Lorazepam is a drug that belongs to the benzodiazepine group which is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is used to treat patients suffering from anxiety and related anxiety disorders, anxiety-related insomnia, severe agitation, difficulty in sleeping, anesthesia, amnesia, and epileptics.
It is also included to treat active seizures. Lorazepam off-label is used in alcohol withdrawal delirium and syndrome, insomnia, panic disorder, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and vomiting. It is also used in surgery to interfere with memory formation.
When the patient takes a dosage intravenously (IV), it takes around 1-3 minutes to effect and intramuscular (IM) starts to work in 15-30 minutes. Its effect lasts from 6 to 8 hours.
Some other characteristics of Lorazepam
Mechanism
Lorazepam acts with benzodiazepine receptors on postsynaptic gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This medicine enhances the effects of GABA and increases the admittance of chloride ions in the cell. As a result chloride ions lead to hyperpolarization and stabilize the cellular plasma membrane.
Dosage Forms
Lorazepam available in various forms:
- Oral tablets
- Oral concentrate solution
- Extended-release capsules
- Solutions
Dosage Strengths
- Orally tablets strength in 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg.
- Oral concentrate solution strength in 2 mg/ml.
- Extended-release capsules strength in 1 mg, 2 mg, and 3 mg.
- Solution of intravenously (IV) and intramuscular (IM) usable in concentrations of 2 mg/ml and 4 mg/ml.
Drug Effectiveness of Lorazepam
FDA- Approved Indication
- Lorazepam provides relief from anxiety symptoms.
- Insomniac patient who suffers from anxiety or stress is taken care of as per their conditions.
- Premedication for anesthesia is also treated systematically.
- Symptoms of status epilepticus are treated effectively.
- Acute coronary syndrome due to cocaine use is also managed effectively.
Off-Label Use
- Alcohol withdrawal delirium and syndrome
- Delirium
- Vertigo
- Psychogenic catatonia
- Panic disorder
- Chemotherapy associated with nausea and vomiting