Lorazepam Addiction, Treatment & Side Effects

As a benzodiazepine medication prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, and seizures, Lorazepam (Ativan) works by enhancing the effects of GABA, a natural brain chemical that produces calming effects. While effective for short-term use under medical supervision, Lorazepam can be habit-forming even when taken as prescribed. The drug’s ability to produce feelings of relaxation and euphoria, combined with its relatively quick onset of action, contributes to its high potential for misuse. Lorazepam addiction due to physical dependence can develop within weeks, making it challenging for users to stop taking the medication without experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

Treatment for Lorazepam addiction requires careful medical supervision due to the potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms that can occur when stopping the medication abruptly. A comprehensive treatment approach typically begins with medically supervised detox for prescription drugs, where doctors can gradually reduce the dosage while monitoring and managing withdrawal symptoms.

This process is followed by therapy treatment that may include cognitive behavioral therapy, group counseling, and support groups to address the mental aspects of addiction. Treatment programs also focus on developing healthy coping mechanisms for the underlying anxiety or other conditions that initially led to Lorazepam use.

Lorazepam Effects

The effects of taking Ativan (Lorazepam) include:

• Reduced anxiety
• Feeling calm
• Stopping a seizure
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Changes in sexual interest
• Changes in appetite
• Heartburn
• Constipation

Side effects to tell your doctor about include:

• Muscle weakness
• Problems with coordination
• Blurred vision

Signs of Lorazepam Abuse and Addiction

Common signs of Lorazepam abuse and Lorazepam addiction are:

• “Doctor shopping” to get additional prescriptions
• Passing out and oversleeping
• Lying about Lorazepam use
• No longer participating in social activities and hobbies/isolation
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling withdrawal symptoms and panic when you do not take Lorazepam

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor to lower the risk of developing a substance use disorder. It is not likely to be addictive if taken for a short period of time (2 to 4 weeks), but you are more likely to develop a drug addiction to Lorazepam if you have had problems with alcohol or drugs in the past.

What Is Considered Long-Term Use of Lorazepam?

Long-term use of Lorazepam is generally considered to be daily use extending beyond two to four weeks, though medical definitions can vary. Benzodiazepines like Lorazepam were initially designed and approved for short-term use, typically two to four weeks maximum, due to their high potential for dependence and tolerance. However, some patients end up taking them for months or years, often due to the challenging nature of discontinuing the medication once physical dependence develops.

Using Lorazepam for more than four to six weeks significantly increases the risk of developing tolerance, physical dependence, and addiction. Extended use can also lead to cognitive issues like memory problems and decreased alertness. Some studies have linked long-term benzodiazepine use to an increased risk of dementia, though more research is needed to fully understand this connection.

What Happens If You Take Lorazepam Every Day?

Taking Lorazepam daily, especially beyond the recommended two to four-week period, can lead to several significant physical and psychological changes. Within a few weeks, the body begins developing tolerance, meaning the original prescribed dose becomes less effective at producing the desired therapeutic effects. This often leads to a need for higher doses to achieve the same level of anxiety or insomnia relief. Physical dependence typically develops alongside tolerance, causing the body to rely on the medication to maintain normal functioning.

Daily use can result in various side effects, including persistent drowsiness, cognitive impairment, memory problems, and decreased coordination. Some people experience paradoxical effects like increased anxiety or agitation. Regular use may impact daily functioning, affecting work performance, driving ability, and decision-making capacity. There’s also a risk of developing rebound anxiety or insomnia, where the original symptoms return more intensely when the medication’s effects wear off between doses.

Long-term daily use significantly increases the risk of addiction, characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior despite negative consequences. When someone becomes dependent on Lorazepam, stopping the medication becomes extremely challenging due to withdrawal symptoms, which can be severe and potentially dangerous. These may include intense anxiety, tremors, sweating, heart palpitations, and in severe cases, seizures. This is why any changes to daily Lorazepam use must be supervised by a healthcare provider who can implement a safe, gradual tapering schedule.

How to Wean Off 0.5 Lorazepam?

When taking Lorazepam and trying to stop the medication, it should always be done under the supervision of a medical doctor. Stopping benzodiazepines too quickly can be dangerous and lead to serious withdrawal symptoms. The best and safest course of action is to:

1. Schedule an appointment with your prescribing doctor to discuss your desire to stop taking lorazepam.
2. Work with them to create a personalized tapering plan that considers your specific situation, medical history, and needs.
3. Follow their monitoring plan, which may include regular check-ins to assess your progress and adjust the plan if needed.

What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Lorazepam?

Lorazepam withdrawal can manifest through a complex array of physical and psychological symptoms that vary in intensity depending on factors such as duration of use and individual physiology.

Common withdrawal symptoms may include:

Physical symptoms

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Tremors and muscle tension
• Sweating
• Nausea and stomach problems
• Headaches
• Sleep disturbances and insomnia
• Sensory hypersensitivity
• Seizures
• Severe confusion
• Hallucinations
• High fever

Psychological symptoms

• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Irritability and mood changes
• Difficulty concentrating
• Depression
• Memory problems
• Feelings of unreality or detachment

The severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms can vary significantly between individuals and depend on factors like:

• How long you’ve been taking the medication
• Your dosage
• Your individual physiology
• The tapering schedule used

The withdrawal process can be particularly challenging during prescription drug rehab for lorazepam because the brain needs time to readjust its chemistry after becoming dependent on the medication, which is why medical supervision is crucial for safely managing the discontinuation of lorazepam. The intensity and duration of these symptoms can be unpredictable, potentially lasting several weeks or months, highlighting the importance of a carefully planned and monitored tapering schedule under professional medical guidance.

Find Treatment for Lorazepam Addiction at Muse Treatment

Professional treatment for lorazepam addiction is crucial due to the complex nature of benzodiazepine dependence and the potentially dangerous withdrawal process. Unlike some other substances, attempting to quit lorazepam “cold turkey” or without medical supervision can lead to life-threatening complications, including severe seizures and psychological distress.

Professional treatment centers like Muse Treatment in Los Angeles provide comprehensive medical oversight, allowing for safe detoxification through carefully monitored tapering schedules that are tailored to each individual’s specific needs. Our facilities employ experienced healthcare providers who can respond immediately to any complications during the withdrawal process and adjust treatment protocols as needed.

Professional treatment also addresses the underlying factors that contributed to the development of lorazepam dependence in the first place. Muuse Treatment offers essential therapeutic support through individual counseling, group therapy, and behavioral interventions that help patients develop healthy coping mechanisms and stress management strategies. Our professional treatment includes comprehensive aftercare planning to support long-term recovery, assisting patients to transition back to their daily lives with appropriate support systems and relapse prevention strategies in place.

Please call Muse Treatment at 800-426-1818 for professional support in overcoming prescription drug addiction.