SummaryThe use of lorazepam in the treatment of severe anxiety and anxiety associated with psychotic conditions is discussed. In general, high initial doses of lorazepam were used - between 10 and 40 mg. daily. Once anxiety was controlled, however, this could usually be reduced to a maintenance dosage of 7.5 to 10 mg. lorazepam daily. In many instances lorazepam may be usefully combined with antidepressant or neuroleptic drugs. The commonest side-effects seen with high dosage were drowsiness, hypotension and ataxia. However, in very severely anxious patients drowsiness which disappeared after a few days was thought to be a desirable effect at the beginning of treatment. It is concluded that either alone, or in association with other psychotherapeutic agents, lorazepam has a place in the symptomatic treatment of all states of anxiety and agitation.