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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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On Lorazepam For Mix Of Dementia And Alzheimers. How Long Can The Medication Be Continued?

I have an elderly aunt who has a mix of dementia and Alzheimer ...she became very distressed and agitated so was given lorazepam 1mg at night which she took for one week then it was reduced to 0.5.,this has helped her hugely but there is now mention of this being sropped ,is it not possible for her to take it long term ?
Mon, 8 Jul 2013
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hi,

Lorazepam belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. These drugs have properties of tolerance and dependence where if the drug is taken regularly for a long duration, it may get very difficult to stop or may have withdrawal symptoms if few doses are skipped accidentally. Withdrawal includes, insomnia, restlessness, headache etc and in rare cases seizures as well. Hence it is avoided for a long duration and used for short duration only. Consult your psychiatrist for alternate medications.

Hope this helps,
Dr A Rao
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  User's Response
It is not a good idea to continue lorazepam for longer than a few weeks to months. Your psychiatrist may prescribe another medication in case her agitation recurs.
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On Lorazepam For Mix Of Dementia And Alzheimers. How Long Can The Medication Be Continued?

Hi, Lorazepam belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. These drugs have properties of tolerance and dependence where if the drug is taken regularly for a long duration, it may get very difficult to stop or may have withdrawal symptoms if few doses are skipped accidentally. Withdrawal includes, insomnia, restlessness, headache etc and in rare cases seizures as well. Hence it is avoided for a long duration and used for short duration only. Consult your psychiatrist for alternate medications. Hope this helps, Dr A Rao