Overview Of Lorazepam

Lorazepam is prescribed to treat anxiety-related conditions and panic disorder, and it is used by anesthesiologists to prevent the patient from remembering a surgical procedure. Patients who need mechanical ventilation may be given lorazepam for sedation, and it can help stop active seizures. Depending on the setting, patients may take lorazepam as an oral tablet or they may receive it as an injection at the hospital. In the treatment of anxiety disorders, patients are typically prescribed two to three milligrams every eight to twelve hours. Individuals who have the medicine as a sedative injection before surgery often receive a dose of 0.05 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, and this is given as an intramuscular injection around two hours before the operation. Alternatively, a dose of 0.044 milligrams per kilogram of body weight can be administered intravenously fifteen to twenty minutes before surgery.

The uses, side effects, precautions, and interactions associated with lorazepam are described below.

Class Of Medication

Lorazepam belongs to a group of medicines known as benzodiazepines, which includes medicines such as alprazolam (Xanax), clobazam, diazepam, midazolam, and clorazepate. First developed in the 1960s, benzodiazepines work by increasing the amount of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. This slows the nervous system down and produces a feeling of relaxation and calm. Some benzodiazepines are more effective for particular conditions than others. For example, alprazolam is particularly effective for anxiety, and clonazepam is beneficial for seizures, nerve pain, and panic disorder. All benzodiazepines are regulated as controlled substances due to the risk of dependency, and they are typically prescribed for only two to four weeks to reduce this risk.

Uncover the full details on the uses for lorazepam next.