Using the smallest dose needed to achieve desired effects lessens the risk of adverse effects.

In a group of around 3500 patients treated for anxiety, the most common side effects complained of from lorazepam were sedation (15. The risk and severity of withdrawal is increased with long-term use, use of high doses, abrupt or over-rapid reduction, among other factors. Lorazepam impairs body balance and standing steadiness and is associated with falls and hip fractures in the elderly. To avoid amnesia (or excess sedation) being a problem, the initial total daily lorazepam dose should not exceed 2 mg. What happens if I overdose?Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. What happens if I miss a dose?Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Lorazepam should, therefore, not be prescribed in high doses or as the sole treatment in depression, but only with an appropriate antidepressantspecify. There is inconclusive evidence that lorazepam, if taken early in pregnancy, may result in reduced IQ, neurodevelopmental problems, physical malformations in cardiac or facial structure, or other malformations in some newborns. These effects are seen as more common with lorazepam than other benzodiazepines. The solvents used are polyethylene glycol 400 and propylene glycol.