What Does An Ativan High Feel Like?

Ativan (the brand name for lorazepam) is a prescription drug known as a benzodiazepine. Ativan causes one to experience sedation which is helpful in treating alcohol withdrawal, anxiety symptoms caused by anxiety disorders, sleep difficulties, and seizures.

The sedative effect caused by Ativan can be heavily increased when taken in large doses or abused. An Ativan high features feelings of sedation, drowsiness, and a calm.

According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Ativan is a Schedule IV controlled substance and has the potential for abuse, especially when taken in high doses.

How Ativan Causes A High

Ativan is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant which targets the neurotransmitter gamma-amino-butyric-acid (GABA) in the brain. This CNS depressant creates a sedative effect and can relieve symptoms of anxiety.

This calming effect is produced due to Ativan binding to receptors in the brain. Whether you take the drug as prescribed or in higher doses, Ativan can produce strong sedative effects.

Abusing Ativan To Get High

The use of Ativan can be habit-forming. According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the use of lorazepam can lead to psychological or physical dependence.

There are a number of ways in which Ativan can be abused. While some may simply take more than prescribed, others may turn to alternative methods to achieve a greater high.

Snorting Ativan

For instance, Ativan can be crushed into a powder and snorted. This allows the drug to enter your bloodstream more quickly.

However, this type of drug abuse may result in:

• a deviated septum
• bacterial infections
• chronic sinus infections
• persistent runny nose
• nosebleeds

Injecting Ativan

Those who crush the tablet and combine the powder with a liquid may inject the drug directly into a vein. The side effects of Ativan occur more strongly and quickly than other methods of administration.

Those who inject Ativan may show signs of bruises or abscesses on the skin. In addition to this, blood clots or collapsed veins may occur.

Abusing Ativan in this way can more easily result in a life-threatening overdose.

This type of abuse may also lead to severe lowered inhibitions which may cause:

• motor vehicle accidents
• drownings
• falls
• homicide
• suicide

Combining Medications

Those who seek a benzodiazepine high may turn to other similar drugs such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), or clonazepam (Klonopin). Combining benzodiazepines can result in the worsening of adverse effects.

In fact, serious drug interactions may occur if any of the following are combined with Ativan:

• vitamins or supplements
• tranquilizers
• antihistamines
• certain antidepressants
• specific anti-anxiety medications such as sertraline (Zoloft)
• muscle relaxants
• barbiturates

Other CNS depressants should not be combined with Ativan. Allergic reactions may also occur if the medication is taken with other drugs.

In fact, when opioids (medications such as oxycodone or illicit drugs such as heroin) are combined with benzodiazepines, a greater risk of overdose may occur.

Side Effects Of Ativan Abuse

There are a number of side effects associated with Ativan. When you abuse Ativan, these side effects may worsen or become more intense.

Common Side Effects

When taken as prescribed, Ativan may produce the following side effects which may take place short-term:

• drowsiness
• diarrhea
• constipation
• dizziness
• sleepiness
• weakness
• difficulty urinating
• changes in appetite
• restlessness
• blurred vision
• dry mouth
• nausea

Serious Side Effects

Some of the more serious side effects of lorazepam which can take place include:

• jaundice or yellowing of the skin
• fever
• trouble sleeping
• thoughts of suicide
• irregular heart rate
• tremors

Risks Of Ativan Abuse

There are a number of risks to be aware of when taking Ativan, as adverse effects can take place. For instance, women who are breastfeeding may unintentionally pass Ativan through breast milk to their child.

This can cause the child to experience withdrawal symptoms or a potential overdose. Those with sleep apnea or other breathing problems may want to avoid Ativan as it depresses the CNS and can easily lead to respiratory depression.

Ativan Withdrawal Symptoms

When Ativan is abruptly stopped, especially after long-term substance abuse, a number of serious withdrawal symptoms can occur.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), these withdrawal symptoms may consist of:

• tremors
• dizziness
• changes in blood pressure
• rapid heart rate
• anxiety
• seizures
• panic attacks

Ativan Overdose

Those who take large quantities of Ativan to achieve the desired effects may unknowingly cause a potential Ativan overdose which may require medical attention.

The FDA states that some Ativan overdose symptoms can include:

• lethargy
• cardiovascular depression
• respiratory depression
• ataxia
• hypotension
• coma
• death

Substance Use Treatment

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use, consider the outpatient treatment options at Northeast Addictions Treatment Center. Contact us today and speak with one of our healthcare representatives.