Get help today 888-287-0471 or sign up for 24/7 text support.
American Addiction Centers National Rehabs Directory

Ativan

Ativan, the brand name for lorazepam, is a benzodiazepine used primarily to treat anxiety disorders. Ativan uses a chemical already in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to calm anxiety by increasing its effectiveness. The drug should only be used for short amounts of time because it can be addictive. Using it as directed is essential to positive results. If you believe that you have become dependent on this drug, contact our 24/7 helpline at to discuss Ativan addiction treatment options.

Side Effects

While each person will react differently to Ativan, there are some potential side effects you may experience while taking the drug. Some of the less serious side effects may include:

  • Hyperactivity
  • Confusion and mood swings
  • Hostility
  • Feeling lightheaded
  • Hallucinations

There are several more serious side effects that may be experienced such as:

  • Blurred vision
  • Insomnia
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle weakness
  • Loss of balance
  • Amnesia
  • Changes in appetite
  • Rash

If you experience these symptoms, you should seek medical attention. Do not stop taking the drug without discussing it with your physician. If you feel you are addicted to the drug, you may want to seek Ativan addiction treatment. If you suffer from any other symptoms, you should seek medical attention as you could be allergic to Ativan. This drug can also have adverse effects on other conditions and medications. It is important that you discuss medications you are taking with your physician prior to taking Ativan.

Overdose Concerns

Ativan should be taken exactly as directed to avoid potential overdose. An overdose is when you have taken more of the drug then was suggested or prescribed. Individuals who use the drug regularly may experience a tolerance to the drug and try to compensate for this by taking additional amounts. This could cause an overdose and do serious physical harm. As this drug is addictive, it is important to keep track of your prescription at home. In fact, 7.4 percent of surveyed individuals ages 12 to 17 used prescription drugs for non-medical reasons in 2011, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. If you feel you are addicted to the drug and have taken too much at once, immediate medical attention will need to be given to stabilize your physical condition.

Withdrawal Symptoms

“Stopping the use of Ativan abruptly can result in symptoms such as tremors, muscle cramps, vomiting, excessive sweating, stomach pain, seizures or convulsions, and unusual behavior.”Stopping the use of Ativan abruptly can result in symptoms such as tremors, muscle cramps, vomiting, excessive sweating, stomach pain, seizures or convulsions, and unusual behavior. You should not stop taking the drug abruptly without the help of a physician. Contact our confidential 24/7 helpline at for help getting started. We can help you to find an Ativan detox program to get you started on the recovery process.

Detox for Ativan

Putting the pieces of your life back together will likely start with an Ativan detox program. This will most often involve a professional support system to help you work through the withdrawal symptoms you may experience. Some programs will include the use of medication to ease the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms. Medical support teams will monitor your progress in detox, keeping close watch on your physical condition to ensure you are safe; these professionals will manage any additional issues that might arise. Upon completion of this part of the process, you will be ready to enter into an Ativan rehab program.

Treatment Facility Options

There are a variety of options available for Ativan addiction treatment facilities, including both private and public programs. The private facilities often have added amenities such as private rooms, additional counseling options, meditation, yoga and exercise plans to help you through the process. Private and public facilities will use a variety of treatment plans including family therapy, group therapy and individual therapy. The individuals administering the treatment will be trying to find the root or underlying issues that may relate to your addiction. They will also teach you the tools you may need to avoid potential temptations once you leave the program. The need for these facilities is clear, as there are over 27,000 unintentional drug overdoses in the United States in 2007, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Factoids:

  • The use of Ativan for individuals with glaucoma, asthma, kidney disease, and liver disease, or those with a history of depression, may have adverse effects. Talk to your physician before starting the drug.
  • Using cold medication, allergy medication, muscle relaxers or other such medications can intensify the fatigue effect of the Ativan.
  • Ativan causes marked memory function impairment that can have an effect on the brain’s ability to store long-term information.

Ativan can be addictive both physically and psychologically, making it important to seek addiction treatment for help. Contact our 24/7 helpline at for information about gaining control over your addiction.

Unsure where to start? Take Our Substance Abuse Self-Assessment

Take our free, 5-minute substance abuse self-assessment below if you think you or someone you love might be struggling with substance abuse. This evaluation consists of 11 yes or no questions that are designed to be used as an informational tool to assess the severity and probability of a substance use disorder. The test is free, confidential, and no personal information is needed to receive the result. Please be aware that this evaluation is not a substitute for advice from a medical doctor.

Was this page helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.

Your feedback is important to us and will be used to improve the quality of our articles. Please do not use this form as a contact form or input personal information. If you are in crisis or need immediate help dial 9-1-1. Or if you are interested in entering treatment and want to know more, call us at 888-287-0471

Helpline Information
for immediate assistance.

(0/100)

While we are unable to respond to your feedback directly, we'll use this information to improve our content. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and need help, call us at 888-287-0471

Helpline Information
for immediate assistance.