Description
Lorazepam (trade name Ativan) is a depressant substance of the benzodiazepine class. Lorazepam is used for the short-term treatment of anxiety, insomnia, acute seizures, and the sedation of hospitalized patients. Lorazepam is thought to have a relatively high affinity for GABA receptors compared to other benzodiazepines, which may also explain its marked amnesic effects.
The recommended starting dose of lorazepam for adults is 2 mg per day, given in divided doses. The dose is individualized according to your specific needs and response to the medication. This dose can be increased by your doctor to as high as a total of 6 mg per day in 2 to 4 divided doses. In general, the lowest effective dose should be used for the shortest treatment duration possible.