Lorazepam
Lorazepam is a member of the group of drugs called benzodiazepines.It is available in tablets, and as a solution for intramuscular and intravenous injections.
The main indication for its use are some forms of anxiety disorders, so it is also commonly known as an anxiolytic. Other uses are:
- treatment of insomnia
- treatment of symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal
| Table of contents |
|
2 Disadvantages |
Lorazepam like other benzodiazepines can cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms after cessation of a prolonged use. The withdrawal is even more likely because lorazepam is a short-acting benzodiazepine.
Therefore like other benzodiazepines lorazepam is not suited for long term
treatment. Stresses of everyday life are not proper indication for its use,
as they are best treated with psychotherapy.
Dosage
Needs to be individualized especially in the elderly and debilitated patients in whom the risk of oversedation is greater. Safety and effectiveness of lorazepam is not well determined in children under 18 years of age, but it is used to treat serial seizures. Disadvantages
Attention - in some cases there can be paradoxical effects with benzodiazepines like increased hostility and aggression.
