Is Ativan (Lorazepam) A Controlled Substance?

In the United States, all benzodiazepine drugs, including lorazepam (brand name Ativan), are considered controlled substances. Benzos are only legally available from a licensed pharmacy using a medical prescription from a healthcare provider.

Ativan Drug Schedule

Lorazepam has been classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance in the United States in accordance with the Controlled Substances Act.

This means that the FDA and DEA have jointly recognized that lorazepam has valid, recognized medical uses. However, lorazepam is also considered to carry a significant risk for substance abuse, physical dependence, psychological dependence, and drug addiction.

This risk is considered to be less than drugs classified in Schedule III (ketamine, anabolic steroids, and buprenorphine, for instance), but greater than drugs classified in Schedule V (primarily cough preparations containing low doses of codeine).

Illegally using, possessing, selling, or giving away lorazepam outside of the medical system is a crime, and if convicted you may face severe legal penalties including imprisonment, fines, and suspension of your driver’s license.

Is Lorazepam A Narcotic?

While the term narcotic is sometimes used to describe any controlled drug with addictive, sedative, or pain-relieving properties (which would include lorazepam), its modern usage is more typically limited to opioid painkillers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl.

As a benzodiazepine, lorazepam does not provide the same level of pain relief or euphoric drug high that opioid drugs are known for.

However, lorazepam and other benzos are sometimes taken with opioids (and other drugs) in order to change the or enhance the the experience or side effects of these other drugs.

Doing so, however, greatly increases the risk that a person will experience dangerous drug interactions and overdose symptoms.

Ativan Overdose Risk

Taking higher doses of lorazepam than was prescribed to you, or taking doses too close together, can be dangerous.

The same is true of mixing lorazepam with other drugs of abuse, especially other CNS depressants like alcohol, opioids, cannabis, and certain other drugs.

Signs and symptoms of a lorazepam overdose can include:

• confusion and disorientation
• severe sleepiness (sedation)
• trouble breathing (respiratory depression)
• low body temperature or blue-tinted lips or fingertips
• slurred speech
• slow heart rate
• loss of coordination and balance
• loss of consciousness or responsiveness

If you experience or encounter someone experiencing a drug overdose, immediately call your local emergency services and provide first aid.

Ativan Medical Uses

As a central nervous system (CNS) depressant and sedative/tranquilizer, lorazepam can be used to treat a variety of different medical conditions.

Examples include:

• anxiety disorders
• panic disorders/panic attacks
• seizures and muscle spasms
• insomnia
• agitation
• alcohol withdrawal symptoms

However, as with other benzos, lorazepam is only indicated for short-term use. Prolonged reliance on the drug can trigger severe physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms, as well as a variety of potential long-term physical and mental health effects.

Side Effects Of Ativan

Common side effects associated with lorazepam include:

• blurred vision
• changes in appetite
• change in sexual interest/ability
• constipation
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• headache
• heartburn
• loss of coordination
• nausea

Seek qualified medical advice if any of the above symptoms are severe, or if you experience certain serious side effects.

Serious side effects include:

• mental or mood changes, particularly hallucinations, depression, or thoughts of suicide
• difficulty speaking
• vision changes
• unusual physical weakness
• trouble walking
• memory problems
• yellowing eyes or skin
• seizures
• breathing difficulties

Lorazepam Vs. Other Benzo Drugs

All benzodiazepines work by increasing the effect of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter on certain receptors in the brain, which in turn calms and slows mental and physical activity throughout a person’s body.

However, benzos can vary considerably in length of effect and potency.

Short-Acting Drugs

The effects of short-acting benzodiazepines last between 3-8 hours.

Ranked by potency, these prescriptions drugs include:

• alprazolam (Xanax)
• triazolam (Halcion)
• midazolam (Versed)
• oxazepam (Serax)

Intermediate-Acting Drugs

The effects of intermediate-acting benzodiazepines last between 11-20 hours.

Ranked by potency, these benzodiazepines include:

• lorazepam (Ativan)
• temazepam (Restoril)

Long-Acting Drugs

The effects of long-acting benzodiazepines last between one and three days.

Ranked by potency, these prescription medications include:

• clonazepam (Klonopin)
• diazepam (Valium)
• clorazepate (Tranxene)
• flurazepam (Dalmane)
• quazepam (Doral)
• chlordiazepoxide (Librium)

Other Ativan Precautions & Warnings

Lorazepam should be avoided or used with caution by those who are:

• allergic to it or other benzo drugs
• under 18 years old (dosage should be determined by a healthcare provider)
• 65 years old or older, as the medication increases the risk of falls and accidental injury and may contribute to lasting cognitive deficits
• diagnosed with acute narrow angle glaucoma, sleep apnea, or myasthenia gravis
• pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
• in recovery from or struggling with other drug abuse or addiction

In addition, lorazepam may interact with certain over-the-counter and prescription drugs, and other supplements. Consult the information provided with your medication or ask a healthcare professional to learn more.

Addiction Treatment

For information about programs and services that can help you or a loved one recover from lorazepam addiction and dependence, please reach out to Northeast Addictions Treatment Center today.