This may reinforce psychological dependence.

The risk and severity of withdrawal is increased with long-term use, use of high doses, abrupt or over-rapid reduction, among other factors. Its relatively potent amnesic effect, with its anxiolytic and sedative effects, makes lorazepam useful as premedication. edit WithdrawalOn abrupt, or overly rapid discontinuation of lorazepam, anxiety and signs of physical withdrawal have been observed, similar to those seen on withdrawal from alcohol and barbiturates. The above product is reacted with methylamine, as in the case of chlordiazepoxide, this leads to rearrangement and a ring expansion, forming 7-chloro-2-methylamino-5-(2′-chlorphenyl)-3H-1,4-benzodiazepin-4-oxide. Cognitive impairment, behavioural disinhibition and respiratory depression as well as hypotension may also occur. In medicinal form, lorazepam is mainly available as tablets and a solution for injection, but, in some locations, it is also available as a skin patch, an oral solution, and a sublingual tablet. As lorazepam can have paradoxical effects, haloperidol is sometimes given concomitantly. However, in critically ill patients, propofol has been found to be superior to lorazepam both in effectiveness and overall cost; as a result, the use of propofol for this indication is now encouraged, whereas the use of lorazepam for this indication is discouraged. The ease of addiction to Lorazepam, (the Ativan brand was particularly cited), and its withdrawal were brought to the attention of the British public during the early 1980s in Esther Rantzen's BBC TV series "That's Life!", in a feature on the drug over a number of episodes. edit Other useSee also: Nonmedical benzodiazepine drug useLorazepam is also used for other purposes.