Using the smallest dose needed to achieve desired effects lessens the risk of adverse effects.

Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. 9%), weakness (4. This contrasts with the highly lipid-soluble diazepam, which, although rapidly absorbed orally or rectally, soon redistributes from the serum to other parts of the body, in particular body fat. 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. Do not drink alcohol while taking Ativan. As paradoxical effects appear to be dose-related, they usually subside on dose reduction or on complete withdrawal of lorazepam. Amnesic effects cannot be estimated from the degree of sedation present, since the two effects are unrelated. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication. But its poor lipid solubility and high degree of protein binding (85-90% ) mean that lorazepam's volume of distribution is mainly the vascular compartment, causing relatively prolonged peak effects. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.