With long-term use of benzodiazepines it is unclear whether cognitive impairments fully return to normal after cessation of therapy; cognitive deficits persist for at least 6 months post-withdrawal, but it is possible that longer than 6 months is required for recovery of cognitive function.

As a preservative, the injectable solution contains benzyl alcohol. edit Special groups and situations* Children and the elderly – The safety and effectiveness of lorazepam is not well determined in children under 18 years of age, but it is used to treat acute seizures. Falls and hip fractures are frequently reported. Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by Ativan. It has a fairly short duration of action (Venable and Aschenbrenner 2009). The elderly metabolise benzodiazepines more slowly than younger people and are more sensitive to the adverse effects of benzodiazepines compared to younger individuals even at similar plasma levels. Because of its relative long duration of residual effects (sedation, ataxia, hypotension, and amnesia), lorazepam premedication is best suited for hospital inpatient use. Before taking Ativan, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:* glaucoma; * asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing problems; * kidney or liver disease; * a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior; or * a history of drug or alcohol addiction. The marked anticonvulsant properties of lorazepam, and its pharmacokinetic profile, make intravenous lorazepam a reliable agent for terminating acute seizures, but it has relatively prolonged sedation after-effects. Lorazepam should be avoided in patients with the following conditions:* Allergy or hypersensitivity – Past hypersensitivity or allergy to lorazepam, to any benzodiazepine, or to any of the ingredients in lorazepam tablets or injections * Severe respiratory failure – Benzodiazepines, including lorazepam, may depress central nervous system respiratory drive and are contraindicated in severe respiratory failure.