From the Guidelines
Lorazepam (Ativan) is primarily used for the management of anxiety, insomnia, and seizures, as well as for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS).
Common Uses of Lorazepam
- Anxiety and Insomnia: Lorazepam is used to treat anxiety disorders and insomnia, with a typical dosage of 0.5-1 mg orally four times a day as required, with a maximum of 4 mg in 24 hours 1.
- Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS): Lorazepam is recommended for patients with severe AWS, advanced age, recent head trauma, liver failure, respiratory failure, or other serious medical comorbidities, with a starting dosage of 6-12 mg/day and tapered off following resolution of the withdrawal symptoms 1.
- Seizures: Lorazepam has anticonvulsant effects and is used to prevent seizures in patients with AWS 1.
- Sedation: Lorazepam is used for sedation in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, with a dosage range of 0.5-1 mg orally four times a day as required 1.
Special Considerations
- Pediatric Use: Lorazepam can be used in children and adolescents for anxiolysis before invasive procedures, with a dosage range of 0.02 to 0.09 mg/kg 1.
- Elderly Patients: Lorazepam should be used with caution in elderly patients, with a reduced dosage of 0.25-0.5 mg orally four times a day as required, with a maximum of 2 mg in 24 hours 1.
- Hepatic Dysfunction: Lorazepam is safer in patients with hepatic dysfunction compared to long-acting benzodiazepines, but should still be used with caution 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Lorazepam Oral Concentrate USP is indicated for the management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety or anxiety associated with depressive symptoms. Lorazepam Oral Concentrate is a prescription medicine used: to treat anxiety disorders for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety or anxiety that can happen with symptoms of depression
Lorazepam (Ativan) is used for:
- Anxiety disorders
- Short-term relief of anxiety symptoms
- Short-term relief of anxiety associated with depressive symptoms 2 2
From the Research
Uses of Lorazepam (Ativan)
Lorazepam, also known as Ativan, is a medication with various uses, including:
- Treatment of anxiety 3, 4
- Induction and maintenance of sleep 5
- Preanesthetic medication to produce antianxiety and antirecall effects 6
- Sedation in intensive care units (ICUs) 7
- Production of calming effects 4
- Amnesia, particularly anterograde amnesia, which is useful in certain medical procedures 6
Medical Conditions Treated with Lorazepam
Lorazepam is used to treat various medical conditions, including:
- Anxiety disorders 3, 4
- Insomnia 5
- Anxiety and tension associated with medical procedures 6
- ICU patients requiring sedation 7
Administration and Dosage
Lorazepam can be administered orally, intravenously, or intramuscularly, with dosages varying depending on the specific use and patient population 6. The dosage range for lorazepam is typically between 0.04 to 0.06 mg per kg for preanesthetic medication 6, and 2mg/kg for oral administration in studies monitoring its effects on sleep and withdrawal phenomena 5.