NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Lorazepam

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

Prescription benzodiazepine (Schedule IV controlled substance) approved for anxiety disorders, insomnia due to anxiety, and as a preanesthetic agent. Also widely used for acute seizure management, alcohol withdrawal, and chemotherapy-induced nausea. Preferred in patients with hepatic impairment because it undergoes glucuronidation (Phase II metabolism) rather than CYP450-dependent oxidation, with no active metabolites. Dosage must be determined by your prescribing physician.

Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

Prescription benzodiazepine (Schedule IV controlled substance) approved for anxiety disorders, insomnia due to anxiety, and as a preanesthetic agent. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is 0.5–6 mg daily in divided doses (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Anxiety relief6,8
  • Acute seizure management5,6
  • Alcohol withdrawal management6
  • Preoperative sedation6
  • Reliable pharmacokinetics in hepatic impairment9
What to watch for
  • Sedation and drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Known hypersensitivity to lorazepam or other benzodiazepines1,2
  • Acute narrow-angle glaucoma5

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: anxiety relief, acute seizure management, alcohol withdrawal management. 10 sources indexed (2004–2025), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Binds to the benzodiazepine site on GABA-A receptors, enhancing GABA-mediated chloride ion influx. This increases inhibitory neurotransmission throughout the central nervous system, producing anxiolytic, sedative, amnestic, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant effects.3,8

Class
Benzodiazepine
Absorption
Fat-soluble; take with food
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
0.5–6 mg daily in divided doses (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Tablet, oral solution, or injectable

Well absorbed orally. Can be taken with or without food. Available in IM/IV formulations for acute settings.

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Sedation and drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Respiratory depression
  • Dependence and withdrawal
  • Ataxia
  • Memory impairment

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to lorazepam or other benzodiazepines1,2
  • Acute narrow-angle glaucoma5
  • Severe respiratory insufficiency4
  • Sleep apnea syndrome1
  • Severe hepatic insufficiency (IV formulation)
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

5

Randomized controlled trials

2
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Lorazepam, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Lorazepam?

Prescription benzodiazepine (Schedule IV controlled substance) approved for anxiety disorders, insomnia due to anxiety, and as a preanesthetic agent. Also widely used for acute seizure management, alcohol withdrawal, and chemotherapy-induced nausea. Preferred in patients with hepatic impairment because it undergoes glucuronidation (Phase II metabolism) rather than CYP450-dependent oxidation, with no active metabolites. Dosage must be determined by your prescribing physician.

What is Lorazepam used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Lorazepam include: Anxiety relief; Acute seizure management; Alcohol withdrawal management; Preoperative sedation; Reliable pharmacokinetics in hepatic impairment. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Lorazepam?

A typical adult dose of Lorazepam is 0.5–6 mg daily in divided doses (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Tablet, oral solution, or injectable. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Lorazepam?

Reported side effects include sedation and drowsiness, dizziness, cognitive impairment, respiratory depression, dependence and withdrawal, ataxia. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Lorazepam?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Lorazepam in NutriStack.

Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.

NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.