If regular treatment is continued for longer than this, dose increases may be necessary to maintain effects, but treatment-resistant symptoms may in fact be benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms.

Samples of Ativan purchased on the Internet have been found to contain haloperidol (Haldol), a potent antipsychotic drug with dangerous side effects. However, in critically ill patients, propofol has been found to be superior to lorazepam both in effectiveness and overall cost; as a result, the use of propofol for this indication is now encouraged, whereas the use of lorazepam for this indication is discouraged. On discontinuation, lorazepam serum levels become negligible after 3 days and undetectable after about a week. It is sometimes used in chemotherapy as an adjunct to antiemetics for treating anticipatory nausea and vomiting, i. 2%), and unsteadiness (3. * Comorbid psychiatric disorders – Increased risk of dependence and paradoxical adverse effects edit Tolerance and dependenceDependence typified by a withdrawal syndrome occurs in approximately one third of individuals who are treated for longer than 4 weeks with a benzodiazepines. If any benzodiazepine has been used long-term, the recommendation is a gradual dose taper over a period of weeks, months or longer, according to dose and duration of use, degree of dependence and the individual. This medication may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. 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. But diazepam's high lipid solubility also means it does not remain in the vascular space but soon redistributes into other body tissues.