Lorazepam

What is this medication for?

• Status epilepticus — alternative to diazepam; anxiety/phobia behavior adjuncts

How is it given?

Give exactly as your veterinarian prescribed — never change the dose or stop on your own unless your veterinarian has told you to.

• Podell protocol pairing: lorazepam 0.2 mg/kg + levetiracetam 60 mg/kg load = the modern non-diazepam status response.

What if I miss a dose?

• Give it as soon as you remember — unless it is almost time for the next dose (then skip the missed one; never double up).
• Call your clinic if you miss more than one dose in a row.

Side effects — what should I watch for?

Effects listed as common in this handout

• Increased appetite (Common)
• Behavior changes: low energy/tiredness ↔ hyperexcitability/aggression (The bidirectional class wildcard)

Worth a phone call to your veterinarian

• Any new symptom that worries you.

⚠️ Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic IMMEDIATELY if you notice

• Trouble breathing, collapse, seizures, severe vomiting or diarrhea, facial swelling, or pale gums

Before starting (or refilling), tell your veterinarian if your pet:

• has or has had: Benzo hypersensitivity, narrow-angle glaucoma, significant liver disease (still, despite relatively safer profile)
• has or has had: Myasthenia gravis; aggressive animals (disinhibition)

• is pregnant, nursing, or used for breeding
• is taking any other medications, supplements, or flea/tick products, including:
  • Other CNS depressants
  • Valproate (human)
  • Flumazenil

Storage and handling

C-into a vein; refrigerate diluted solutions; protect from light.

Good to know

• The human-medicine shift repeats in veterinary: lorazepam replacing diazepam for status — no active metabolites, longer action, more routes (IN!).
• Podell protocol pairing: lorazepam 0.2 mg/kg + levetiracetam 60 mg/kg load = the modern non-diazepam status response.
• Liver-safe enough for the cirrhotic, obese, and geriatric patient where diazepam's nordiazepam accumulation bites.