Lorazepam

as sampled by Matthew Gorman

Aaah, the benzodiazepine family, certainly one of my favorite families around. In past installments of this column I've covered such family members as diazepam (a.k.a Valium) and alprozolam (a.k.a Xanax) but for this month's 'Vice Is Right' I'd love to cordially introduce you to what may well be my favorite family member of all, the ever-delightful lorazepam.

Lorazepam, commonly sold under the brand names Ativan or Temestra, is a powerful benzodiazepine released in 1971 with CNS depressant (hypnotic/sedative), anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant properties. It is prescribed chiefly for the treatment of severe anxiety and insomnia caused by anxiety. But unlike its chemical cousins in the benzodiazepine family, lorazepam is also an effective antiemetic (anti-vomiting) making it ideal for quelling the nausea of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Its anticonvulsant properties make it useful in treating the symptoms of severe alcohol withdrawal as well.

In its pure form, lorazepam occurs as a white powder and is generally prescribed in a compressed tablet form. The dose sizes of lorazepam tablets are typically .5mg, 1mg and 2mg. Lorazepam can also be found as an injectable solution contained in pre-measured ampoules (2mg or 4mg dose sizes) as well, but as it is nearly insoluble in water or oil the aqueous solvent in these ampoules is typically either polyethylene glycol 400 or propylene glycol. In addition, lorazepam can sometimes be administered in skin patches, as an oral solution, or as a sublingual (under the tongue) tablet.

Lorazepam gets you really freakin' high and makes you feel as though you don't have a single care in the world but unfortunately, perhaps because God is a jerk, as with every great drug there are marked drawbacks to using this substance.

First off, lorazepam is highly addictive and cravings for the drug may begin to occur after only a week of use, even at medically prescribed levels. Also, lorazepam can have severe amnesiac effects upon its users causing them to forget large portions of time under the influence of the drug. In some cases, lorazepam has caused paradoxical side effects making people under its influence angry, hostile, or overcome with anxiety. Also, intense rebound anxiety and insomnia can occur when use of the drug is discontinued. Still, I recommend that you try it, a 2mg dose ought to do ya proper. I would advise against exceeding a dose level of 6mg in a 24 hour period, however, for as with all benzodiazepines the potential for a possibly fatal overdose does exist. Do not under any circumstances mix this drug with large amounts of alcohol. I'd say that the aforementioned 2mg of lorazepam and 2-3 beers should be about all you really need to have a good fuckin' time. Party on, kids but party smart!