Intravenous lorazepam as an amnestic and anxiolytic agent in the intensive care unit: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and hemodynamic safety of intravenous lorazepam as an amnestic and anxiolytic agent in patients undergoing critical care procedures.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

Trauma/intensive care unit and coronary care unit of a 524-bed, tertiary, teaching community hospital.

SUBJECTS

Ten patients undergoing critical care procedures.

INTERVENTIONS

Intravenous lorazepam was administered at an initial dose of 2 mg, 15 to 20 mins before the critical care procedure (procedures included both invasive and noninvasive techniques) was performed. Anxiety level and memory assessment were evaluated at baseline and at various points following lorazepam administration. Changes in hemodynamic status were evaluated regularly throughout the study.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

No significant changes in hemodynamic measurements were observed after administration of intravenous lorazepam. Significant differences were seen in anxiety scores and amnestic effects from preprocedure/pre-lorazepam to post-lorazepam evaluations (all p values were < .03).

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the beneficial anxiolytic and amnestic effects of lorazepam in a subgroup of patients undergoing critical care procedures. The study also substantiates the safety of this drug in this patient population.