Ativan (Lorazepam) Side Effects, Overdose, and Withdrawal

Ativan Effects on the Body

By slowing the activity of the brain and nerves, Ativan also affects physical functions and responses. As a tranquilizer, Ativan can make the user feel calm and physically relaxed. Ativan can also stop painful spasms in muscles, or prevent life-threatening seizures when taken correctly. For patients who take Ativan as directed for legitimate reasons, this medication is generally safe and effective.

Because it can cause clumsiness, drowsiness, and disorientation, Ativan poses an increased risk of accidental injuries. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration cautions that drugs in the benzodiazepine family, like Ativan, can cause symptoms resemble alcohol intoxication, such as loss of motor coordination, slurred speech, visual disturbances, and blurred vision.

Driving under the influence of Ativan, or performing other activities that require hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes, can be extremely dangerous, especially if the user has also consumed alcohol or other sedatives.

Ativan Effects on the Mind

The chemical structure of lorazepam is intended to reduce the excitability of the brain and nerves, while soothing emotional responses that create anxiety and restlessness. On the negative side, Ativan can flatten users’ emotional responses and blunt their experiences of the world. Individuals who take Ativan may begin to feel a loss of interest in their everyday experiences or responsibilities. They may feel constantly sluggish and tired, and have a dazed, drowsy appearance.

Ativan can have powerful effects on the brain and nerves. However, individuals can experience “rebound” side effects, or a worsening of the same symptoms that the drug is designed to treat. In particular, Ativan can cause rebound anxiety, sleep disturbances, abnormal body movements, and agitation.

Ativan Withdrawal

When Ativan is misused or taken for prolonged periods, the body can become physically dependent on it. This means that the brain and body have adapted to its presence, requiring the drug to function normally.

When someone abruptly stops or significantly reduces their Ativan intake, the sudden absence of the drug disrupts the body’s balance, leading to withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe distress, depending on the degree of dependence and individual factors.

Ativan withdrawal can manifest in various ways, both physically and psychologically:

• Rebound anxiety and insomnia.
• Irritability and agitation.
• Increased heart rate, blood pressure, sweating, and tremors.
• Headache, nausea, and vomiting.
• Muscle pain and stiffness.
• Cognitive difficulties.
• Panic attacks.

Ativan Addiction

One of the most serious side effects of Ativan use is the possibility of developing an addiction to this medication. The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition) doesn’t specifically list criteria for Ativan (lorazepam) addiction. Instead, it categorizes it under Sedative, Hypnotic, or Anxiolytic Use Disorder. To be diagnosed with this disorder, an individual must meet at least two of the following criteria within a 12-month period:

• Taking the substance in larger amounts or for longer than intended.
• Wanting to cut down or quit but not being able to:.
• Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from use of the substance:
• Cravings and urges to use the substance.
• Not managing to do what you should at work, home, or school because of substance use.
• Continuing to use, even when it causes problems in relationships..
• Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of substance use.
• Using substances again and again, even when it puts you in danger.
• Continuing to use, even when you know you have a physical or psychological problem that could have been caused or made worse by the substance.
• Needing more of the substance to get the effect you want (tolerance).
• Development of withdrawal symptoms, which can be relieved by taking more of the substance.

If you or someone you know is exhibiting these signs, it’s crucial to seek professional help. A qualified healthcare provider can diagnose the severity of the disorder and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Help for Ativan Addiction