From the Guidelines
Lorazepam is primarily used to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, and acute seizures, with a typical dosing range of 0.5 to 2 mg taken two to three times daily for anxiety, and 1-2 mg at bedtime for insomnia. The medication works by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, producing a calming effect on the central nervous system 1. For patients with COVID-19 symptoms, including anxiety or agitation, lorazepam can be used at a dose of 0.5-1 mg orally four times a day as required, with a maximum of 4 mg in 24 hours, and reduced to 0.25-0.5 mg in elderly or debilitated patients 1. Some key points to consider when using lorazepam include:
- It can be habit-forming, so it's typically prescribed for short-term use (2-4 weeks)
- Side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination
- Patients should avoid alcohol while taking lorazepam and should not stop taking it abruptly as withdrawal symptoms may occur
- The medication begins working within 30-60 minutes when taken orally and even faster when administered intravenously Additionally, lorazepam may be used for other conditions such as alcohol withdrawal symptoms, as premedication before medical procedures to reduce anxiety, and for chemotherapy-induced nausea, with dosing adjusted according to the specific condition and patient population 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 is used for the management of anxiety disorders and for the short-term relief of anxiety symptoms. The main uses of lorazepam are:
- Anxiety disorders
- Short-term relief of anxiety symptoms
- Anxiety associated with depressive symptoms 2 2
From the Research
Uses of Lorazepam
- Lorazepam is used to treat generalized anxiety disorder, as shown in a study comparing its effectiveness with buspirone and alprazolam 3.
- It is also used to treat panic disorder, with a study demonstrating its antipanic efficacy compared to alprazolam 4.
- Lorazepam has been compared to other benzodiazepines, such as clonazepam, in terms of efficacy and safety in treating anxiety disorders, with results showing similar effectiveness but differing side effect profiles 5.
- Additionally, lorazepam has been used as a comparator in studies evaluating alternative treatments for anxiety, such as lavender oil preparations 6.
- Benzodiazepines, including lorazepam, are known for their depressant effect on the central nervous system and are used for various conditions, including sleep, anxiety, spasticity, muscle relaxation, and epilepsy 7.
Conditions Treated by Lorazepam
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Anxiety disorders
- Sleep disorders
- Spasticity due to CNS pathology
- Muscle relaxation
- Epilepsy