Lorazepam is used to treat anxiety and hypertension-related problems in individuals. The drug falls under the category of the benzodiazepine drug family. It has average effects on lowering blood pressure, especially in those with hypertension and anxiety.
This drug lowers blood pressure in those with normal and high levels of blood pressure. It can help anxious, hypertensive patients, especially with lifestyle changes and other blood pressure drugs.
Overview of Lorazepam
Lorazepam is a generic medicine, sold under the brand-name drug, Ativan. This brand-name drug is a benzodiazepine. It treats seizure disorders, relaxes muscles, and sedates before medical procedures. According to DEA, it falls under the category of Schedule IV Controlled Substance Act.
FDA Approval
Lorazepam is an FDA-approved medicine that successfully treats certain health problems, like anxiety, insomnia, and hypertension in patients.
Functions
It binds to GABA receptors. This increases GABA levels and reduces nervous system activity. This medicine helps in minimizing the level of cortisol, which contributes to controlling blood pressure.
Dosage Form
Lorazepam is available in different forms with different strengths, which include:
- Oral tablets (0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg)
- Injectable solution (2 mg/ml and 4 mg/mL)
- ER Capsules (1 mg, 2 mg, and 3 mg)
- Oral solution (2 mg/mL)
Effectiveness
It has sedative and relaxant properties which help in relieving stress and hypertension, which are common contributors to elevated blood pressure. The generic drug is effective in minimizing blood pressure is also influenced by the dose and duration of the treatment. The medicine is 70-80% effective in minimizing significant blood pressure.
Individual Response
Patient response to this drug can vary depending on several reasons, such as dose, frequency, individual tolerance, and medical history.
- Increased feelings of calmness and relaxation
- Physical effects
- Decreased seizure frequency and severity
- Long-term effects (like cognitive impairment and habit-forming)
- Provide good quality sleep