Generic Name
Lorazepam
Brand Name
Ativan
Class
Anxiolytic
Proposed Mechanism(s) of Action
Binds to benzodiazepine receptors at the GABA-A ligand-gated channel, thus allowing for neuronal hyperpolarization. Benzodiazepines enhance the inhibitory action of GABA via boosted chloride conductance. This inhibition in the cortex may provide lorazepam’s therapeutic benefits in seizure disorders.
Indication
Anxiety, anxiety associated with depression, status epilepticus, and presurgical preanesthetic
Off-Label Use
Insomnia, muscle spasm, alcohol-induced psychosis, headache, panic disorder, acute mania, acute psychosis, and delirium
Side Effects
Sedation, dizziness, unsteadiness, weakness, fatigue, drowsiness, amnesia, confusion, disorientation, depression, suicidal ideation/attempt, vertigo, ataxia, sleep apnea, asthenia, EPS, respiratory depression, tremor, convulsions/seizures, visual disturbances, dysarthria, hypotension, blood dyscrasias, change in libido, impotence, and change in appetite
Serious...
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Physicians’ desk reference (71st ed.) (2017). Montvale, NJ: Thomson PDR.
Stahl, S. M. (2007). Essential psychopharmacology: The prescriber’s guide (2nd ed.). New York: Cambridge University Press.
Additional Information
Drug interaction effects. http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html
Drug molecule images. http://www.worldofmolecules.com/drugs/
Free drug online and PDA software. www.epocrates.com
Gene-based estimate of drug interactions. http://mhc.daytondcs.com:8080/cgibin/ddiD4?ver=4&task=getDrugList
Pill identification. http://www.drugs.com/pill_identification.html
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Courtney, J.C., Gonzalez, E.A. (2018). Lorazepam. In: Kreutzer, J.S., DeLuca, J., Caplan, B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_1671
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_1671
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Online ISBN: 978-3-319-57111-9
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