Lorazepam (Ativan) Abuse, Effects & Addiction Treatment

Lorazepam is a prescription drug used to treat a number of conditions, many of them related to anxiety. Falling under the benzodiazepine class of drugs, lorazepam can be effective at relieving anxiety symptoms when taken as prescribed. However, when misused, the medication carries a serious risk of dependence and addiction. 

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction to lorazepam, Empowered Recovery Kansas City can help! Our Kansas City based drug and alcohol rehab can help people quit benzodiazepines and find long-term recovery. 

Lorazepam (Ativan): What it is & How it Works

Lorazepam is a Schedule IV controlled substance that is prescribed to treat a variety of anxiety disorders. Lorazepam is FDA-approved for:1 

• Short-term relief from anxiety (up to four weeks)3
• Anxiety-related insomnia
• Relief from anxiety before surgery
• Sedation before surgery 
• Seizure conditions

Lorazepam uses also include treating off-label conditions, such as:1

• Alcohol withdrawal delirium and syndrome
• Insomnia
• Vertigo
• Panic disorder
• Delirium
• Chemotherapy-associated anticipatory nausea and vomiting 
• Psychogenic catatonia
• Rapid tranquilization of an agitated patient

Lorazepam works by slowing down the activity in the brain.2 It accomplishes this by increasing the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).3 This chemical produces a calming effect, which lessens anxiety symptoms. 

Lorazepam is known to work very quickly. Intravenous uses of Ativan can sedate a patient in one to three minutes,1 while a tablet will begin to work in 20 to 30 minutes.3 The calming effects can last six to eight hours.3

Lorazepam is sold under several brand names, some of which are more recognized than the official name of the medication. Lorazepam brand names include:2

• Ativan®
• Lorazepam Intensol®
• Loreev XR® 

Side-Effects of Lorazepam

Like all medications, lorazepam has the potential to produce side effects. While the side effects of lorazepam tend to be minor, with the most common being drowsiness,3 some people may experience more Ativan side effects than others. 

The most common lorazepam side effects include:2

• Dizziness
• Unsteadiness
• Weakness
• Blurred vision
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Changes in appetite
• Restlessness 
• Changes in sex drive or ability

Is Lorazepam Safe?

While someone may experience side effects of Ativan, it is considered to be a safe medication when used as directed. Ativan uses are wide-ranging, and many doctors rely on the drug for fast-acting anxiety relief. 

However, if lorazepam is misused or mixed with certain drugs or alcohol, there can be dangerous effects. 

Lorazepam (Ativan) Drug Interactions

When taking lorazepam, it’s important to be aware of medications that can have an adverse reaction when mixed with Ativan. Avoid taking lorazepam with any of the following medications:5

• Narcotic medications for cough
• Narcolepsy medication such as sodium oxybate4 
• Antihistamines 
• Anti-psychotic medications like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, or thioridazine
• Narcotic medications for pain
• Antidepressants like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate, amitriptyline, fluoxetine, or sertraline
• Medications for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, or primidone
• General anesthetics like lidocaine, pramoxine, or tetracaine

Ativan can also react poorly with alcohol and Kratom.1,5 

Signs of Lorazepam Abuse & Addiction

If a person begins to misuse lorazepam, they may develop an addiction to the drug. In this case, the person may abuse their prescription by taking more than directed, requesting a higher dosage, or trying to acquire more pills from another doctor or illicit source.6 

Research shows that benzodiazepine abuse often starts from a person wanting to release tension, calm down, or sleep better.7 However, before they know it, that person may be dealing with a very real addiction. In this case, the person may begin to exhibit lorazepam addiction symptoms.

Some common Ativan addiction symptoms include:6 

• Requesting prescription refills early
• Hiding medication
• Repeated requests for higher dosages 
• Appearance changes
• Hygiene changes
• Behavior changes
• Mood changes
• Less commitment or motivation at work
• Less investment at home 
• Less involvement in relationships 

Short-Term Effects of Lorazepam Misuse

When a patient begins to misuse lorazepam, they may experience side effects that are different or more intense. While they may experience the desired effect of a dopamine rush, the person may also feel other, adverse effects.6 These short-term symptoms can include:6

• Sleeping more but having a hard time waking up
• New or unusual behavior
• Trouble focusing
• Confusion 
• Blurred vision
• Slurred speech
• Poor coordination

Long-term Effects & Risks of Lorazepam Misuse

The consequences of abusing lorazepam can impact a person for a long time. People who abuse benzodiazepines like lorazepam may lower their cognitive ability permanently. Even when they stop taking the drug, they may only regain part of those abilities.6

There are other long-lasting consequences as well. The person may form a dependence to lorazepam, meaning that if they suddenly stop or are unable to take the medication, they can experience serious withdrawal symptoms. The person may also develop an Ativan addiction, which can impact all aspects of their life, from their work to their relationships to their hobbies.6 Someone with a lorazepam addiction may begin to neglect themselves and their loved ones, even putting themselves in dangerous situations to obtain more of the drug. 

If a person was prescribed lorazepam for an anxiety disorder, taking more than prescribed may lead to rebound symptoms or new symptoms of anxiety.6 To fully address a lorazepam addiction and any co-occurring disorders, a person will likely need to enter into a treatment program to resolve the underlying issues at play. 

Effects of Lorazepam on the Body

Intentional higher doses and unapproved uses of lorazepam can lead to sudden symptoms. For example, lorazepam has a history of making people drowsy or dizzy.5 If a person is misusing the drug, they may faint if they stand up too quickly or become very tired while driving a car.

Other severe effects of Ativan on the body include:5

• Allergic reactions like hives or swelling of the mouth
• Shallow breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Trouble staying awake

Effects of Lorazepam on the Mind

While lorazepam is intended to manage anxiety symptoms, it has the potential to induce alarming mental health conditions. For example, the medication may cause depressed thoughts, worsened mood, or even thoughts of suicide or self-harm.5 

Outwardly, a person abusing a benzodiazepine like lorazepam may appear to be experiencing severe anxiety symptoms. In reality, this could be symptoms of their Ativan addiction.6

Risks & Signs Lorazepam Overdose

It is possible to overdose from misusing lorazepam. During an overdose, the patient may experience central nervous system or respiratory depression, which can lead to serious lorazepam overdose symptoms such as:1 

• Confusion
• Extremely low blood pressure
• Loss of balance
• Muscle weakness
• Extreme fatigue 
• Coma

The chance of overdosing is even higher when lorazepam is taken with another drug or alcohol. Combining a benzodiazepine like lorazepam with opioids is particularly dangerous, as it can cause profound sedation and respiratory issues.1 

If you believe someone is experiencing a lorazepam overdose, call 911 and wait with them until medical professionals arrive.

Lorazepam Withdrawal & Detox

If a person has developed a lorazepam addiction, they likely have also formed a physical dependence on the drug. This means that their body now relies on the substance; if the medication is not taken, the body will begin to have negative responses. These lorazepam withdrawal symptoms can be very serious and even life-threatening. 

Ativan withdrawal symptoms can include:8

• Restlessness
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Irritability
• Sweating
• Dysphoria
• Numbness 
• Hypersensitivity to light and noise
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Hallucinations
• Short-term memory loss
• Palpitations
• Seizures

Because of the high risk of these symptoms, it’s recommended that people detoxing from lorazepam do so in a medical setting. A medical detox program will ensure the patient is safe throughout any withdrawal symptoms and their discomfort is managed as much as possible.

How Is Lorazepam Addiction Treated?

When a person seeks treatment for lorazepam addiction, they have several options. The first step may be a medical detox if they’re actively taking lorazepam. Next, they could choose to enter into an inpatient or outpatient program. 

At an inpatient program, the patient will live on-site at the facility. Some will be isolated from the world, while others will offer a line of communication for loved ones. This intense setting can be a great fit for someone with a severe addiction or a patient with serious medical complications. 

An outpatient program offers the same treatment and therapy as an inpatient program, but the patient continues to live at home. This provides a level of flexibility for patients who are highly motivated, stepping down from a higher level of care, or need to attend to work or life responsibilities outside of treatment. There are several types of outpatient programs, including partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and standard outpatient. Each program has its own unique benefits, and a clinician can provide a recommendation for the best program for your needs after getting to know you.

Inpatient and outpatient programs will include insightful therapy sessions, life skill training, trigger management classes, and more. If the patient has any co-occurring disorders, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder, those will also be addressed, as dual diagnosis is key to long-term sobriety. The patient’s physical health will also be prioritized, and some people may be good candidates for medication-assisted treatment to ease any discomfort and alleviate cravings. 

Lorazepam Addiction Treatment in Kansas City 

Your lorazepam addiction doesn’t need to control your life any longer. At Empowered Recovery Center in Kansas City, our compassionate medical and clinical teams can teach you the tools to achieve long-term sobriety and get your body and mind back to a healthy place. 

Our addiction professionals will curate your treatment plan to best fit your unique circumstances, and we offer multiple levels of rehab care to offer the most flexibility and personalization possible for every patient.

Not sure which program is best for you? Our experienced rehab admissions team can assist you in all aspects of your treatment planning, from choosing the right program to deciding which payment method is best for you. If you want to use insurance, they can also verify your benefits and let you know what your policy covers. 

Fill out our contact form or give us a call to see how our lorazepam addiction treatment can support you in establishing sobriety that lasts. 

References 

1. Ghiasi, N., Bhansali, R. K., & Marwaha, R. (2024, May 25). Lorazepam. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532890/
2. Lorazepam: MedlinePlus drug information. (n.d.). Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682053.html 
3. Website, N. (2023, February 17). About lorazepam. nhs.uk. Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/lorazepam/about-lorazepam/ 
4. Sodium oxybate: MedlinePlus drug information. (n.d.). Retrieved July 28, 2025, https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605032.html 
5. Lorazepam tablets. (2024, December 20). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20243-lorazepam-tablets 
6. Benzodiazepine abuse | EBSCO. (n.d.-b). EBSCO Information Services, Inc. | www.ebsco.com. Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/health-and-medicine/benzodiazepine-abuse 
7. Sarangi, A., McMahon, T., & Gude, J. (2021b). Benzodiazepine misuse: An epidemic within a pandemic. Cureus. Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8294026/ 
8. US Food and Drug Administration. (2022). Ativan [Prescribing information]. Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/017794s044lbl.pdf