Lorazepam: Difference between revisions
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| colspan="2" | '''Note: Lorazepam carries risks of dependence and withdrawal. It should be used under close medical supervision and not stopped abruptly. | | colspan="2" | '''Note: Lorazepam carries risks of dependence and withdrawal. It should be used under close medical supervision and not stopped abruptly. | ||
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Revision as of 22:50, 25 August 2024
Drug class: Benzodiazepine, BDZs
Lorazepam (ATIVAN)（中文：勞拉西泮）
Common Strengths of Lorazepam
Lorazepam are available in the following strengths:
- Tablets: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg
- Oral solution: 2 mg/mL
- Injection solution: 2 mg/mL, 4 mg/mL
Drug Trade Names of Lorazepam
Ativan
Drug Usage
- Anxiety disorders
- Insomnia due to anxiety or stress
- Status epilepticus
- Pre-operative sedation
Mechanism of Action
Lorazepam enhances the effect of GABA, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, by binding to GABAA receptors. This results in sedative, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant effects.
Route of Administration
Oral (tablets, solution), intramuscular injection, intravenous injection
Dosages
- For anxiety: 2-3 mg/day in divided doses, maximum 10 mg/day
- Elderly or debilitated patients: Start with 1 to 2 mg/day in divided doses
Side Effects
| Frequency | Adverse reactions |
|---|---|
| Common | Sedation (15.9%) |
| Dizziness (6.9%) | |
| Weakness (4.2%) | |
| Unsteadiness (3.4%) | |
| Drowsiness | |
| Fatigue | |
| Confusion | |
| Amnesia | |
| Ataxia | |
| Respiratory depression | |
| Hypotension | |
| Vertigo | |
| Visual disturbances | |
| Dysarthria | |
| Nausea | |
| Constipation | |
| The incidence of sedation and unsteadiness increase with age. Lorazepam can impair both explicit and implicit memory more profoundly than other benzodiazepines. | |
| Serious | Respiratory depression and failure |
| Seizures | |
| Suicidal ideation/attempt | |
| Dependence and abuse | |
| Tachycardia | |
| Blood dyscrasias | |
| Jaundice | |
| Paradoxical reactions (hyperactive and aggressive behavior) | |
| Withdrawal symptoms if abruptly discontinued after long-term use | |
| Lorazepam's effects are dose-dependent. Using the smallest effective dose minimizes adverse effects. Sedative drugs like lorazepam have been associated with increased mortality risk. | |
| Note: Lorazepam carries risks of dependence and withdrawal. It should be used under close medical supervision and not stopped abruptly. | |
