From the FDA Drug Label
ADVERSE REACTIONS Most adverse reactions to benzodiazepines, including CNS effects and respiratory depression, are dose dependent, with more severe effects occurring with high doses. In a sample of about 3500 patients treated for anxiety, the most frequent adverse reaction to lorazepam was sedation (15.9%), followed by dizziness (6.9%), weakness (4.2%), and unsteadiness (3. 4%). The incidence of sedation and unsteadiness increased with age pt, ataxia, asthenia, extrapyramidal symptoms, convulsions/seizures tremor, vertigo, eye-function/visual disturbance (including diplopia and blurred vision), dysarthria/slurred speech, change in libido, impotence, decreased orgasm; headache, coma; respiratory depression, apnea, worsening of sleep apnea, worsening of obstructive pulmonary disease; gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, change in appetite, constipation, jaundice, increase in bilirubin, increase in liver transaminases, increase in alkaline phosphatase; hypersensitivity reactions, anaphylactoid reactions; dermatological symptoms, allergic skin reactions, alopecia; syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), hyponatremia; thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis, pancytopenia; hypothermia; and autonomic manifestations Paradoxical reactions, including anxiety, excitation, agitation, hostility, aggression, rage, sleep disturbances/insomnia, sexual arousal, and hallucinations may occur. The side effects of lorazepam include:
- Sedation (15.9%)
- Dizziness (6.9%)
- Weakness (4.2%)
- Unsteadiness (3.4%)
- Ataxia
- Asthenia
- Extrapyramidal symptoms
- Convulsions/seizures
- Tremor
- Vertigo
- Eye-function/visual disturbance
- Dysarthria/slurred speech
- Change in libido
- Impotence
- Decreased orgasm
- Headache
- Coma
- Respiratory depression
- Apnea
- Worsening of sleep apnea
- Worsening of obstructive pulmonary disease
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Anaphylactoid reactions
- Dermatological symptoms
- Allergic skin reactions
- Alopecia
- Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)
- Hyponatremia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Agranulocytosis
- Pancytopenia
- Hypothermia
- Autonomic manifestations
- Paradoxical reactions, including anxiety, excitation, agitation, hostility, aggression, rage, sleep disturbances/insomnia, sexual arousal, and hallucinations 1
From the Research
Lorazepam can cause several side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, unsteadiness, and impaired coordination, as well as memory problems, confusion, and difficulty concentrating, and patients should be aware of these potential effects. According to a study published in 1994 2, the benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome, which can occur with lorazepam, typically includes symptoms such as sleep disturbance, irritability, increased tension and anxiety, panic attacks, and hand tremor. Other common side effects of lorazepam include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Unsteadiness
- Impaired coordination
- Memory problems
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Depression
- Headaches
- Vision changes
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Changes in appetite
- Dry mouth More serious but less common side effects include severe drowsiness, mood changes, hallucinations, thoughts of suicide, difficulty breathing, and allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling) 2. Lorazepam can be habit-forming, leading to dependence and withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly, and these withdrawal effects may include seizures, anxiety, insomnia, and irritability 3, 2. The medication works by enhancing the effect of GABA, a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity, which explains its calming effects but also its sedative side effects 4, 5. Elderly patients are typically more sensitive to these side effects, and patients should avoid alcohol while taking lorazepam as it can dangerously increase sedation effects 2. Anyone experiencing severe side effects should contact their healthcare provider immediately.