Used to treat anxiety symptoms and insomnia, Ativan (lorazepam) is a prescription drug that belongs to the benzodiazepine family of medications. Otherwise known as “benzos,” these drugs are fast-acting and extremely effective. When used as prescribed, Ativan can be very helpful for those who need it. It’s a popular drug for many reasons, primarily because it works quickly. Unfortunately, even when taken as directed, Ativan can cause dependency and tolerance, and it can ultimately lead to addiction.
What Is Ativan?
As previously mentioned, Ativan is a benzodiazepine. You might be familiar with other benzos like Xanax or Valium. Benzos not only are quick to react in the body, but they are very addictive. Ativan works as a sedative and central nervous system (CNS) depressant. It creates a calming and relaxed feeling for the person, quickly quieting the nervousness of anxiety or the restlessness that insomnia causes. Benzos are generally only prescribed for a short period of time, such as a month, and they are sometimes used as part of a therapeutic treatment plan.
Side effects of Ativan often include, but are not limited to:
- Drowsiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Changes in appetite
- Muscle weakness
- Lack of coordination
Serious side effects might signal an allergic reaction or other problems in the way your body interacts with the drug. Call a physician if you experience any of these more dangerous reactions:
- Depressed mood
- Suicidal thoughts
- Hostility or aggression
- Irritability
- Hallucinations
Ativan Withdrawal Symptoms
Because benzodiazepines like Ativan are addictive, it’s recommended that you use precaution when taking these drugs. Ativan can cause physical dependency and tolerance, meaning that you will eventually need more of the drug to achieve the same effect.
Withdrawal from a benzodiazepine is speculated to cause some unpleasant and prolonged symptoms – some that can last up to a year or more. A study highlighted by the British Journal of Addiction noted that, after seven years, patients still experienced withdrawal symptoms. The extended withdrawal period is referred to as a protracted withdrawal. In experiencing this kind of withdrawal, users might experience rebound anxiety or insomnia with possible difficulties in the neurological or musculoskeletal systems. Fifty patients were studied and at least 50 percent needed to seek help for depressive symptoms, long after the last dose was taken. Additionally, patients who took Ativan reportedly experienced gastrointestinal problems as well as higher morbidity rates.
Generally, though, users can expect to experience the following Ativan withdrawal symptoms:
- Increased heart rate
- Rebound anxiety, depression or insomnia
- Sensory impairment and hypersensitivity
- Seizures or delirium tremens (can occur if Ativan use is discontinued without gradually lowering doses)
- Gastrointestinal difficulties
Getting Help at The Oaks at La Paloma
Physicians recommend that Ativan use not be discontinued abruptly. You should talk to your doctor or another medical professional before stopping use, as doing so can cause very unpleasant side effects, such as the delirium tremens noted above.
At The Oaks at La Paloma, we can help you withdraw from Ativan in a safe manner. We have skilled and knowledgeable consulting physicians who are licensed and experienced in treating Ativan withdrawal symptoms. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you withdraw in a safe environment and learn to cope with your anxiety or insomnia without medication.