What is "lorazepam"

n. (context pharmaceutical drug English) A benzodiazepine drug, used in the treatment of anxiety.

n. tranquilizer (trade name Ativan) used to treat anxiety and tension and insomnia [syn: Ativan]

Lorazepam, sold under the brand name Ativan among others, is a benzodiazepine medication. It is used to treat anxiety disorders, trouble sleeping, active seizures including status epilepticus, for surgery to interfere with memory formation, sedate those who are being mechanically ventilated, alcohol withdrawal, and chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting. While it can be used for severe agitation, midazolam is usually preferred. It is also used, along with other treatments, for acute coronary syndrome due to cocaine use. It can be given by mouth or as an injection into a muscle or vein. When given by injection onset of effects is between one and thirty minutes and effects last for up to a day.

Common side effects include weakness, sleepiness, low blood pressure, and a decreased effort to breathe. When given intravenously the person should be closely monitored. Among those who are depressed there may be an increased risk of suicide. With long term use larger doses may be required for the same effect. Physical dependence and psychological dependence may also occur. If stopped suddenly after long term use benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome may occur. Older people more often develop adverse effects. In this age group lorazepam is associated with falls and hip fractures. Due to these concerns, lorazepam use is generally only recommended for up to two to four weeks.

Lorazepam was initially patented in 1963 and went on sale in the United States in 1977. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most important medications needed in a basic health system. It is available as a generic medication. The wholesale cost in the developing world of a typical dose by mouth is between $0.02 and $0.16 (USD) as of 2014. In the United States as of 2015 a typical month supply is less than $25 (USD). In the United States in 2011, 28 million prescriptions for lorazepam were filled making it the second most prescribed benzodiazepine after alprazolam.