Adverse effects are more common in the elderly, and they appear at lower doses than in younger patients.

Ativan should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Lorazepam is considered to be a short-acting drug which, similar to other benzodiazepines, exerts its therapeutic as well as adverse effects via its interaction at benzodiazepine binding sites, which are located on GABAA receptors in the central nervous system. Oral lorazepam, and other benzodiazepines, have a role in long-term prophylactic treatment of resistant forms of petit mal epilepsy, but not as first-line therapies, mainly because of the development of tolerance to their effects. Lorazepam-glucuronide is eventually excreted by the kidneys, and, because of its tissue accumulation, it remains detectable - particularly in the urine - for substantially longer than lorazepam. A clinically relevant lorazepam dose will normally be effective for 6 to 12 hours, making it unsuitable for regular once-daily administration, so it is usually prescribed as two to four daily doses when taken regularly. A clinically relevant lorazepam dose will normally be effective for 6 to 12 hours, making it unsuitable for regular once-daily administration, so it is usually prescribed as two to four daily doses when taken regularly. Catatonia with inability to speak is responsive and sometimes controlled with a single 2 mg oral, or slow intravenous dose of lorazepam. Ativan should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Falls and hip fractures are frequently reported. * Liver or kidney failure – Lorazepam may be safer than most benzodiazepines in patients with impaired liver function.