Prescription bottle labeled Lorazepam with scattered tablets.

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Is Lorazepam Addictive?

Lorazepam (also known as Ativan) is a medication doctors often prescribe to help manage anxiety in the short term. Like other drugs in its class, it can be misused, and over time, your body can become dependent on it. In some cases, this can even lead to addiction. This article will share some of what you need to know about lorazepam, its short- and long-term side effects and risks, and how to seek help if you or a loved one are struggling with misuse.

What Is Lorazepam?

Lorazepam is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant in the benzodiazepine class of medications. It is FDA-approved for treating anxiety disorders, symptoms of anxiety, and anxiety linked to depression. As a sedative-hypnotic, lorazepam works by calming an overactive nervous system, producing a relaxed, tranquil state.

Lorazepam Side Effects

Like all prescription medications, lorazepam can cause side effects. As a fast-acting benzodiazepine, you may notice its effects—both the helpful and unwanted ones—within minutes, depending on how you take it. Adverse effects can be mild, moderate, or severe, and the risk of serious reactions goes up with higher doses, long-term use, or if it is used with other substances like alcohol or opioids. Using it for a long time can also increase the chance of lasting health conditions.

Short-Term Side Effects of Ativan

Common short-term side effects of lorazepam include:

Sedation
Dizziness
Weakness
Unsteadiness

The side effects you might notice and how intense they feel depend on several factors—how much lorazepam you take, how often and how long you’ve been using it, your overall health, and whether you mix it with alcohol, opioids, or other sedatives. Using lorazepam with these substances can greatly raise the risk of an overdose, which in some cases can cause dangerously slow or even stopped breathing.

What Are the Long-Term Effects and Risks of Using Ativan?

Long-term use of benzodiazepines like lorazepam can lead to physical dependence and even addiction. When someone suddenly stops taking lorazepam or drastically reduces their dose, withdrawal symptoms may occur.

The risk of developing dependence drastically increases with higher doses and extended use, which is why lorazepam is generally recommended for a maximum of 2 to 4 weeks. However, signs of dependence can appear in as little as one week of use. People with a history of substance use or co-occurring mental health disorders may be especially vulnerable.

You should also understand the difference between dependence and addiction. Physical dependence is the body’s natural adaptation to the drug, while addiction (also called substance use disorder) is a chronic, treatable medical condition marked by compulsive drug use despite harmful consequences.

Why is Lorazepam Addictive?

Lorazepam is addictive because it has a calming and anxiety-reducing effect on the mind and body. It interacts with a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps slow down brain activity. This action calms your nervous system and produces a relaxing, sedative effect. This slowdown also influences dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical, giving you a temporary sense of pleasure or euphoria. The resulting dopamine boost stimulates the brain’s reward center and encourages repeated use.

Over time, lorazepam disrupts the brain’s natural neurotransmitter balance, causing physical dependence. Once dependence develops, it does not take long before people get addicted to the drug.

How Does Lorazepam Addiction Begin?

Lorazepam addiction can start in several ways. You may have been prescribed the medication for a legitimate medical condition, or you may have begun using it recreationally.

Prescription from a Doctor

Many people believe addiction only comes from street drugs, but you can also become dependent on medications your doctor prescribes. Lorazepam works well for short-term treatment, but long-term or improper use can cause addiction. This risk increases when you take more than your prescribed dose, use it more often than directed, or keep taking it for longer than four weeks. Follow your doctor’s instructions closely and speak up about any concerns early to lower your risk of developing a lorazepam addiction.

Recreational Use

People can develop an addiction through recreational use when they take lorazepam to feel its pleasurable effects or to get “high.” Many also combine it with other substances, creating dangerous mixtures that speed up the path to addiction. Because lorazepam strongly depresses the central nervous system, its powerful effects can quickly lead to dependence.

Get Help for Lorazepam Addiction

Regardless of how your addiction began, there is no shame in seeking help if you feel your lorazepam use is affecting your well-being. Inspire Recovery can help you end the struggle with our trauma-informed, LGBTQ+-affirming addiction treatment. Through therapy, coping strategies, and peer support, you can break free from addiction and start moving toward lasting recovery. Call Inspire Recovery today at 561-786-2655 to connect with compassionate professionals who will guide you through the admissions process.

Can lorazepam cause an overdose?

Lorazepam can cause an overdose, although fatal toxicity from benzodiazepines alone is rare. The greatest danger occurs when lorazepam is taken with other central nervous system depressants such as opioids or alcohol, which can drastically slow breathing and increase sedation. Street-purchased pills may also contain hidden opioids, making them especially dangerous. This combination greatly increases the risk of a fatal overdose.

Is lorazepam safe to use for anxiety long-term?

Lorazepam is meant for short-term relief of anxiety symptoms because long-term use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction.. Extended use can also cause cognitive impairment, memory loss, and emotional blunting. If you have chronic anxiety, counselling, therapy, or non-addictive medications are the recommended treatment options.

Are certain people more at risk for lorazepam addiction?

Some people are more vulnerable to developing a lorazepam addiction than others. If you have a history of substance use or other mental health conditions, your risk is higher. Genetics, how you cope with stress, and your environment can also play a big role in how likely you are to become addicted to the medication. If you are aware of these risk factors for lorazepam addiction, you can be more careful with the drug and seek help early if needed.

Are you or is someone you know addicted to drugs?

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