Lorazepam is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders, and it works by affecting the chemicals in your brain that can become unbalanced, resulting in feelings of anxiety. If you are addicted to lorazepam and alcohol, and you mix the two, it can result in dangerous side effects. This is because lorazepam interacts negatively with alcohol. While it isn’t as potent as other drugs by itself, using lorazepam with any other substances is extremely dangerous.
“Drinking while taking lorazepam is extremely risky.”-Projectknow.com
Alcohol and lorazepam can interact and cause dangerous effects, even if they are not taken at the same time.
Did You Know?
It is possible to accidentally mix alcohol with lorazepam. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that even non-prescription medications like cold medicines may contain alcohol. Taking these with lorazepam can lead to side effects and accidental lorazepam overdose.
Effects of Mixing Lorazepam and Alcohol
The effects of mixing alcohol and lorazepam are dangerous, and in large enough amounts can be fatal. These effects can include:
- Extreme drowsiness
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Slowed breathing
- Impaired coordination
- Impaired memory
- Unusual behavior
- Increased risk for overdose
In addition to these effects, there are other serious dangers of mixing lorazepam with alcohol and other substances. Lorazepam can have effects similar to those of alcohol, creating a buzz or a feeling of intoxication. If taken under the care of a physician, lorazepam is considered a safe medication. While you may not be addicted to lorazepam and alcohol, using it in combination with alcohol, or taking more than the recommended dose can lead to a psychological and physical addiction to this drug. When lorazepam is taken for a prolonged period of time, your body begins to build a tolerance. When this happens, you’ll require more lorazepam to achieve the same high or effect, or to relieve symptoms of withdrawal.
Did You Know?
Someone who is addicted to lorazepam and alcohol risks harmful side effects due to the way this drug can intensify alcohol’s intoxicating effects. You may have difficulty performing ordinary tasks like driving while using both substances. This can put you and others at greater risk for injuries.
When you become addicted to lorazepam and alcohol, you face an increased risk of overdose. Lorazepam is only meant to be used temporarily, and the desire or compulsion to continue taking this medication, or to take more of it because it is no longer providing the same effect, are signs that you may have a dependency, drug abuse or addiction.
Did You Know?
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that cough syrup and laxatives can have some of the highest alcohol concentrations of all non-prescription medications.
Dangers of Combining Different Drugs
Mixing alcohol with any drug can lead to several dangerous side effects. Alcohol can negate the effects of most medications, and it is a depressant that slows down your nervous system. This can impair your normal ability to function, and it can exacerbate the side effects of many drugs. Abusing alcohol while taking lorazepam can lead to becoming addicted to both substances.
If you’ve developed an addiction to alcohol and lorazepam, it’s best to seek professional medical treatment because quitting lorazepam suddenly, especially if you’ve been using it with alcohol, can lead to dangerous withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can range from nausea and general illness to hallucinations and suicidal thoughts. The safest way to recover from this or any other addiction is to withdraw gradually from both substances in a medically supervised environment.
If you are addicted to lorazepam and alcohol, we can help. Call to discuss your treatment options. Calls are free and confidential.
