Lorazepam's relatively short serum half-life, its confinement mainly to the vascular space, and its inactive metabolite results in interdose withdrawal phenomena and next-dose cravings.

This medication can increase the effects of alcohol. Ativan overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness, fainting, or coma. However, adverse effects such as behavioural disinhibition may make benzodiazepines inappropriate for some acutely psychotic patients. Recreational use, wherein the drug is taken to achieve a high, or when the drug is continued long term against medical advice. For more information, contact the U. This explains why one lorazepam dose, despite lorazepam's shorter serum half-life, has more prolonged peak effects than an equivalent diazepam dose. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy. edit Detection in body fluidsLorazepam may be quantitated in blood or plasma to confirm a diagnosis of poisoning in hospitalized patients, provide evidence in an impaired driving arrest or to assist in a medicolegal death investigation. S.