Lorazepam

Lorazepam is an orally available benzodiazepine commonly used to treat anxiety and insomnia. As a member of the benzodiazepine family, lorazepam offers sedative, anxiolytic, and anticonvulsant properties. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of lorazepam, including its liver safety, mechanism of action, FDA approval information, dosage, administration, and side effects.

Liver Safety of Lorazepam

Lorazepam is generally considered safe for the liver. Unlike some other medications, lorazepam therapy has not been associated with elevations in serum aminotransferase or alkaline phosphatase levels. Clinically apparent liver injury resulting from lorazepam use has not been reported and is likely extremely rare, if it occurs at all.

Mechanism of Action

Lorazepam's anxiolytic and sedative effects are primarily attributed to its ability to enhance gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) mediated inhibition of synaptic transmission. This is achieved through the drug's binding to the GABA A receptor. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating neuronal excitability throughout the nervous system.

In addition to its anxiolytic properties, lorazepam is also used in parenteral form for the treatment of status epilepticus, as well as for preoperative sedation and the management of nausea and vomiting.

FDA Approval Information

Lorazepam was first approved for use in the United States in 1977. Today, it remains a popular medication, with over 20 million prescriptions filled annually. The primary indications for lorazepam include the management of anxiety disorders and the short-term relief of anxiety symptoms.

Dosage and Administration

Lorazepam is available in tablet form in 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg dosages. It is sold under several generic names and the brand name Ativan. Parenteral formulations of lorazepam (2 mg/mL and 4 mg/mL) are also available for use in treating status epilepticus, as well as for preoperative sedation and the control of nausea and vomiting following cancer chemotherapy.

The recommended oral dosage for adults is 0.5 to 1 mg two to three times daily, with the dosage adjusted as needed up to a maximum of 10 mg daily in divided doses.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of lorazepam are dose-related and may include:

• Drowsiness
• Lethargy
• Ataxia
• Dysarthria
• Dizziness

Tolerance to these side effects may develop over time. However, tolerance may also develop to the medication's anxiolytic and soporific effects, potentially reducing its overall efficacy in treating anxiety and insomnia.

In rare cases, lorazepam may cause more serious side effects, such as respiratory depression, dependence, or withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before stopping lorazepam or adjusting the dosage.

Benzodiazipines

• Alprazolam
• Chlordiazepoxide
• Diazepam (Oral)
• Estazolam
• Flurazepam
• Lorazepam
• Midazolam
• Oxazepam
• Quazepam
• Temazepam
• Triazolam

Anticonvulsants Drugs

• Clobazam
• Clonazepam
• Clorazepate
• Diazepam (Intravenous)

Drug class for Lorazepam

Anticonvulsants, and Benzodiazepines]

• Dailymed label info on Lorazepam
• FDA Lorazepam

Lorazepam Resources
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