Q: Lorazepam(Ativan) and Diazepam(Valium) both have been used as first line treatment of Status Epilepticus. What advantage Lorazepam have over Diazepam?

Answer: Lorazepam and diazepam both have been used as a first line drugs in the management of Status Epilepticus. Though diazepam acts slightly faster than lorazepam its effective duration of action may be only 5-10 min - and may require repeated doses or quick followup with administration of phenytoin (or fosphenytoin). On the other hand once effective dose(s) of lorazepam is given, the effective duration of action of lorazepam is 8-10 hours, and so is more recommended for initial treatment of status epilepticus.