An overdose of lorazepam can be fatal.

Sustained repetitive firing seems to get limited, by the benzodiazepine effect of slowing recovery of sodium channels from inactivation in mouse spinal cord cell cultures. Among benzodiazepines, lorazepam has a relatively high addictive potential. Withdrawal symptoms can occur after taking therapeutic doses of Ativan for as little as one week. They can add to sleepiness caused by this medication. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. They can add to sleepiness caused by this medication. Some experts advise that patients should be warned against drinking alcohol while on lorazepam treatment, but such clear warnings are not universal. In intensive care units lorazepam is sometimes used to produce anxiolysis, hypnosis, and amnesia. Do not drink alcohol while taking Ativan. Lorazepam was the third-most-common benzodiazepine used outside of prescription in these ED visit statistics.