Lorazepam given to pregnant women antenatally may cause floppy infant syndrome in the neonate, or respiratory depression necessitating ventilation.

* Liver or kidney failure – Lorazepam may be safer than most benzodiazepines in patients with impaired liver function. Lorazepam impairs body balance and standing steadiness and is associated with falls and hip fractures in the elderly. Adverse effects can include sedation and hypotension; the effects of lorazepam are increased in combination with other CNS depressant drugs. 1. Because of its relative long duration of residual effects (sedation, ataxia, hypotension, and amnesia), lorazepam premedication is best suited for hospital inpatient use. However, adverse effects such as behavioural disinhibition may make benzodiazepines inappropriate for some acutely psychotic patients. Acute delirium is sometimes treated with lorazepam, but as it can cause paradoxical effects, it is preferably given together with haloperidol. edit Special groups and situations* Children and the elderly – The safety and effectiveness of lorazepam is not well determined in children under 18 years of age, but it is used to treat acute seizures. After four to six months of regular benzodiazepine use, there is little evidence of continued efficacy. Patients are ideally nursed in a kind, non-frustrating environment, since, when given or taken in high doses, benzodiazepines are more likely to cause paradoxical reactions.