Lorazepam oral tablet is a generic prescription drug used to treat certain types of anxiety. The drug comes as an oral tablet you swallow. The dosage can vary based on the condition the drug is being used to treat.
Lorazepam belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines.
This article describes the dosages of lorazepam oral tablet, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about lorazepam, see this in-depth article.
Note: Lorazepam also comes as an oral solution and injection. This article focuses on the dosages of the oral tablet form of the drug. If you have questions about the oral solution or injection form of lorazepam, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
This section describes the usual dosages of lorazepam. Keep reading to learn more.
What is lorazepam’s form?
Lorazepam is available as an oral tablet you swallow.
What strengths does lorazepam come in?
Lorazepam comes in three strengths:
- 0.5 milligrams (mg)
- 1 mg
- 2 mg
What are the usual dosages of lorazepam?
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.
Dosage for anxiety
Lorazepam can be used to treat certain types of anxiety disorders, short term, and temporary relief of anxiety symptoms related to depression.
The typical lorazepam dosage for anxiety for adults is 2 mg to 6 mg per day, taken in divided doses. But the dosage range can vary between 1 mg to 10 mg per day based on individual considerations and your doctor’s recommendation.
The largest dose of lorazepam is typically taken at bedtime. This is because lorazepam can cause sleepiness.
For short-term treatment of anxiety, the typical starting dose of lorazepam is 2 mg to 3 mg per day. It’s taken two times or three times a day. The maximum recommended dose of lorazepam is 10 mg per day. It’s typically divided into two or three doses per day.
Your doctor will usually start you on a low dose and adjust it over time. They’ll prescribe the smallest dose that fits your needs.
Dosage for sleep problems caused by anxiety or stress
The dosage of lorazepam for insomnia from anxiety or temporary stress is 2 mg to 4 mg taken once daily, usually before bedtime.
If you have questions about your dosage or dosing regimen for lorazepam talk with your doctor.
How to take lorazepam
Lorazepam comes as oral tablets you swallow. You can take lorazepam with or without food.
If you have trouble swallowing pills, you may be able to cut or crush lorazepam tablets. You can also see this article for tips on swallowing pills.
For more information about the best way to take lorazepam, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is lorazepam used long term?
No. Lorazepam is usually used as a short-term treatment. Use of lorazepam for longer than 4 months hasn’t been studied.
If you have questions about your dosage or how long you’ll likely take lorazepam, talk with your doctor.
Do not take more lorazepam than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:
- confusion
- trouble breathing
- drowsiness
- lethargy
- coma
What to do in case you take too much lorazepam
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much lorazepam. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about lorazepam’s dosage.
Is 0.5 mg or 1 mg of lorazepam considered a low dose?
Not necessarily. Your dosage of lorazepam depends on various factors. They may include:
- the condition the drug is being used to treat
- the severity of the condition
- your age
- other health conditions you have
- other medications you may be taking
For example, the recommended starting dose of lorazepam for people ages 65 years and older is 1 mg to 2 mg per day, taken in divided doses. So your doctor may prescribe lorazepam 0.5 mg taken twice per day.
For short-term treatment of anxiety, the starting dosage is typically 2 mg to 3 mg per day, taken two or three times a day. So as an example, your doctor may prescribe 1 mg of lorazepam taken twice per day.
Your doctor will likely start you on a low dose of lorazepam and slowly increase your dose if needed till you reach the right dose for you. For more information about the various doses of lorazepam, see the “What is lorazepam’s dosage?” section above or talk with your doctor.
What is lorazepam’s dosage for sleep?
Lorazepam may be used short term to help with insomnia (trouble sleeping) that’s related to anxiety or temporary stress. It’s not used for insomnia from other causes. Lorazepam’s typical dosage for sleep problems from temporary stress or related to anxiety is 2 mg to 4 mg taken once daily, usually before bedtime.
Talk with your doctor if you’re having problems with sleep. They’ll determine the cause of your insomnia and recommend the treatment that’s right for you.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
