Long-term effects of benzodiazepines include tolerance, dependence, a benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome and cognitive impairments which may not completely reverse after cessation of treatment; however, for most patients, cognitive impairment is not severe.

Intravenous diazepam or lorazepam are first-line treatments for convulsive status epilepticus. Ativan can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Lorazepam is more effective than diazepam in the treatment of status epilepticus. Before taking Ativan, tell your doctor if you have any breathing problems, glaucoma, kidney or liver disease, or a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or addiction to drugs or alcohol. The concern is that, though relatively nontoxic in themselvesverification needed, benzodiazepines may inadvertently become facilitators of suicidal behaviour. The higher doses and the longer periods benzodiazepines are taken increase the risk of developing a benzodiazepine dependence. 2%), and unsteadiness (3. edit Detection in body fluidsLorazepam may be quantitated in blood or plasma to confirm a diagnosis of poisoning in hospitalized patients, provide evidence in an impaired driving arrest or to assist in a medicolegal death investigation. Lorazepam is used for the short-term treatment of anxiety, insomnia, acute seizures including status epilepticus and sedation of hospitalised patients, as well as sedation of aggressive patients. edit PharmacokineticsLorazepam is highly protein bound and is extensively metabolised into pharmacologically inactive metabolites.