Lorazepam
Benzodiazepine
Indications
Acute severe anxietyAcute behavioural disturbance (rapid tranquillisation)Status epilepticusPre-medication
Adult dose
Anxiety: 1–4 mg/day in divided doses. RT: 1–2 mg PO/IM, max 4 mg/24h.
Common side effects
SedationAtaxiaAmnesia
Serious side effects
Respiratory depressionDependenceParadoxical disinhibition
Contraindications
As diazepam
Monitoring
- Limit duration
Notable interactions
- Opioids
- Clozapine (respiratory arrest reported)
- CNS depressants
Notes
Glucuronidated — safer in hepatic impairment than diazepam.
Curated reference based on BNF, Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines and NICE. Verify against current BNF and local guidelines before prescribing.