Lorazepam: Uses, Side Effects, Dosing, and Safety
Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine medicine that calms the brain and reduces anxiety. It is used for anxiety and short-term sleep problems, and it may also be used in hospitals for seizures or alcohol withdrawal.
Lorazepam can be effective for anxiety and insomnia, but it may cause drowsiness, dependence, and dangerous interactions with alcohol or opioids. Take it only as prescribed and do not stop suddenly without medical advice.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N05BA06
- Generic
- Lorazepam
- Class
- benzodiazepine
- Brands
- Ativan
- Availability
- controlled
- Pregnancy
- D
- Lactation
- unsafe
- Half-life (h)
- 14
- Onset (min)
- 15
- Duration (h)
- 8
- Routes
- oral, iv, im
- Forms
- tablet, injection
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- dependence, respiratory-depression
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 0.5mg to 2mg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- 2 to 3 times daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.025 to 0.05 mg/kg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 6 to 8 hours as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.5mg to 1mg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- 2 to 3 times daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits significantly outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid use
discontinue before third trimester if possible to avoid neonatal toxicity
fetal monitoring and assessment for neonatal withdrawal
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedinguse lowest effective dose or avoid
avoid breastfeeding or use with extreme caution; monitor infant for excessive sedation
monitor infant for sedation, poor feeding, and developmental delays
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly 65 75reduce dose by 50%
start at lowest effective dose; use for shortest duration possible
monitor for falls, cognitive impairment, and respiratory depression
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly 75 plusreduce dose by 50-75%
use only when non-pharmacological options inadequate; avoid prolonged use
close monitoring for sedation, confusion, falls, and respiratory status
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 2 12weight-based dosing required
use only for specific approved indications; avoid for routine anxiety
monitor for paradoxical reactions and respiratory depression
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
renal moderatemonitor closely
use with caution; no major dose adjustment needed for mild-moderate impairment
monitor for excessive sedation and accumulation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
renal severereduce dose
use lower doses and extended intervals; monitor renal function
monitor for sedation and drug accumulation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
hepatic mildno adjustment needed
no significant dose adjustment needed for mild impairment
standard monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
hepatic severereduce dose by 50%
use with caution; reduced clearance may require dose adjustment
monitor for excessive sedation and prolonged effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Year Lorazepam was first approved for medical use in the United States
Drug class
Pharmacological classification based on mechanism of action
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications for Lorazepam
Mechanism of action
Molecular pathway through which Lorazepam exerts its effects
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy