Lorazepam

Lorazepam, sold under the brand name Ativan among others, is a benzodiazepine medication often used to treat anxiety disorders. Lorazepam reduces anxiety, interferes with new memory formation, reduces agitation, induces sleep, treats seizures, treats nausea and vomiting, and relaxes muscles. Lorazepam is used for the short-term treatment of anxiety, trouble sleeping, acute seizures including status epilepticus, sedation of people in hospital, as well as sedation of aggressive patients. Due to tolerance and dependence, lorazepam is recommended for short-term use, up to two to four weeks only.

Among benzodiazepines, lorazepam has possible physical addiction potential. Lorazepam also has misuse potential; the main types of misuse are for recreational purposes.Long-term effects of benzodiazepines include tolerance, dependence, benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome, and cognitive impairments which may not completely reverse after stopping treatment. Withdrawal symptoms can range from anxiety and insomnia to seizures and psychosis. Adverse effects, including inability to form new memories, depression, and paradoxical effects, such as excitement or worsening of seizures, may occur. Children and the elderly are more sensitive to the adverse effects of benzodiazepines. Lorazepam impairs body balance and standing steadiness and is associated with falls and hip fractures in the elderly.