What risks come with prescribing ativan in doses above 5mg?

What safety concerns arise when dosing Ativan above 5 mg?

Prescribing Ativan (lorazepam) at doses above 5 mg increases the risk of severe respiratory depression, especially when combined with opioids or alcohol. The FDA label warns that higher doses can quickly lead to slowed breathing and reduced oxygen levels, requiring immediate medical attention.

How does exceeding 5 mg affect coordination and memory?

At higher doses, Ativan impairs balance, reaction time, and short-term memory. These effects can cause falls and fractures in older adults, while also producing anterograde amnesia that prevents patients from remembering subsequent events. Patients who mit