HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Is The Half Life Of Lorazepam?

default
Posted on Tue, 28 Jul 2015
Question: Hello. I have been prescribed a one time dose of Lorazepam, 1-2 mg, to help me get through an MRI. I am getting a lot of conflicting information as to how long it will take for the effects to wear off so I can resume normal activity. I have been told 1 hour, 2-3 hours, 4-6 hours, 6-8 hours, and 12-24 hours. I'm completely confused on this point. Can you clarify? Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (1 hour later)
Brief answer....effect would last from 12-24 hours
Detailed answer...
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
LORAZEPAM is a longer acting benzodiazipine and has a half life of appox. 12 hours.
Half life is the amount of time in which 50% of the drug leaves the system.
So it is better to resume your normal activity after 24 hours only.
By this time most of the drug would be out of system and you won't feel any unpleasant side effect like sleepiness or unsteadiness.
Make sure to avoid alcohol during this time as it would,otherwise accentuate the effects of lorazepam and you may feel unpleasant for another few hours.
I hope it helps,however you are most welcome to revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1978

Answered : 6704 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask an Internal Medicine Specialist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
What Is The Half Life Of Lorazepam?

Brief answer....effect would last from 12-24 hours Detailed answer... Hello, Thanks for the query. LORAZEPAM is a longer acting benzodiazipine and has a half life of appox. 12 hours. Half life is the amount of time in which 50% of the drug leaves the system. So it is better to resume your normal activity after 24 hours only. By this time most of the drug would be out of system and you won't feel any unpleasant side effect like sleepiness or unsteadiness. Make sure to avoid alcohol during this time as it would,otherwise accentuate the effects of lorazepam and you may feel unpleasant for another few hours. I hope it helps,however you are most welcome to revert to me for any further query. Best of luck Thanks