Category- Allopathy
Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1. To treat acute anxiety disorder 2. To treat anxiety caused by depression 3. To treat status epilepticus (a type of prolonged seizure) 4. To treat anxiety-related insomnia |
| Common Side Effects | 1. Drowsiness 2. Relaxed and calm (less responsive) 3. Sleepiness |
| Additional Information | 1. Avoid driving or any hazardous activity after consuming lorazepam, as it can cause dizziness or drowsiness. Its off-label indications include 2. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome, Insomnia, Panic disorder, Chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting, Vertigo and loss of responses. |
| Storage | 1. The medicine should be stored at room temperature. 2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture. 3. Keep away from the reach of children |
| How to Take This Medicine | Swallow this medicine with water. |
Lorazepam Uses
Lorazepam 1 mg is an oral medicine belonging to the category of benzodiazepines and is used for the following indications:
- Acute anxiety disorder
- Anxiety caused by depression
- Status epilepticus (a type of prolonged seizure)
- Anxiety-related Insomnia (sleeplessness)
Lorazepam side effects
More Common
- Drowsiness
- Relaxed and calm (less responsive)
- Sleepiness
Less Common
- Severe drowsiness
- Unusual changes in mood or behavior, being agitated or talkative
- Sudden restless feeling or excitement
- Seizures, depression, thinking problems, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself
How Lorazepam works
Lorazepam works by sending extra firefighters into the brain when a nonstop shaking fit takes over, like a raging fire that won’t quit. Normally the brain’s own firefighters spray water through tiny windows in cells to cool things down, but they can get worn out. This medicine brings in more firefighters with stronger hoses so they can spray more water for longer and put out the fire quickly. Because they’re so powerful, they’re only used in emergencies, so the brain doesn’t become too dependent on them.
Safety Measures and Warning
Pregnancy
There are no well-researched human studies on the effect of lorazepam, but there are animal studies clearly indicating that it affects the fetus’s development directly. So, take a recommendation from the doctor before using it.
Breastfeeding
Lorazepam passes into breast milk and can cause mental disturbances in children, like drowsiness and irritation. So, tell your healthcare provider whether you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Kidney and Liver Problems
Lorazepam is known to be safe for use in liver and kidney disease patients.
Past Mental Health Issues
Lorazepam directly acts on the brain and causes different side effects like sedation, drowsiness, and suicidal thoughts. Inform the doctor about your past mental health issues before using lorazepam.
Lorazepam Interaction with Food Product
Avoid consuming alcohol and smoking simultaneously, as it may affect the drug’s action and show an effect on the brain, leading to severe drowsiness, sedation, and coma in severe cases.
Lorazepam Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking Lorazepam 1 mg with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Lorazepam Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name
(RS)-7-Chloro-5-(2-chlorophenyl)-3-hydroxy-1,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one
Intake routine/cycle
Daily dose
Take Lorazepam exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
Overdose
It is not recommended to take more than 10 mg of Lorazepam per day, as it may cause severe overdosing effects like kidney and liver damage, dizziness, and severe low blood pressure. If you face any of the severe effects, meet the doctor.
Storage
- Store the medicine at room temperature
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep out of reach of children
Directions for use
- Take Lorazepam exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking Lorazepam without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you forget to take Lorazepam, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
Lorazepam Summary
Lorazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety, status epilepticus (a type of prolonged seizure), and anxiety-associated insomnia, off –label uses include alcohol withdrawal, panic disorders, chemotherapy-related nausea, vertigo, and sedation before surgery. It calms the brain by boosting gamma amino butyric acid, a natural inhibitory chemical. Common side effects of lorazepam include drowsiness, dizziness, and muscle weakness. This medicine should not be consumed along with alcohol and sedatives, as it can dangerously increase their side effects. Antacids may reduce absorption of lorazepam; this reduces the drug’s action. Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Always follow medical advice and avoid driving after consuming this medicine, as it causes sedation and may lead to accidents.
FAQ’s
What are the uses of Lorazepam tablets?
Lorazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety, seizures, muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal, and sedation before surgical procedures.
What are the side effects of the Lorazepam tablets?
Common side effects of Lorazepam use include drowsiness, dizziness, muscle weakness, unsteadiness, and trembling.
Which class does the Lorazepam drug belong to?
Lorazepam belongs to the class of benzodiazepines and is commonly used for the management of anxiety, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
What is the highest dose of Lorazepam?
It is not recommended to take more than 10 mg of Lorazepam per day, as it may cause severe overdosing effects like extreme drowsiness, irritation, confusion, unconsciousness, sweating, double vision, low blood pressure, and slurred speech. Immediately seek medical attention and meet the doctor.
What is the mechanism of action of lorazepam?
Lorazepam works by reinforcing the brain’s fire brigade during relentless seizures, sending extra hoses and water to quickly cool overheated neurons and restore calm.
Reference
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 3958, Acetaminophen. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [cited 2025 Sep 3]. Available from.
- Practo Technologies Pvt Ltd. Lorazepam – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Price, Composition [Internet]. Bangalore: Practo; [cited 2025 Sep 3]. Available from.
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Lorazepam (oral route) – Side effects & dosage [Internet]. Rochester (MN): Mayo Clinic; [cited 2025 Sep 3]. Available from.
- Burn S, Chung C. Lorazepam (Ativan, Loreev XR): Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing [Internet]. New York: WebMD; 2024 Jul 27 [cited 2025 Sep 3]. Available from.
- Entringer S. Lorazepam: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects [Internet]. Drugs.com; 2025 Apr 7 [cited 2025 Sep 3]. Available from.
Authors
Siva Krishna Adithya Bhumireddy completed Bachelor of Pharmacy from GIET School of Pharmacy affiliated to Andhra University and from his 3rd year of graduation itself he was working as a freelance Medical and Publication writer and having expertise in Systematic reviews and clinical research. With his keen interest and skills in research and documentation practices he also reviewed more than 100 manuscripts from international journals like Elsevier, Springer Nature, Sage Journals and all the manuscripts were indexed and appeared in Pub Med, Scopus and Web of Science databases and received honorary recognition letters and certificates from all of them. Siva Krishna Adithya also published few systematic, narrative reviews and few chapters of international expertise.