Lorazepam

Lorazepam
Chemical Nomenclature
Common names	Lorazepam, Ativan, Orfidal, Lorsilan
Substitutive name	Lorazepam
Systematic name	(RS)-7-Chloro-5-(2-chlorophenyl)-3-hydroxy-1,3-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one
Class Membership
Psychoactive class	Depressant
Chemical class	Benzodiazepine
Routes of Administration
WARNING: Always start with lower doses due to differences between individual body weight, tolerance, metabolism, and personal sensitivity. See responsible use section. ⇣ Oral Dosage Threshold 0.10 mg Light 0.25 - 0.5 mg Common 0.5 - 1.5 mg Strong 1.5 - 2 mg Heavy 2 - 3 mg + Duration Total 4 - 8 hours Onset 5 - 30 minutes Peak 1 - 3 hours Offset 4 - 8 hours DISCLAIMER: PW's dosage information is gathered from users and resources for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation and should be verified with other sources for accuracy.
Interactions

Lorazepam (trade name Ativan) is a intermediate-duration psychoactive drug of the benzodiazepine class which produces anxiolytic, sedative, hypnotic, muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant, anti-nausea and amnestic effects. Lorazepam, like other benzodiazepines, binds to specific sites on the GABAA gamma-amino-butyric acid receptor. Lorazepam is used for the short-term treatment of anxiety, insomnia, acute seizures, and sedation of hospitalized patients.

Pharmacology

Benzodiazepines produce a variety of effects by binding to the benzodiazepine receptor site on the GABAA receptor and modulating the function of the GABA receptor, the most prolific inhibitory receptor within the brain. The GABA chemical and receptor system mediates inhibitory (or calming effects) of alprazolam on the nervous system.

Relative to other benzodiazepines, lorazepam is thought to have high affinity for GABA receptors, which may also explain its marked amnesic effects. The anticonvulsant properties of lorazepam and other benzodiazepines may be, in part or entirely, due to binding to voltage-dependent sodium channels rather than benzodiazepine receptors.

Subjective effects

The effects listed below are based upon the subjective effects index and personal experiences of PsychonautWiki contributors. The listed effects will rarely if ever occur all at once but heavier dosages will increase the chances and are more likely to induce a full range of effects.

Physical Effects

The physical effects of Lorazepam can be broken down into 3 components all of which progressively intensify proportional to dosage. These are described below and generally include:

• Sedation - In terms of energy level alterations, Lorazepam is extremely sedating and often results in an overwhelmingly lethargic state. At higher levels, this causes users to suddenly feel as if they are extremely sleep deprived and have not slept for days, forcing them to sit down and generally feel as if they are constantly on the verge of passing out instead of engaging in physical activities. This sense of sleep deprivation increases proportional to dosage and eventually becomes powerful enough to force a person into complete unconsciousness.
• Dizzness
• Loss of motor control

Cognitive Effects

The cognitive effects of Lorazepam can be broken down into 6 components all of which progressively intensify proportional to dosage. The general head space of Lorazepam is described by many as one of intense sedation and decreased inhibition. It contains a large number of typical depressant cognitive effects.

The most prominent of these cognitive effects generally include:

• Amnesia
• Suppression of anxiety
• Thought deceleration
• Disinhibition
• Suppression of information processing
• Euphoria