- Class
- Benzodiazepines
- Body system
- Mental health
- Brand names
- Ativan, Loreev XR
- Antidote or reversal
- Flumazenil (used with caution: it can trigger seizures in long-term benzodiazepine users).
What is Lorazepam used for?
- Anxiety disorders
- Status epilepticus (IV)
- Alcohol withdrawal (off-label, common)
- Sedation before procedures
How Lorazepam works
Benzodiazepine: enhances the effect of GABA, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.
Common side effects
- Drowsiness and dizziness
- Confusion, especially in older adults
- Unsteadiness and falls
- Respiratory depression at higher doses or with other depressants
Report right away
- Slow or shallow breathing, extreme sleepiness
- Paradoxical agitation
Nursing considerations for Lorazepam
- Monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, sedation level and blood pressure, especially with IV use or with opioids.
- IV: give slowly as your drug reference directs; keep resuscitation equipment nearby.
- Fall precautions. The injection is stored in the refrigerator.
Patient teaching
- Do not drink alcohol or take opioids, sleep aids or other sedatives unless prescribed.
- Do not drive until you know how it affects you.
- Do not stop suddenly after regular use: withdrawal can cause seizures. The dose is tapered.
This card does not list doses. Use the prescriber's order, the product label and a current drug reference for dosing, and follow your facility's policies.
Benzodiazepines practice questions
NCLEX-style questions on the class Lorazepam belongs to.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
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What is the reversal agent for a benzodiazepine overdose?
Show answer
Answer D: Flumazenil Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist. Naloxone reverses opioids.
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Which combination poses the greatest risk of fatal respiratory depression?
Show answer
Answer B: Lorazepam and an opioid Benzodiazepines and opioids together carry a boxed warning for profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death.
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A patient has taken alprazolam daily for a year and wants to stop. What is the best advice?
Show answer
Answer D: Taper slowly under the provider's direction Abrupt withdrawal after long-term use can cause rebound anxiety, insomnia and seizures; a supervised taper is needed.
Frequently asked questions
What is Lorazepam used for?
Anxiety disorders; Status epilepticus (IV); Alcohol withdrawal (off-label, common); Sedation before procedures.
What drug class is Lorazepam?
Lorazepam belongs to the class benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepine: enhances the effect of GABA, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.
What are the nursing considerations for Lorazepam?
Monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, sedation level and blood pressure, especially with IV use or with opioids. IV: give slowly as your drug reference directs; keep resuscitation equipment nearby.
What should patients report while taking Lorazepam?
slow or shallow breathing, extreme sleepiness; paradoxical agitation.
What is the antidote for Lorazepam?
Flumazenil (used with caution: it can trigger seizures in long-term benzodiazepine users).