Sedation is the most complained-of side effect.

Partial, but incomplete tolerance develops to these impairments. Synergistic adverse effects may also occur when lorazepam is administered with other drugs such as opioids or other hypnotics. Lorazepam's anticonvulsant and CNS depressant properties are useful for the treatment and prevention of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. The prolonged sedation from lorazepam may, however, be an acceptable trade-off for its reliable duration of effects, particularly if the patient needs to be transferred to another facility. However, adverse effects such as behavioural disinhibition may make benzodiazepines inappropriate for some acutely psychotic patients. It may further reduce the patient's ability to protect his or her airway during sleep. Additionally the elderly tend to take more drugs which may interact or enhance the effects of benzodiazepines. It is given before a general anaesthetic to reduce the amount of anaesthetic agent required, or before unpleasant awake procedures, such as in dentistry or endoscopies, to reduce anxiety, to increase compliance, and to induce amnesia for the procedure. 5. See also: Ativan pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)The sedative effects of this medication may last longer in older adults.