Lorazepam: Encyclopedia II - Lorazepam - Disadvantages

Lorazepam - Disadvantages

Lorazepam, like other benzodiazepines, can cause psychological and/or physical dependence. Withdrawal symptoms are similar in character to those of alcohol and barbiturates have been observed after abrupt discontinuation, therefore, a gradual taper is recommended over a period of weeks or even months, depending on the length of time it was used and the dosage taken.

The likelihood of abuse, dependence and withdrawal symptoms is substantially greater with lorazepam relative to other benzodiazepines because of its short half-life, higher potency and stronger binding to the GABA receptor complex. In this regard it behaves like alprazolam (short half-life and high potency) and clonazepam (long half-life and high potency).

Long term therapy may lead to cognitive deficits, however this is reversible upon discontinuation.

Generally, lorazepam is not suited for long-term treatment except when medically necessary. The stress of everyday life usually does not require treatment with an anxiolytic and is best treated with psychotherapy.

Lorazepam belongs to the FDA pregnancy category D which means that it is likely to cause harm to the unborn baby, although this is very rarely seen. Lorazepam given near the time of birth may cause floppy infant syndrome and withdrawal symptoms in the infant.

In some cases there can be paradoxical effects with benzodiazepines, such as increased hostility and aggression. This is thought by some doctors to be due to disinhibition, and is therefore more likely to occur in those with preexisting personality disorders who may less than average inhibition.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Disadvantages", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki