| Recommended Dose and Dosage Regimen | The recommended starting dose of lorazepam for anxiety disorders in adults is usually 1-2 mg taken two to three times daily, with a maximum daily dose not exceeding 10 mg. For insomnia due to anxiety or transient situational stress, the recommended dose is 2-4 mg given at bedtime. Dosage adjustments may be made based on individual response and tolerability. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding dosing. |
| Frequency of Administration | Lorazepam is typically administered two to three times daily for anxiety disorders. For insomnia, it is usually taken as a single nightly dose at bedtime. |
| Route of Administration | Lorazepam is administered orally in the form of tablets or oral solution. It may also be administered via intramuscular or intravenous injection in certain clinical settings. |
| Mechanism of Action (MOA) | Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that acts as a positive allosteric modulator of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the central nervous system (CNS). It enhances the inhibitory effects of GABA, resulting in sedative, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant properties. |
| Pharmacokinetics (PK) | Lorazepam is rapidly and completely absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations achieved within 1-2 hours. It undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism via glucuronidation to inactive metabolites. The elimination half-life is approximately 10-20 hours. |
| Pharmacodynamics (PD) | Lorazepam exerts its pharmacodynamic effects by enhancing the activity of GABA, the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS. This leads to CNS depression, resulting in sedation, anxiolysis, muscle relaxation, and anticonvulsant effects. |
| Pathophysiology | Lorazepam is indicated for the management of anxiety disorders, anxiety-associated insomnia, acute agitation, preoperative sedation, and as an adjunct in the treatment of status epilepticus. It may also be used for procedural sedation and alcohol withdrawal syndrome. |
| Primary Indications | Anxiety disorders, anxiety-associated insomnia, acute agitation, preoperative sedation, status epilepticus, procedural sedation, alcohol withdrawal syndrome. |
| Contraindications | Contraindications to lorazepam use include hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines, acute narrow-angle glaucoma, severe respiratory insufficiency, and concurrent use of opioids or other central nervous system depressants. Use caution in patients with a history of substance abuse or dependence. |
| Purpose of Taking Medication | The purpose of lorazepam therapy is to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, promote sedation and relaxation, and control acute agitation or seizures by enhancing the inhibitory effects of GABA in the central nervous system. |
| Usage Instructions | Take lorazepam exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It may be taken with or without food. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of treatment. Abrupt discontinuation should be avoided to prevent withdrawal symptoms. |
| Precautions and Care | Patients taking lorazepam should be monitored for signs of sedation, respiratory depression, hypotension, and paradoxical reactions, especially when initiating treatment or adjusting the dose. Use caution in elderly patients and those with hepatic or renal impairment. Avoid concurrent use of alcohol or other CNS depressants. |
| Dietary Considerations | There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with lorazepam use. However, alcohol and certain foods may enhance the sedative effects of lorazepam, so use caution when consuming them together. |
| Missed Dose | If a dose of lorazepam is missed, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose to catch up. |
| Possible Side Effects | Common side effects of lorazepam may include drowsiness, dizziness, sedation, confusion, weakness, and respiratory depression. Paradoxical reactions such as agitation, aggression, or hallucinations may occur, particularly in elderly or debilitated patients. |
| Storage and Disposal | Store lorazepam tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the medication in its original packaging and out of reach of children and pets. Dispose of unused or expired medication according to local regulations. |
| Overdose or Emergency | In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention or contact a poison control center immediately. Symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, respiratory depression, coma, and death. |
| Monitoring and Laboratory Tests | Patients taking lorazepam may require regular monitoring of vital signs, sedation levels, and respiratory function, especially during dose titration and in high-risk populations. Laboratory tests may be performed as clinically indicated. |
