using the supplied oral syringe or medicine spoon, not a kitchen teaspoon.
Allow an orodispersible tablet to dissolve in the mouth; liquid may be used to help swallow it if desired.
Injection is administered by healthcare professionals with appropriate observation and respiratory support available.
lorazepam side effects
Common or expected effects
- Daytime sleepiness or tiredness
- Dizziness
- Muscle weakness
- Poor coordination or unsteadiness
- Confusion
Get urgent medical advice
- Slow or difficult breathing
- Severe allergic reaction or swelling affecting the airway
- Marked agitation, aggression, hallucinations or other paradoxical behaviour
- Repeated falls, severe loss of coordination or inability to wake normally
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, after abrupt reduction or stopping
lorazepam in pregnancy
Lorazepam use in pregnancy requires an individual prescriber assessment because product information differs in restrictiveness. Prolonged use, especially near delivery, may cause newborn drowsiness, breathing difficulty or withdrawal; parenteral use in obstetrics has limited safety data. Do not start or stop it without discussing the risks of treatment and untreated illness with the maternity or prescribing team.
lorazepam while breastfeeding
Lorazepam can sometimes be used cautiously while breastfeeding a healthy, full-term infant and is one of the preferred benzodiazepines when clinically appropriate. Monitor the baby for unusual sleepiness, slowed breathing, poor feeding or inadequate weight gain, and avoid bed-sharing while taking a sedating medicine.
lorazepam interactions
Check all prescribed, non-prescribed and herbal products with a clinician or pharmacist. Important interactions include:
Opioids
Additive sedation and respiratory depression can lead to coma or death; close clinical justification and monitoring are required.
Alcohol
Strongly increases sedation, impaired coordination and the risk of breathing problems or difficulty waking.
Other sedating medicines
Antipsychotics, hypnotics, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, sedating antihistamines, anaesthetics and similar agents can add to central nervous system depression.
Common questions about lorazepam
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can lorazepam cause addiction or dependence?
Yes. Risk increases with continued exposure and in people with a history of alcohol or drug problems. Use only as prescribed and agree a stopping plan with the prescriber.
Can lorazepam be stopped suddenly?
Abrupt stopping or rapid reduction can cause withdrawal, including confusion, severe anxiety, hallucinations or seizures. Changes should normally be supervised.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.