Coming off long-term lorazepam may be more realistically achieved by a gradual switch to an equivalent dose of diazepam, a period of stabilization on this and only then initiating dose reductions.

A large-scale, nationwide, U. If regular treatment is continued for longer than this, dose increases may be necessary to maintain effects, but treatment-resistant symptoms may in fact be benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms. Lorazepam is more effective than diazepam in the treatment of status epilepticus. What is Ativan?Ativan is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens). edit PharmacokineticsLorazepam is highly protein bound and is extensively metabolised into pharmacologically inactive metabolites. Neonatal benzodiazepine withdrawal may include hypotonia, reluctance to suck, apneic spells, cyanosis, and impaired metabolic responses to cold stress. On discontinuation, lorazepam serum levels become negligible after 3 days and undetectable after about a week. If any benzodiazepine has been used long-term, the recommendation is a gradual dose taper over a period of weeks, months or longer, according to dose and duration of use, degree of dependence and the individual. T. Ativan may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.