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Acute narrow-angle glaucoma: Lorazepam can worsen this condition.

Severe respiratory insufficiency: Lorazepam can depress respiration.

Sleep apnea: Lorazepam can worsen sleep apnea.

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Assess Respiration after rapid IV administration. Notify HCP if patient exhibits any interruption in respiratory rate (apnea) or signs of respiratory depression such as rapid labored breathing, cyanosis, confusion, irritability, and oxygen desaturation.

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Known hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines: If you have had an allergic reaction to other benzodiazepines, you should not take lorazepam.

Concurrent use with opioids: This combination can lead to severe respiratory depression, coma, and even death.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Lorazepam can harm a developing fetus or infant.

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Lorazepam, also known as Ativan, is a medication that helps relieve anxiety, eases insomnia caused by anxiety, controls continuous seizures, and calms patients before surgery.

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Short-term relief of anxiety symptoms or anxiety associated with depression.

Insomnia due to anxiety or transient situational stress.

Status epilepticus.

Preoperative sedation, anxiety relief, and anterograde amnesia.

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Med Class - Benzodiazepine

Mechanism of Action - Slows activity in the brain to promote relaxation

Uses - To treat anxiety & insomnia caused by anxiety and/or situational stress

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Central nervous system (CNS) depression: Lorazepam can cause drowsiness, dizziness, impaired coordination, and decreased alertness. This can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery

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Alcohol withdrawal delirium/syndrome.

Chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting.

Rapid tranquilization of agitated patients.

Panic disorder, delirium, vertigo, psychogenic catatonia.

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Risk of dependence and withdrawal: Lorazepam can be habit-forming, and stopping it abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms. It's important to taper off the medication under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

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Increased risk of falls in the elderly: Due to its sedative effects, lorazepam can increase the risk of falls in older adults.

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Forms Available -

Tablets: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2.5 mg

Liquid: 1 mg/mL

Typical Dosages -

Anxiety (adults): 1–4 mg daily (as directed by doctor)

Insomnia (adults): 1–2 mg at bedtime (starts working in 20–30 mins)

Duration of Use -

Short-term use only: Usually 2–4 weeks

Tapering: The Doctor may gradually reduce the dose to prevent withdrawal

Overdose Signs -

Poor coordination, slurred speech

Drowsiness, slow/irregular heartbeat

Muscle weakness, uncontrolled eye movements

Feeling overly excited

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Depression: Lorazepam can worsen symptoms of depression. It should not be used as the sole treatment for depression.

Suicidal ideation: Benzodiazepines can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in some individuals.

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Aggressive patients may respond better to nonpharmacologic measures such as verbal de-escalation, or require a PRN oral medication to lessen their aggression. If those measures fail and the aggression becomes severe, posing a threat to themselves or others,the use of an intramuscular agent may be indicated (B52 - Benadryl (diphenhydramine), haloperidol 5 mg, and lorazepam 2 mg)

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-Instruct patients to take lorazepam exactly as prescribed and not to increase the dose or frequency

-Warn against abrupt discontinuation after long-term use to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Gradual tapering under medical supervision is necessary.

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Renal impairment: caution should be used in patients with kidney problems, because lorazepam is excreted by the kidneys.

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Drowsiness/sedation (most common)

daytime sleepiness.

Dizziness, unsteadiness, weakness.

Headache, confusion, memory impairment.

Blurred vision, nausea.