Is Ativan A Benzodiazepine?

Lorazepam (brand name Ativan) is a benzodiazepine prescription drug, not an opioid. Ativan is considered a Schedule IV controlled substance with the potential for abuse, according to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Ativan is used for the treatment of insomnia, anxiety, sleep difficulties, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal. Many who are prescribed Ativan suffer from panic disorder. Thankfully, Ativan is helpful in treating panic attacks and other side effects of certain anxiety disorders.

How Benzodiazepines Work

Benzodiazepines like Ativan bind to the receptors in the brain to produce a calming effect. This benzodiazepine drug increases the activity of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain.

Ativan is used to help tranquilize the central nervous system (CNS), depressing it and causing one to feel calm. Once this occurs, the person taking Ativan will likely experience sedative effects.

Schedule IV Drug Schedule

According to the DEA, the benzodiazepine class of drugs have the potential for abuse. In addition to Ativan, some of the other benzodiazepines which belong to this drug class consist of:

• diazepam (Valium)
• alprazolam (Xanax)
• triazolam (Halcion)
• clonazepam (Klonopin)
• temazepam (Restoril)
• Treating Anxiety

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), those suffering from an anxiety disorder may experience numerous symptoms of anxiety such as:

• muscle tension
• sleep disturbances
• irritability
• fatigue
• difficulty concentration
• restlessness

The treatment of anxiety with Ativan can be effective.

Ativan may be prescribed for short-term use to help with night terrors or panic attacks while others may require long-term use due to those suffering from specific disorders such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or bipolar disorder.

Side Effects Of Ativan

Although lorazepam may help with a number of symptoms, the drug can also cause a variety of side effects.

Common Side Effects

Some of the common side effects associated with Ativan may consist of:

• dry mouth
• difficulty urinating
• blurred vision
• weakness
• tiredness
• constipation
• drowsiness
• changes in appetite

Uncommon Side Effects

Some side effects of Ativan should be addressed right away.

If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider immediately:

• fever
• irregular heartbeat
• shuffling walk
• jaundice (the yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• tremors
• skin rash

Ativan Abuse

As with other benzodiazepines, Ativan can be abused. Those who take this medication in higher doses than prescribed are likely participating in a form of substance abuse.

Route Of Transmission

Ativan has a half-life of around 12 hours. Those who take more than prescribed may experience a life-threatening overdose.

For instance, those who crush the tablet and snort the drug may experience immediate effects of the drug which dissipate quickly. A person may take more of the drug to receive the desired effect. Abusing the drug in this way can lead to nosebleeds or bacterial infections.

Those who engage in Ativan substance abuse by intravenous injection will likely experience the sedative effects at a much greater rate as well. This can lead to adverse effects such as collapsed veins or abscesses on the skin.

Polydrug Abuse & Adverse Interactions

According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there are a number of medications to avoid while taking Ativan.

Some of these include:

• antihistamines
• certain antidepressants such as sertraline (Zoloft)
• barbiturates
• muscle relaxants
• certain anticonvulsants
• antipsychotics
• tranquilizers
• vitamins or supplements

All CNS depressants should be avoided as serious drug interactions may occur.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), when benzodiazepines are combined with opioids such as methadone, a person has an increased risk of requiring urgent medical attention due to how quickly these drugs can cause respiratory depression and lead to coma.

Dangers Of Ativan Abuse

There are a number of dangers to be aware of when taking Ativan. For instance, women who are breastfeeding should avoid taking Ativan as it can pass through breast milk to the baby, causing potential withdrawal symptoms.

Those with certain medical conditions such as sleep apnea or high blood pressure should also contact a healthcare professional before taking Ativan.

Older adults may be prescribed a lower dose at first to determine how well your body will tolerate the drug. From there, you may be prescribed a higher dose.

Withdrawal Symptoms

The FDA states that abruptly stopping Ativan may cause a number of serious withdrawal symptoms such as:

• sensitivity to light
• depression
• insomnia
• anxiety
• tremors
• seizures
• hyperthermia
• palpitations
• agitation
• short-term memory loss
• panic attacks
• sweating

If you or a loved one one are struggling with Ativan abuse, consider treatment options at Northeast Addictions Treatment Center. To learn about our outpatient programs, please contact us today.