The higher doses and the longer periods benzodiazepines are taken increase the risk of developing a benzodiazepine dependence.

In cases of a suspected lorazepam overdose, it is important to establish whether the patient is a regular user of lorazepam or other benzodiazepines, since regular use causes tolerance to develop. government study of pharmaceutical-related ED visits by SAMHSA found that sedative-hypnotics in the United States are the pharmaceuticals most frequently used outside of their prescribed medical purpose, with 35% of drug-related emergency room visits involving sedative-hypnotics. Patients are ideally nursed in a kind, non-frustrating environment, since, when given or taken in high doses, benzodiazepines are more likely to cause paradoxical reactions. Withdrawal symptoms include headaches, anxiety, tension, depression, insomnia, restlessness, confusion, irritability, sweating, dysphoria, dizziness, derealization, depersonalization, numbness/tingling of extremities, hypersensitivity to light, sound, and smell, perceptual distortions, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss, hallucinations, delirium, seizures, tremor, stomach cramps, myalgia, agitation, palpitations, tachycardia, panic attacks, short-term memory loss, and hyperthermia. Patients are ideally nursed in a kind, non-frustrating environment, since, when given or taken in high doses, benzodiazepines are more likely to cause paradoxical reactions. Lorazepam is sometimes used as an alternative to haloperidol when there is the need for rapid sedation of violent or agitated individuals, but haloperidol plus promethazine is preferred due to better effectiveness and due to lorazepam's adverse effects on respiratory function. Due to tolerance and dependence, lorazepam is recommended for short-term use, 2–4 weeks only. The risk and severity of withdrawal is increased with long-term use, use of high doses, abrupt or over-rapid reduction, among other factors. Contact your doctor if this medicine seems to stop working as well in treating your symptoms. However, adverse effects such as behavioural disinhibition may make benzodiazepines inappropriate for some acutely psychotic patients.