Ativan Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline & Detox Treatment

Ativan (lorazepam) is a member of the benzodiazepine class of drugs.

Benzodiazepines are used primarily in the treatment of anxiety, seizure disorders, and as muscle relaxants. These drugs work on the major inhibitory neurotransmitter system in the brain, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Their action results in a decrease of excitation in the brain and spinal cord due to a suppression of neuronal firing.

Ativan is also classified as a Schedule IV drug by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, indicating that it has a moderate potential for abuse and for the development of physical dependence. It is the potential for physical dependence that makes it a drug that will inevitably produce a withdrawal syndrome in chronic users and abusers who attempt to stop using it.

Ativan Withdrawal

Physical dependence occurs as a result of an individual taking certain types of drugs over rather lengthy periods of time. When an individual chronically uses or abuses certain classes of drugs, the individual’s system becomes acclimated to having the drug present and learns to function at a steady level only when the drug is present in the individual’s tissues. The system automatically adjusts its own release of chemical substances, such as neurotransmitters, hormones, and so forth, to account for the presence of the drug. Once the individual abruptly stops taking the particular drug, the system is thrown off balance, and this produces a number of physical symptoms known as withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal from a benzodiazepine like Ativan can be potentially dangerous and even fatal due to the potential to develop seizures during the withdrawal process. Ativan withdrawal usually occurs in two stages: an acute stage and a prolonged stage.

Ativan has a half-life of 10-12 hours on average, so withdrawal symptoms can start relatively quickly (within 24 hours) following the last dose. The average onset of withdrawal symptoms is 3-4 days. Acute withdrawal may begin with a rebound effects that consist of a rush of anxiety, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, and difficulty sleeping. Acute withdrawal phase symptoms may include:

• Headache, sweating, tremors (especially in the hands), difficulty concentrating, and/or confusion
• Increased blood pressure, heart palpitations, and a rapid heart rate
• Nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and/or weight loss
• Irritability, feelings of anxiety, mood swings, and/or even panic attacks
• Seizures can occur in rare cases

A protracted withdrawal syndrome (in some sources, this is just referred to as a withdrawal syndrome) occurs after the acute phase and typically lasts 10-14 days; however, in individuals who use very high doses of Ativan, it could last even longer. In this stage, individuals will continue to experience symptoms of anxiety, drug cravings, nausea, vomiting, headache, general malaise, and may even to begin to develop depression.

Certain individuals may continue to experience mood swings, depression, general malaise, and lack of motivation for months to years following discontinuation of Ativan. Some sources refer to this as a post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS).

Medications to Assist with Ativan Withdrawal

Ativan withdrawal symptoms can be eased via medical detox. The program should be supervised by a physician who can slowly taper down the dosage of Ativan for the individual, minimizing withdrawal symptoms. At the same time, the physician and other medical professionals can supervise the client and prescribe medications as needed to facilitate the process.

Certain drugs or substances can be given to assist in the process of withdrawal. Melatonin, a hormone that induces sleep, is sometimes used during Ativan detox. There is research to indicate that it can be useful in addressing insomnia in individuals withdrawing from Ativan and other benzodiazepines; however, the research is mixed.

The antidepressant Paxil (paroxetine) has some research evidence to indicate that it can help ease some of the withdrawal symptoms associated with Ativan detox. It may be associated with increased success rates during withdrawal.

While physicians may use a number of medications to address certain symptoms during the withdrawal process, there are no medications specifically dedicated to treating benzodiazepine withdrawal. In addition, a 2006 meta-analysis indicated that the most effective method of addressing withdrawal did not include the use of medication, but instead included the use of a tapering approach during the withdrawal process from benzodiazepines like Ativan.