Ativan Detox, Withdrawal, Symptoms, Signs of Addiction, Overdose & Treatment Options

Ativan (lorazepam) is an anxiety medication often prescribed to help people feel calmer and relaxed. Lorazepam is part of a class of substances known as benzodiazepines, which affect the central nervous system, that includes the brain and nerves. If an individual takes Ativan for a long time, the potential for misuse increases.

Withdrawal from a benzodiazepine like Ativan can be potentially dangerous and even fatal due to the potential to develop seizures during the withdrawal process. A medically-supervised Ativan detox is very needed in these cases.

Ativan is strong and fast-acting, and long-term misuse could result in building tolerance and dependence on it. Ativan Addiction is a very serious disorder. It is designed to help people with the symptoms of short-term anxiety and is not necessarily meant for long-term use because it has the potential to be habit-forming.

Benzodiazepines are psychoactive drugs and they are used primarily in the treatment of anxiety but may also be used to treat panic disorders, seizures, insomnia, and trouble sleeping. In some cases, benzodiazepines can also be used for anesthesia, sedation before surgery or medical procedures, muscle relaxation, withdrawal from alcohol and drugs, nausea, vomiting, and depression.

This drug is also used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, epilepsy, and side effects from cancer treatment. Ativan is extremely addictive, and because of how habit-forming it can be, as well as how potent and fast-acting it is, it’s not often prescribed for use for more than a few months at a time. The maximum period it’s prescribed to patients for use is about four months.

Physical dependence occurs as a result of an individual taking certain types of drugs over rather long periods. When an individual chronically uses or abuses certain classes of drugs, the individual’s system becomes acclimated to having the drug present and learns to function at a steady level only when the drug is present in the individual’s tissues.

The system automatically adjusts its release of chemical substances, such as neurotransmitters, hormones, and so forth, to account for the presence of the drug. Once the individual abruptly stops taking the particular drug, the system is thrown off balance, and this produces several physical symptoms known as withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal from a benzodiazepine like Ativan can be potentially dangerous and even fatal due to the potential to develop seizures during the withdrawal process. Ativan withdrawal usually occurs in two stages: an acute stage and a prolonged stage. Going into a supervised Ativan Detox in a rehab facility will reduce the symptoms and potential risks.

• Headache, sweating, tremors (especially in the hands), difficulty concentrating, and/or confusion
• Increased blood pressure, heart palpitations, and a rapid heart rate

• Nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and/or weight loss
• Irritability, feelings of anxiety, mood swings, and/or even panic attacks
• Seizures can occur in rare cases

• The person doesn’t partake in important work activities, hobbies, or social events due to the Ativan abuse
• The person repeatedly uses Ativan even when doing so puts them in danger or at risk for a host of troubles (e.g., drugged driving)
• The person continues to use Ativan even though it is causing or exacerbating an existing psychological or physical problem
• The person develops a tolerance for Ativan. Tolerance is a natural process that requires a person to take more of a drug as time passes
• The person goes into withdrawal when they stop using Ativan. Withdrawal is a natural process that occurs when a person stops using the drug or reduces the familiar amount of the drug used

• Despite initial intentions, the person takes too much Ativan or takes it for a longer period of time than expected
• The person senses that there is a need to stop using or to cut down on Ativan use but is not able to do so
• The person spends a disproportionate amount of time using Ativan, getting Ativan, or recovering after using Ativan
• The person has cravings to use Ativan (or other benzodiazepine drugs)
• Due to Ativan abuse, the person is not able to perform to the necessary standard at work, school, or home
• The person continues to use the drug even though doing so is causing interpersonal problems

• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Blurred vision
• Drowsiness

• Slurred speech
• Lack of motor coordination
• Having a hard time breathing
• Coma

The duration and intensity of withdrawal symptoms individuals experience depend on a couple of different factors. Most often, these include:

• The dose and frequency of Ativan: Chronic users or abusers of Ativan develop tolerance relatively quickly. Individuals who become physically dependent on Ativan and have been taking it for some time typically take doses that are far higher than the daily recommended maximum dose and take them relatively frequently to avoid withdrawal symptoms. The higher the dose one takes and the more often one takes Ativan, the more intense and lengthy the withdrawal syndrome will be.

• How long the individual was taking Ativan: This will determine in part the intensity and duration of the withdrawal symptoms.

• Individual differences in physical, emotional, and psychological makeup: Personal factors – such as body composition, history of addiction, and co-occurring mental health issues – can play a role in the intensity and length of the withdrawal syndrome associated with Ativan.

Withdrawal symptoms can be eased via medical Ativan detox. The program should be supervised by a physician who can slowly taper down the dosage of Ativan for the individual, minimizing withdrawal symptoms. At the same time, the physician and other medical professionals can supervise the client and prescribe medications as needed to facilitate the process.

Certain drugs or substances can be given to assist in the process of withdrawal. Melatonin, a hormone that induces sleep, is sometimes used during Ativan detox. There is research to indicate that it can be useful in addressing insomnia in individuals withdrawing from Ativan and other benzodiazepines; however, the research is mixed.

The antidepressant Paxil (paroxetine) has some research evidence to indicate that it can help ease some of the withdrawal symptoms associated with Ativan detox. It may be associated with increased success rates during withdrawal.