Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. My answer to your questions is: Yes, Lorazepam could cause all these side effects, and many more, especially when used for such a long time, as with the case of your mother. This is why lorazepam is indicated to be used only for short periods of time. The matter is that Lorazepam is very effective for short-term management of anxiety, and maybe because of this feature people have a tendency to use it for longer periods of time. The list of side effects of Lorazepam includes a wide range of physical and mental health signs and symptoms, including loss of appetite, weight loss, increased anxiety, mood disorders, changes of behaviour, loss of interest in daily activities etc. You have not shared with us the past history of medicine use by your mother. However, my advice is that your mother should quit Lorazepam and turn to other safer drugs, such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs), the new ones (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs) are better because of milder side effects (Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Fluvoxamine etc.). All these have to be advised by your doctor. Other options are also possible. Please note that withdrawing from Lorazepam will require the professional help of your doctor, as this is a process a patient cannot manage alone. Therefore, close contact with your doctor is a MUST! Then, you can discuss about the potential use of SSRIs for your mother. I hope I have answered your question and wish you the best of luck! Regards, Dr. Ervin Toçi