The effects of IM and IV lorazepam were studied in an open trial and in a double-blind crossover trial in 13 and 15 adult patients respectively, all being inpatients suffering from psychic and somatic manifestations of anxiety. At a mean dosage of 5 mg t. i. d., lorazepam proved significantly superior to placebo in the treatment of acute anxiety as well as in chronic anxiety states. The side effects were minor; the main one was decreased wakefulness. The local and the biological tolerance were excellent.