Withdrawal symptoms can occur after taking therapeutic doses of Ativan for as little as one week.

Also, one must ascertain whether other drugs were also ingested. A similar lorazepam dose given intravenously will result in an earlier and higher peak serum level, with a higher relative proportion of unmetabolised (active) lorazepam. Due to its poor lipid solubility lorazepam is absorbed relatively slowly by mouth and is unsuitable for rectal administration. The risk and severity of withdrawal is increased with long-term use, use of high doses, abrupt or over-rapid reduction, among other factors. 1. Regular lorazepam use during late pregnancy (the third trimester), carries a definite risk of benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome in the neonate. 2. Lorazepam may also be slower to clear in the elderly leading potentially to accumulation and enhanced effects. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. edit ChemistryLorazepam is synthesized according to a scheme containing some of the same elements for the synthesis of chlordiazepoxide and oxazepam.