What it does
Lorazepam is a medication that helps to calm and relax the mind.
Commonly used for: anxiety, sleep problems (insomnia), seizures, muscle spasms
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
Ask about this medicine
Answers come only from this medicine's registration record, BNF monograph and interaction data - not medical advice.
Medicine sourcing is available in Kenya only. We don't sell or dispense medicines - licensed pharmacies do.
Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-21 17:37:38 · updated 2026-09-29 04:33:03
Drug Interactions
44Pharmacodynamic Warnings
Lorazepam appears in TABLE 11: Drugs with CNS depressant effects
Severe (9)
Benzodiazepines - increases exposure
Cobicistat moderately increases the exposure to benzodiazepines (alprazolam). Avoid.
Benzodiazepines - increases exposure
Ritonavir is predicted to increase the exposure to benzodiazepines (diazepam, flurazepam). Avoid.
Benzodiazepines - increases exposure
Idelalisib moderately increases the exposure to benzodiazepines (alprazolam). Avoid.
Benzodiazepines - decreases exposure
Lorlatinib moderately decreases the exposure to benzodiazepines (midazolam). Avoid.
Benzodiazepines - decreases exposure
Lumacaftor is predicted to decrease the exposure to benzodiazepines (midazolam). Avoid.
Benzodiazepines - increases exposure
Clarithromycin moderately increases the exposure to benzodiazepines (alprazolam). Avoid.
Benzodiazepines - increases exposure
Etravirine is predicted to increase the exposure to benzodiazepines (diazepam). Avoid.
Benzodiazepines - affects effects
Efavirenzispredictedtoaltertheeffectsofbenzodiazepines (midazolam).Avoid.oTheoretical
Benzodiazepines - increases exposure
Ribociclib moderately increases the exposure to benzodiazepines (midazolam). Avoid.
Moderate (16)
Benzodiazepines - increases exposure
Miconazole is predicted to increase the exposure to benzodiazepines (alprazolam). Use with caution and adjust dose.
Benzodiazepines - decreases exposure
Monoclonal antibodies (tocilizumab) are predicted to decrease the exposure to benzodiazepines (alprazolam, diazepam, midazolam). Monitor and adjust dose.
Benzodiazepines - increases exposure
Berotralstat moderately increases the exposure to benzodiazepines (midazolam). Monitor and adjust dose.
Benzodiazepines - increases concentration
Cenobamate might increase the concentration of benzodiazepines (clobazam). Monitor and adjust dose. Also see TABLE 11 p. 1519.
Benzodiazepines - decreases exposure
Cenobamatemoderatelydecreasestheexposureto benzodiazepines(midazolam).Adjustdose.oStudy → AlsoseeTABLE11p.1519
Unknown (19)
Benzodiazepines - decreases exposure
Apalutamide is predicted to decrease the exposure to benzodiazepines (diazepam). Avoid or monitor.
Benzodiazepines - increases exposure
Dronedarone is predicted to increase the exposure to benzodiazepines (alprazolam).
Benzodiazepines - increases concentration
Stiripentol increases the concentration of benzodiazepines (clobazam).
Benzodiazepines - increases exposure
Antifungals, azoles (fluconazole, isavuconazole, posaconazole) are predicted to increase the exposure to benzodiazepines (alprazolam).
Benzodiazepines - increases exposure
Bulevirtideslightlyincreasestheexposuretobenzodiazepines (midazolam).oTheoretical
Data from BNF 85 (British National Formulary). This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Matched via: class
About this medicine
Lorazepam is a medication that helps to calm and relax the mind.
What it treats
- anxiety
- sleep problems (insomnia)
- seizures
- muscle spasms
How it works
It works by affecting the brain to produce a calming effect.
Who it's for
This medication is for adults who need help with anxiety or sleep issues.
Drug class
Benzodiazepines
Cautions
- • Avoid using with other drugs that also slow down brain activity.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: Lorazepam
BNF-referencedLorazepam is a benzodiazepine used primarily for its anxiolytic, sedative, and anticonvulsant properties. It is commonly prescribed for short-term management of anxiety disorders and insomnia associated with anxiety. The drug acts on the central nervous system by enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA, leading to increased sedation and relaxation. Lorazepam's rapid onset and relatively short duration of action make it suitable for acute settings such as preoperative sedation and management of seizure disorders.
Indications
- Short-term use in anxiety disorders
- Short-term use in insomnia associated with anxiety
- Management of status epilepticus
- Sedation for procedures
Dosage
Adults: 1–4 mg daily in divided doses for anxiety, 2–3 mg taken at bedtime for insomnia, and for conscious sedation 2–4 mg 1–2 hours before the procedure.
Mechanism of action
Lorazepam allosterically binds to benzodiazepine receptors on the post-synaptic GABA-A ligand-gated chloride channel in the central nervous system. This binding enhances GABA's inhibitory effects, resulting in increased chloride ion influx into the cell, causing hyperpolarization and stabilization of the neuronal membrane. Its action in the amygdala primarily alleviates anxiety disorders, while its effect in the cerebral cortex is associated with anticonvulsant activity.
Pharmacodynamics
Lorazepam increases the frequency of opening of the chloride ion channel associated with GABA-A receptors, facilitating GABA's inhibitory action. Additionally, lorazepam exhibits anticonvulsant properties by binding to voltage-dependent sodium channels, limiting sustained repetitive firing due to slowed recovery of sodium channels. The drug elicits effects such as sedation and dizziness, which can vary based on the specific sites of action within the central nervous system.
Pharmacokinetics
Lorazepam is rapidly absorbed following oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 2 hours. It is extensively metabolized in the liver, primarily via glucuronidation, with metabolites excreted renally. The half-life of lorazepam ranges from 10 to 20 hours, allowing for effective management of symptoms with once or twice daily dosing. Its pharmacokinetic profile may be altered in elderly patients or those with hepatic impairment, necessitating careful dosage adjustments.
Adverse effects
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Ataxia
- Paradoxical reactions (increased aggression, agitation)
- Hypotension
- Respiratory depression
Interactions
- CNS depressants (e.g., opioids, alcohol, other sedatives)
- Antiepileptics (e.g., phenytoin may alter the effects of lorazepam)
- Some antidepressants
- Other benzodiazepines
Precautions
- Use with caution in the elderly or debilitated patients
- Monitor for signs of respiratory depression, especially when administered parenterally
- Risk of dependence with prolonged use
- Avoid abrupt discontinuation after long-term use
Pregnancy
Lorazepam should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. There is evidence of risks including congenital malformations if used during the first trimester.
Breast-feeding
Benzodiazepines are present in breast milk. Use with caution, and avoid if possible during breastfeeding.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from light. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Oral tablets (1 mg, 2 mg, 5 mg)
- Injection (for intravenous or intramuscular use)
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: Lorazepam
PubChem CID 3958Molecular formula: C15H10Cl2N2O2
Mechanism of action
Lorazepam allosterically binds on the benzodiazepine receptors in the post-synaptic GABA-A ligand-gated chloride channel in different sites of the central nervous system (CNS). This binding will result in an increase on the GABA inhibitory effects which is translated as an increase in the flow of chloride ions into the cell causing hyperpolarization and stabilization of the cellular plasma membrane. According to the binding site of lorazepam, we can observe different activities as the binding in the amygdala is known to help mainly in anxiety disorders while the binding in the cerebral cortex helps in seizure disorders.
Pharmacodynamics
The effect of lorazepam in GABA-A receptors produces an increase in the frequency of opening of the chloride ion channel. However, for its effect to generate, the neurotransmitter is required. The anticonvulsant properties of lorazepam are thought to be related to the binding to voltage-dependent sodium channels in which the sustained repetitive firing gets limited by the slow recovery of sodium channels due to the benzodiazepine effect. The effect of lorazepam seems to be very compartmental which was observed with a different generation of sleepiness and a dizziness effect.
Biological pathways
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.