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Lorazepam

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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.[1][2][3][4]

Chemistry

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.

Subjective effects

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:


Toxicity and Harm Potential

Lethal dosage

Tolerance and addition potential

See Also

References

  1. Benzodiazepines and their effects | http://www.benzo.org.uk/hindmarch.htm
  2. An Economic Evaluation of Propofol and Lorazepam for Critically Ill Patients Undergoing Mechanical Ventilation | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763279/
  3. Status epilepticus: an evidence based guide | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1226249/
  4. Pharmacological Management of Acute Agitation | http://link.springer.com/article/10.2165%2F00003495-200565090-00003