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Lorazepam, sold under the brand name Ativan among others, is a benzodiazepine medication. [14] It is used to treat anxiety (including anxiety disorders ), trouble sleeping , severe agitation , active seizures including status epilepticus , alcohol withdrawal , and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting . [ 14 ]
In the elderly, long-term benzodiazepine therapy is a risk factor for amplifying cognitive decline, [29] although gradual withdrawal is associated with improved cognitive status. [30] A study of alprazolam found that 8 weeks administration of alprazolam resulted in deficits that were detectable after several weeks but not after 3.5 years. [31]
Improved reaction times were noted at 52 weeks in elderly patients free from benzodiazepines. This is an important function in the elderly, especially if they drive a car due to the increased risk of road traffic accidents in benzodiazepine users. [136] At the 24-week follow-up, 80% of people had successfully withdrawn from benzodiazepines.
Lorazepam. Sold under the brand name Ativan®, lorazepam is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety in some cases. Oxazepam. As a generic and the brand names drugs Serax and Zaxopam, oxazepam is used to ...
The success of gradual-tapering benzodiazepines is as great in the elderly as in younger people. Benzodiazepines should be prescribed to the elderly only with caution and only for a short period at low doses. [94] [95] Short to intermediate-acting benzodiazepines are preferred in the elderly such as oxazepam and temazepam.
Long-term use and benzodiazepine dependence is a serious problem in the elderly. Failure to treat benzodiazepine dependence in the elderly can cause serious medical complications. [ 14 ] The elderly have less cognitive reserve and are more sensitive to the short (e.g., in between dose withdrawal) and protracted withdrawal effects of ...
Commonly prescribed benzodiazepines in the U.S. are Valium (diazepam) and Ativan (lorazepam), which are used for muscle relaxation and to control anxiety and seizures.
Longer-acting drugs, such as diazepam, can be administered less frequently. However, evidence does exist that "symptom-triggered regimens" such as those used when treating with lorazepam, are as safe and effective, but have decreased treatment duration and medication quantity used. [34]