Lorazepam is a type of medication known as a benzodiazepine. This class of medications acts on the central nervous system to enhance the effects of GABA, a neurotransmitter that produces a calming effect on the nerves and muscles. Lorazepam is typically prescribed to treat both acute and chronic anxiety, but the drug can lead to psychological and physical dependence when taken for long periods, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Anxiety
Lorazepam is FDA approved for the short-term treatment of anxiety symptoms, with or without symptoms of depression. According to Drugs.com, lorazepam works to treat anxiety by depressing the central nervous system without affecting the cardiovascular or respiratory systems. The usual dose is between 2 and 3 mg per day, every six to eight hours.
Insomnia
Because of its sedating effects, lorazepam is sometimes prescribed to treat temporary insomnia resulting from situational stress or acute anxiety. In these cases, a single dose of the medication is administered at bedtime. The FDA recommends against taking lorazepam to treat insomnia caused by factors other than temporary anxiety.
Nausea
According to the American Cancer Society, lorazepam is commonly used to treat anticipatory nausea resulting from chemotherapy. It may be administered under the tongue in these cases, or combined with other anti-nausea medications and given immediately following chemotherapy treatment.
Status Epilepticus
Injections of lorazepam are used to treat acute, severe seizures, known as status epilepticus. The medication shows no benefit as a long-term preventative treatment for seizure disorders, however, as the body quickly develops a tolerance to lorazepam, rendering it ineffective at usual doses.
Premedication
In addition to calming anxiety, lorazepam has potent amnesic effects on the brain. This makes it very useful when given up to two hours prior to surgical or dental procedures. Administration of lorazepam before surgery reduces the amount of anesthesia required and may increase compliance, according to Drugs.com.
Other Uses
Lorazepam is often administered for reasons not approved by the FDA. These off-label uses include alcohol withdrawal, sedation during ventilator use, management of mania, treatment of restless leg syndrome, and prevention and treatment of muscle spasms in those with multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy.
