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Drug group - Benzodiazipines
Street name
Not known
Brand name
Ativan. (Wyeth)
Drug effect
Depressant (downer). Effects last for 6 to 10 hours
Description
Tablets 1mg - blue, marked A1; 2.5mg - yellow, marked A2.5
Injection 4mg/mL
Therapeutic use
Moderate to severe anxiety
Street use
Swallowed and injected
Dependency
Yes
Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms begin up to 3 days after last dose and may be particularly severe with this drug. They include anxiety, restlessness, tremor, feelings of unreality, distortion of perceptions. There is a risk of seizure following sudden withdrawal.
Long term use
Mental confusion
Memory loss
Unpredictable or aggressive behaviour
Loss of physical co-ordination
If injected - circulatory problems, infection risk
Overdose risk
Death from overdose is rare. Risks increase if lorazepam is mixed with other drugs such as opiates, barbiturates or alcohol.
Legal status
Prescription Only Medicine
Class C, Schedule 4 Part I
Illegal to possess without a prescription and to supply to others.
SPECIAL NOTE
Withdrawal from lorazepam can be dangerous because of seizure risk. Gradual withdrawal under medical supervision is recommended.