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.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication. After four to six months of regular benzodiazepine use, there is little evidence of continued efficacy. The magnitude and duration of lorazepam effects are dose-related, meaning that larger doses have stronger and longer-lasting effects. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. See also: Ativan pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)The sedative effects of this medication may last longer in older adults. Such allegations may arise because of incomplete amnesia, disinhibition, and impaired ability to process cues. Toxicity from propylene glycol has been reported in the case of a patient receiving a continuous lorazepam infusion. Lorazepam also has abuse potential; the main types of misuse are for recreational purposes or continued use against medical advice. Some antidepressants, anti-epileptic drugs such as phenobarbital, phenytoin and carbamazepine, sedative antihistamines, opiates, antipsychotics and alcohol when taken with lorazepam may result in enhanced sedative effects. Contact your doctor if this medicine seems to stop working as well in treating your symptoms.