Written question asked by Bob Spink (Conservative) on Monday, 15 October 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 October 2001. It was answered by Hazel Blears (Labour) on Thursday, 18 October 2001 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what clinical and prescribing advice has been given for Lorazepan with specific reference to the dosage and the period of time over which it is usual to administer the drug.

Answer: Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what clinical and prescribing advice has been given for Lorazepam with specific reference to the dosage and the period of time over which it is usual to administer the drug. [8215] Ms Blears: All licensed medical products have an approved summary of product characteristics (SPC) which includes clinical and prescribing information. Lorazepam is licensed for the short-term (two to four weeks) treatment of severe anxiety occurring alone or in association with insomnia or psychosomatic, organic or psychotic illness. The usual dose for adults is 1-4 milligrammes daily in divided doses. Lower doses may be used in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, or in the elderly. The dosage section of the SPC advises that Lorazepam should not be used for long-term chronic use, and that routine repeat prescriptions should be avoided. The therapeutic indications section of the SPC specifies short-term use for two to four weeks. The potential for the development of tolerance and dependence are discussed in the special warnings and precautions section of the SPC, where there is also additional discussion of the need for the duration of treatment to be as short as possible. The potential for rebound (withdrawal) symptoms is also discussed.

Secondary information