Lorazepam and diazepam – What are they?

Both of these medicines can be used to help stop seizures on an ‘as needed’ basis. However, if they are used every day, they may not work as well. They are NOT intended to take the place of your daily seizure medicine. Sometimes a small amount of one of these medicines may be prescribed to take daily with other seizure medicine, but for most people, lorazepam and diazepam are not used regularly.

• Lorazepam is available under the brand name of Ativan®, or the generic name of lorazepam in pill form with different dosage strengths. It comes as a concentrated liquid solution under the name of Lorazepam or Ativan Intensol®. These forms are for oral use. It also comes as an injectable form which is usually given only in hospital settings.
• Diazepam is available under the brand name of Valium®, as Diazepam Intensol®, or in generic form. It also comes in pill form with different dosage strengths. The injectable form is usually given only in hospital settings.

How is it given?

Either medicine may be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Pills or tablets can be dissolved under the tongue or between the cheek and the gum. If the oral solution is prescribed, use a specially marked dropper that comes with the solution to measure the correct dose. The solution can be mixed with liquid or soft food, or put under the tongue or between the cheek and gum.

It’s important to follow your doctor’s directions and have a plan with your doctor on just how much to take, when to use it, and how often it can be used. Then write down each time you take a dose so you can make sure that you don’t take too much.

How long does it take to work?

Lorazepam and diazepam act quickly in the brain to stop seizures. Diazepam gets into the brain quicker, but lorazepam tends to last longer and will help seizures over a longer period of time.

• Make a plan with your doctor on what to take, how much, and how often.
• Write down how much you take and when - it will help you know if it works or not.

Continue to Side Effects of Oral or Sublingual Medicines

Topic Editor: Steven C. Schachter, MD and Patricia O. Shafer, RN, MN.
Last Reviewed:5/25/07