Section B Lorazepam in the treatment of severe anxiety and anxiety associated with psychotic conditions

SummaryThe use of lorazepam in the treatment of severe anxiety and anxiety associated with psychotic conditions is discussed. In general, high initial doses of lorazepam were used - between 10 and 40 mg. daily. Once anxiety was controlled, however, this could usually be reduced to a maintenance dosage of 7.5 to 10 mg. lorazepam daily. In many instances lorazepam may be usefully combined with antidepressant or neuroleptic drugs. The commonest side-effects seen with high dosage were drowsiness, hypotension and ataxia. However, in very severely anxious patients drowsiness which disappeared after a few days was thought to be a desirable effect at the beginning of treatment. It is concluded that either alone, or in association with other psychotherapeutic agents, lorazepam has a place in the symptomatic treatment of all states of anxiety and agitation.