Lorazepam
Pronunciation: (lor-AY-zuh-pam).
- Generic name
- lorazepam
- Brand names
- GenRx Lorazepam, Lorazepam Pfizer, Lorazepam Teva, Loreev XR, Temesta, Lorazepam Accord
- Drug class
- Benzodiazepine (Anxiolytic, Sedative-Hypnotic)
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What lorazepam is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how lorazepam works
Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that enhances the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the GABA-A receptor in the central nervous system. This increases chloride ion influx, hyperpolarizes neurons, and results in anxiolytic, sedative, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant effects. (1) (2)
What lorazepam is used for
Anxiety disorders and short-term relief of anxiety symptoms (or anxiety associated with depression)
The FDA label notes that long-term efficacy (beyond about 4 months) has not been systematically studied, consistent with short-term, doctor-supervised use. (2)
Status epilepticus (injectable form, adults)
Given intravenously by a healthcare professional to control ongoing seizure activity. (2)
Preanesthetic medication (injectable form, adults)
Used before surgery for sedation, relief of anxiety, and reduced recall of perioperative events. (2)
Before taking lorazepam
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Hypersensitivity to lorazepam or other benzodiazepines, acute narrow-angle glaucoma, severe respiratory insufficiency, myasthenia gravis, sleep apnea syndrome. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take lorazepam
- General Instructions: Take lorazepam exactly as prescribed. Do not take more or less than directed. It is usually taken 2 to 3 times daily for anxiety or as a single dose before procedures.. Adult Dosing: For anxiety: 2–3 mg per day in divided doses (range: 1–10 mg/day). For insomnia due to anxiety: 2–4 mg at bedtime. For status epilepticus (IV): 4 mg injected slowly; may repeat once after 10–15 minutes if needed.. Pediatric Dosing: Not routinely recommended for anxiety in children. For status epilepticus, the FDA label states safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have NOT been established — a dedicated trial in children ages 3 months to 17 years failed to demonstrate efficacy — so any pediatric use for seizures is an individualized specialist decision, not a routine approved dose.. Administration: Tablets and oral solution can be taken with or without food. Swallow tablets whole with water. Injectable form is administered by a healthcare professional.. When To Stop: Do not stop lorazepam suddenly without consulting your doctor, as withdrawal symptoms may occur. Your doctor will guide you on how to taper the dose safely.. Storage: Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include extreme drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness, loss of balance, or fainting. Seek emergency medical help or call your local poison control center immediately. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Sedation/drowsiness
Incidence: About 15.9% in clinical trials for anxiety; incidence increases with age
Dizziness
Incidence: About 6.9% in clinical trials
Weakness
Incidence: About 4.2% in clinical trials
Unsteadiness
Incidence: About 3.4% in clinical trials; incidence increases with age
Signs of respiratory depression (slow or difficult breathing), especially if combined with opioids or alcohol
(2)Signs of withdrawal after stopping or reducing lorazepam (agitation, tremor, seizures)
(2)Serious warnings
FDA BOXED WARNING — serious
Symptoms: FDA BOXED WARNING: Lorazepam, like all benzodiazepines, carries risks of abuse, misuse, and addiction, which can lead to overdose or death, especially combined with opioids, alcohol, or illicit drugs. Physical dependence can occur even at recommended doses; stopping abruptly or reducing the dose too quickly after continued use can cause acute withdrawal reactions that can be life-threatening, including withdrawal seizures, and a protracted withdrawal syndrome lasting months or longer. Using lorazepam together with opioid medicines can cause profound sedation, breathing problems (respiratory depression), coma, and death — this combination should only happen under close medical supervision.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
May cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination — serious
Symptoms: May cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. Use with caution in elderly or debilitated patients (a lower starting dose of 1-2 mg/day in divided doses is recommended). Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless clearly needed; use late in pregnancy may cause neonatal sedation or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. May worsen depression or suicidal thoughts in some individuals.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindicated in known hypersensitivity to lorazepam, other benzodiazepines, or formulation components, and in acute narrow-angle glaucoma — serious
Symptoms: Contraindicated in known hypersensitivity to lorazepam, other benzodiazepines, or formulation components, and in acute narrow-angle glaucoma. Use with caution in patients with severe respiratory insufficiency, myasthenia gravis, or sleep apnea syndrome, and in those with hepatic or renal impairment, a history of substance abuse, depression, or suicidal ideation.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Opioids and other CNS depressants (alcohol, antihistamines, other sedatives) | Combining lorazepam with opioids or other CNS depressants can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death; this combination should be reserved for situations where other options are inadequate, under close medical supervision. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
| Valproate, probenecid | Both drugs reduce clearance of lorazepam and can increase its blood levels; the FDA label recommends reducing the lorazepam dose by approximately 50% when either is co-administered. A clinician should manage this dose adjustment. | (2) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Lorazepam is not recommended during pregnancy unless clearly needed. Use late in pregnancy may cause neonatal sedation and withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. (2)
Breastfeeding
Because lorazepam is sedating and benzodiazepines generally pass into breast milk, ask your healthcare provider before use while breastfeeding. (2)
Children
Not routinely recommended for anxiety in children. For status epilepticus, the FDA label states safety and effectiveness have NOT been established in pediatric patients — a dedicated clinical trial in children ages 3 months to 17 years failed to demonstrate efficacy. This corrects an earlier draft that presented a 0.05-0.1 mg/kg IV dose as an established pediatric regimen. (2)
Renal_impairment
Use with caution in patients with hepatic or renal impairment; the FDA label recommends a lower starting dose in elderly or debilitated patients (1-2 mg/day in divided doses) given increased sensitivity to sedation and unsteadiness. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
Use with caution in patients with hepatic or renal impairment; the FDA label recommends a lower starting dose in elderly or debilitated patients (1-2 mg/day in divided doses) given increased sensitivity to sedation and unsteadiness. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store at 25 degC (77 degF); excursions permitted between 15-30 degC (59-86 degF). Keep in a tight container, away from moisture and heat, out of reach of children.
Study the drug class: Benzodiazepines
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General (US FDA label) — adults, anxiety
Indication: Anxiety disorders
Dose summary: 2-6 mg/day in divided doses; usual initial dose 2-3 mg/day (2-3 times daily). Insomnia due to anxiety: 2-4 mg as a single bedtime dose. Elderly/debilitated patients: start lower, 1-2 mg/day in divided doses.
Renal context: No specific renal-impairment dose reduction stated in the label; use with caution and clinical judgment in renal impairment. (2)
General (US FDA label) — adults, status epilepticus (injection)
Indication: Status epilepticus
Dose summary: 4 mg IV given slowly (2 mg/min) for patients 18+; if seizures persist after 10-15 minutes, an additional 4 mg IV dose may be given slowly. Must be diluted with an equal volume of compatible solution; inject with repeated aspiration to avoid intra-arterial injection; continuous respiratory monitoring required.
Renal context: Propylene glycol toxicity (lactic acidosis, hyperosmolality, hypotension) has been reported at higher doses, particularly in patients with renal impairment. (2)
General (US FDA label) — pediatric, status epilepticus
Indication: Status epilepticus
Dose summary: Safety and effectiveness have NOT been established in pediatric patients; a dedicated trial in children ages 3 months to 17 years failed to demonstrate efficacy. Any pediatric use is an individualized specialist decision, not a routine approved dose.
Renal context: Not applicable — pediatric use is not an established indication. (2)
Frequently asked questions
How quickly does lorazepam work?
Lorazepam usually begins to work within 20 to 60 minutes when taken by mouth. The effects of the injectable form are seen within minutes.
Can lorazepam be used long-term?
Lorazepam is generally recommended for short-term use due to the risk of dependence and withdrawal. Long-term use should only be under close medical supervision.
Is lorazepam addictive?
Yes, lorazepam can be habit-forming, especially with prolonged use or higher doses. It should be used exactly as prescribed.
Can I drink alcohol while taking lorazepam?
No, you should not drink alcohol while taking lorazepam, as it can increase the risk of dangerous side effects such as severe drowsiness and breathing problems.
What should I do if I experience withdrawal symptoms?
Contact your healthcare provider immediately. Do not stop lorazepam suddenly; your doctor will help you taper the dose gradually to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Is lorazepam safe during pregnancy?
Lorazepam is not recommended during pregnancy unless clearly needed. Use late in pregnancy may cause sedation or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor.
Can lorazepam be used for sleep?
Lorazepam may be prescribed short-term for insomnia related to anxiety, but it is not intended for long-term treatment of sleep disorders.
What happens if I take too much lorazepam?
Taking too much lorazepam can lead to severe drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, and loss of coordination. In serious cases, it may cause respiratory depression, coma, or even be life-threatening. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate emergency medical attention. Do not attempt to self-treat or wait for symptoms to worsen.
What is the mechanism of action of lorazepam?
Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that enhances the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the GABA-A receptor in the central nervous system. This increases chloride ion influx, hyperpolarizes neurons, and results in anxiolytic, sedative, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant effects. (1) (2)
What is the generic name of Lorazepam?
The generic name is lorazepam. It is sold under brand names including GenRx Lorazepam, Lorazepam Pfizer, Lorazepam Teva, Loreev XR, Temesta, Lorazepam Accord.
What class of drug is lorazepam?
Lorazepam is classed as: Benzodiazepine (Anxiolytic, Sedative-Hypnotic).
References
- Lorazepam (MedGuideGlobal clinician-authored medicine record)MedGuideGlobal · Global (internal) · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- ATIVAN (lorazepam) tablets and ATIVAN Injection — prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration · United States · dated current as of 2026 · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- LORAZEPAM LIQUID [AMERICAN HEALTH PACKAGING] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Lorazepam — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Lorazepam — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA ANDA203572)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
- lorazepam — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 6470)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient lorazepam names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Ativan4 mg/mL, 2 mg/mL, .5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg · hikma pharmaceuticals usa inc.
- LOREEV XR1.5 mg, 3 mg, 2 mg, 1 mg · almatica pharma llc
Canada
- ATIVAN
- APO-LORAZEPAM SUBLINGUAL