Lorazepam Withdrawal and Tapering Help

History & Info

Lorazepam was patented in 1963 by Dr. Stanley Bell for Wyeth Laboratories and released onto the United States market in 1977. Lorazepam is a powerful short-acting benzodiazepine that carries a higher physical addiction and withdrawal potential than other benzos.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations report dated June 2, 2011 found, that due to the high addiction risk of Lorazepam, the number of benzodiazepine admissions nearly tripled between 1998 and 2008, yet overall treatment admissions increased only 11 percent. Emergency room visits involving benzodiazepines increased 41 percent from 1995 to 2002.

All benzodiazepines, including Lorazepam, have been linked to Alzheimer's Disease and dementia. The studies show that people using benzodiazepines for three months or longer are 50 percent more likely to develop dementia years later, when they are over age 65. The risk for those taking benzodiazepines longer than six months doubled the risk for the development of Alzheimer's.

Lorazepam inhibits the formation of new memories. Lorazepam appears to have a more profound adverse effect on memory than other benzodiazepines as it impairs both explicit and implicit memory. Explicit memory are intentional memories, such as studying for an exam, recalling an appointment, telephone numbers, etc. Implicit memories are created unconsciously and unintentionally, such as performing specific tasks: swinging a bat, walking, riding a bike, etc., without giving it thought.  Implicit memories are more procedural whereas explicit are deliberate.

Long-term use of Lorazepam can impair cognitive function and these deficits can persist for months after withdrawing. Like all benzodiazepines, Lorazepam impairs reaction time, vigilance, judgment, reasoning, speed and accuracy of information processing,  coordination and learned tasks. Most are not aware of their reduced capacity or the fact that they are not functioning well in life.

It is estimated that dependence and withdrawals occur in one-third of individuals taking Lorazepam for longer than four weeks. Patients initially experience drastic relief from anxiety and insomnia then tolerance is typified by increased insomnia and reoccurring anxiety, often far worse than what they initially sought treatment for.

A 2015-2023 Global Industry Analysis and Forecast report for the pharmaceutical industry stated that Benzodiazepines can be habit forming, generally used for short term basis and use should be considered as a last choice of treatment for panic attacks.

Lorazepam has a short serum half-life and is confined mainly in the vascular space (vessels that carry blood and fluids) and results in interdose withdrawal symptoms and next-dose cravings that reinforce psychological and physical dependence.

Lorazepam exerts its action on GABA-A, the most prevalent calming neurotransmitter of the human body that serves to control excitability, anxiety and fear. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a critical regulator of essential body functions and with continued use Lorazepam down-regulates GABA. As tolerance to the drug occurs, fear, anxiety, insomnia and pain increase. Each dose increase will temporarily ease symptoms but the only way to regain normal GABA function is to recover from Lorazepam addiction.

Our nonprofit has been assisting benzodiazepine dependent individuals for over eleven years. Lorazepam Withdrawal is skillfully handled by our experts through the utilization of an all-natural approach combined with a slow titration schedule.

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