Lorazepam
Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine sometimes prescribed short term for severe anxiety, panic symptoms, or as pre-medication before certain procedures when a clinician judges benefit outweighs risk.
This medicine is part of the Mental health medicines category.
Generic name: lorazepam
Quick answers
Short replies to searches people often run before speaking to a clinician. For the overview of what the medicine is used for, see the short summary under the page title above.
What is it for?
Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine sometimes prescribed short term for severe anxiety, panic symptoms, or as pre-medication before certain procedures when a clinician judges benefit outweighs risk.
How long does it take to work?
Onset varies by condition and dose. Your GP or pharmacist can explain what to expect and when to review.
What are common side effects?
Drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness, confusion (especially in older adults), and memory impairment the next day.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with it?
Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Lorazepam with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
More about what Lorazepam is used for
Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine sometimes prescribed short term for severe anxiety, panic symptoms, or as pre-medication before certain procedures when a clinician judges benefit outweighs risk.
It is not usually first-line for long-term anxiety — psychological therapies and other medicines are often preferred for ongoing care.
How does Lorazepam work, and how long does it take to work?
It enhances the effect of GABA, a calming brain chemical, producing anxiolysis, muscle relaxation, and sedation at different doses.
Effects are relatively quick and shorter than Diazepam for many people, but dependence can still develop within weeks.
How and when should you take Lorazepam?
Use exactly as prescribed — tablet under the tongue or swallowed as your label states. Do not increase dose without medical review.
Avoid alcohol completely while taking lorazepam.
What are the common side effects of Lorazepam?
Drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness, confusion (especially in older adults), and memory impairment the next day.
Serious side effects of Lorazepam — when to get urgent help
Seek urgent help for shallow breathing, inability to stay awake, or severe allergic reaction. Sudden mood changes or suicidal thoughts need same-day medical contact.
What if you miss a dose of Lorazepam?
Take when remembered if still needed; if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the extra — do not double.
Who should not take Lorazepam?
Severe breathing problems, sleep apnoea without supervision, myasthenia gravis, and acute narrow-angle glaucoma attacks. Pregnancy and breastfeeding need specialist advice.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with Lorazepam? — other interactions
Opioids, gabapentinoids, other sedatives, and alcohol greatly increase overdose risk — combinations should only be prescriber-led.
Lorazepam in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Avoid if possible in pregnancy; discuss breastfeeding with your prescriber — small amounts can pass into milk.
Blood tests and monitoring on Lorazepam
Short treatment lengths and regular reviews are usual; do not repeat old prescriptions without a new assessment.
What might your GP prescribe instead of Lorazepam?
Diazepam, other benzodiazepines, hydroxyzine in some cases, or non-drug therapies may be discussed depending on the situation.
Reviewed by UK registered pharmacists
Reviewed by UK registered pharmacists for accuracy and clarity. Content is informational only.
- Professional registration
- GPhC registration number: [placeholder — to be added when verified]
- Last reviewed
Frequently asked questions about Lorazepam
People also ask — common Google searches
- What is Lorazepam used for?
- Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine sometimes prescribed short term for severe anxiety, panic symptoms, or as pre-medication before certain procedures when a clinician judges benefit outweighs risk.
- How long does Lorazepam take to work?
- Onset varies by condition and dose. Your GP or pharmacist can explain what to expect and when to review. Always follow your prescriber’s follow-up plan.
- Can you take Lorazepam with paracetamol or ibuprofen?
- Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Lorazepam with Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
- What are the side effects of Lorazepam?
- Drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness, confusion (especially in older adults), and memory impairment the next day. See the sections below for more detail, including serious side effects and when to seek urgent help.
- Is lorazepam stronger than diazepam?
- Potency and duration differ milligram for milligram; your prescriber chooses dose and drug based on how long an effect is needed and your health.
- Can I drive on lorazepam?
- Sedation impairs reaction time — do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you, and avoid driving if labels advise against it.
Need personalised advice?
Your local pharmacist or GP surgery can help with questions about your medicines, side effects, and alternatives that may be suitable for you.
Links open the NHS website for finding services. DrugABC does not sell prescription-only medicines or replace clinical care.
Often used with
People searching for Lorazepam often read about these medicines too — for example when treatments are combined under GP or specialist care. This is not a prescribing suggestion.
Related medicines
You may also find these informational pages helpful. Each link opens a full guide on DrugABC. Your prescriber decides what is appropriate for you.