Lorazepam 2.5mg tablets

What is Lorazepam 2.5mg tablets Used to Treat?

Lorazepam 2.5mg tablets is used in the short-term treatment of on-label conditions like anxiousness and other off-label conditions. Anxiousness is considered to be one of the most common psychiatric conditions that affect people across the world. Approximately 8 million people in the UK alone have some form of anxiety disorder, with the majority of those affected between the ages of 35 to 59 years old. If not treated, it can be a devastating condition that makes those experiencing it feel fear, dread, uneasiness, tension, restlessness, rapid breath, and nervousness among many others.

As information about the effects of this medication increases, so does its range of use. In recent years Lorazepam has been used as an off-label treatment for various conditions such as alcohol withdrawal, insomnia, myoclonus, restless leg syndrome, cerebral palsy, and several seizure disorders. Due to its calming properties, typically onsetting within 15 to 30 minutes after consumption; Lorazepam has even been used as a pre-medical sedative before major surgeries and dental operations. Mental health and stability are important to a life of longevity. Lorazepam has a versatile set of benefits that are a useful treatment for a wide range of conditions.

Lorazepam 2.5mg tablets Mechanism of Action

The medication was developed in the late 70s becoming the anxiolytic sedative of choice. Over the years of its development and refinement, it assisted in treatment for good health while reducing existing and future medical issues. In some instances, Lorazepam has been known to slightly reduce blood pressure in some patients. It has a unique set of mechanisms that binds to the benzodiazepine GABA receptors found within the central nervous system. GABA is the primary inhibitory transmitter in the central nervous system. It works by reducing neuronal excitability in the brain and is responsible for muscle tone regulation.

Lorazepam enhances the repressive effects of GABA, which increases the development of chloride ions in the cell. It acts by increasing the availability and binding of the gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors in the brain encouraging positive mood-altering side effects. Benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines or Z drugs share an almost identical genetic makeup, causing them to have similar effects and risks. This is what makes benzos and non-benzos what they are; resulting in relaxant, anti-anxiety, and anticonvulsant properties.

Lorazepam Duration of Action

Benzodiazepine medications can differ in how fast or slow the effects work, as well as how long they will continue to work overtime. The duration of action can be determined by the dosage, how it is administered, as well as how the person using it reacts to it. What makes Lorazepam so special is its fast-acting onset effects, activating in as little as 1 to 3 minutes. The effects of lorazepam reach their full sedating effectiveness at 1-1.5 hours. Both tablet and liquid forms of Lorazepam share similar duration times.

They start to work in around 20 to 30 minutes with the full sedating effects lasting 6 to 8 hours depending on how the individuals body processes the medication, the amount taken, the frequency of use, age, and the method by which it is ingested. How long a drug stays in your system is called the half-life. The half-life of Lorazepam can range anywhere from 10-20 hours, but on average, this medication has been known to stay active for 12 hours. Patients may feel the effects for up to 20 hours, but the drug can take up to about 60 hours for it to break down and release from the body.

Dosage Instructions for Lorazepam

Lorazepam can be useful in treating various types of stress-related conditions. There are dosage requirements and instructions that are specific to the type of disorder it is being used to treat. For those using Lorazepam to treat anxiousness, the recommended dosage ranges from 2mg to 3mg at the start of treatment.

It should be taken orally and consumed 2 to 3 times a day. The dosage for the elderly is reduced down to 1 to 2mg and spread throughout the day. Treatment for those experiencing insomnia is slightly different. Insomnia is a sleeping disorder that makes it difficult for those dealing with it to fall asleep and stay asleep.

It is recommended that adults take 2 to 4mg of Lorazepam by mouth once a day, before bed. As with anxiety patients, the dosage range will decrease for the elderly or debilitated consumers. If a dosage is missed, never double dose. It is recommended to take it as soon as possible, however, if it is time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to normal afterwards. Store your medicine in a container that is closed and at room temperature. Keep away from heat, out of direct sunlight, and do not freeze.

Does Lorazepam Have Side Effects?

Although minimal, Lorazepam does have side effects that may occur that are not common and can typically be avoided if the consumer follows the usage instructions found in the informational pamphlet provided. If side effects do occur, they can vary depending on the dosage amount, pre-existing conditions, and how a person reacts to the medication. Many drugs and medicines have effects that might not be warranted and should always be taken with precaution. The most common side effects include:

• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Drowsiness
• Feeling unsteady

Some of the least common side effects are:

• Abrupt and abnormal mood and behavioural changes
• Thoughts of harming yourself or others
• General confusion
• Severe drowsiness
• Difficulties with vision or hallucinations
• Darkened urine
• Yellow eyes and skin, aka jaundice