Lorazepam Effects on Neuroimaging Measures

Lorazepam Effects on Neuroimaging Measures: A Pilot Study

This within-subject, double blind, randomized controlled study will investigate the effects of a widely used benzodiazepine (BZD), lorazepam, on various neuroimaging measures. The investigators will be assessing the relationship of lorazepam to resting state functional connectivity and other neuroimaging measures. Specifically, the investigators will be using a pre-identified metric, the striatal connectivity index (SCI), (Sarpal et al. 2015, 2016), a prognostic biomarker of treatment response assessing the connectivity between regions of the striatum and the cortex. The investigators hypothesize that lorazepam administration will be associated with greater SCI values compared with placebo administration; consistent with previous work suggesting short-acting benzodiazepines increase functional connectivity across brain networks.

Inclusion Criteria:

In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:

1. Provision of signed and dated informed consent form
2. Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study
3. Male or female, aged 18-40
4. In general good health as evidenced by medical history
5. Ability to take oral medication and be willing to adhere to the study medication regimen
6. For women of reproductive potential, negative pregnancy test and agreement to use a medically accepted birth control method.

Exclusion Criteria:

An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:

1. Pregnancy or lactation
2. Contraindications to MR imaging (i.e. pacemaker)
3. Known allergic reactions to components of the lorazepam
4. Current smoker or tobacco use
5. Concurrent use of any psychotropic medications, anticonvulsants, opioids or any other medication with effects on the CNS.
6. Acute narrow-angle glaucoma
7. Current or past history of a substance use disorder and/or a positive urine toxicology test.