About lorazepam
Benzodiazepine sedative and anticonvulsant
Used for
- Short-term treatment of severe anxiety or agitation
- Control of prolonged seizures or status epilepticus
- Sedation before medical procedures
Usual adult dose
Anxiety: 1–4 mg by injection as needed. Status epilepticus: 4 mg IV, repeat once after 10–15 minutes if needed.
Usual dose in children
Status epilepticus: 0.1 mg/kg IV (maximum 4 mg per dose); may repeat once after 10–15 minutes.
Common side effects
- Sleepiness, dizziness, confusion
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Low blood pressure
- Injection-site pain or irritation
Important warnings
- Can cause severe breathing problems, especially with opioids or alcohol.
- Use cautiously in older adults and people with breathing problems.
- Repeated use can cause dependence; stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal.
- Injection requires trained medical supervision and monitoring.
Pregnancy
May cause newborn sedation or withdrawal, especially with use near delivery. Use only when clearly necessary.
Breastfeeding
Passes into breast milk and may cause infant sleepiness or poor feeding; repeated use is generally discouraged.
Interactions
- Opioids, alcohol, and other sedatives increase breathing and sedation risks.
- Valproate may increase lorazepam effects.
- Probenecid may increase lorazepam levels and duration.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.