Lorazepam belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines.
It's used to treat anxiety and sleeping problems that are related to anxiety.
It can also be taken to help you relax before an operation or other medical or dental treatment. This is known as a pre-med.
It's thought to work by increasing the levels of a calming chemical in your brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Lorazepam is available on prescription only. It comes as tablets and as a liquid that you swallow.
It can also be given as an injection in hospital if you're having a seizure or fit.
Key facts
- Lorazepam tablets and liquid start to work in around 20 to 30 minutes. The full sedating effect lasts for around 6 to 8 hours.
- The most common side effect is feeling sleepy (drowsy) during the daytime.
- It's not recommended to take lorazepam for longer than 4 weeks.
- If lorazepam makes you feel sleepy, do not drive, ride a bike or use tools or machinery.
- Do not drink alcohol while taking lorazepam. It can make you sleep very deeply. You may have breathing problems and difficulty waking up.