Ativan (Lorazepam) Street Prices

Ativan is the brand name for a prescription drug called lorazepam. It belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines (or “benzos”).

It’s used to treat insomnia, seizures, and anxiety disorders such as panic disorder. The drug promotes a feeling of sedation that can help you fall asleep and recover from panic attacks.

Because Ativan can make you feel relaxed and happy, some people abuse it. Many people who abuse Ativan buy it on the street, where it goes by street names like candy, tranks, and sleeping pills. The average street price of Ativan differs from its prescription price.

Ativan Street Prices

According to law enforcement officials, the average street value of Ativan depends on the dosage. The drug comes in .5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg dosages. In general, a .5 mg tablet costs about $1, a 1 mg tablet costs about $2, and a 2 mg tablet costs about $4.

The exact price depends on your location. In most cases, the closer you live to a big city, the less Ativan costs. That’s because big cities tend to have higher supplies of Ativan and other street drugs, which usually leads to lower prices.

Dangers Of Ativan Abuse

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies Ativan as a Schedule IV controlled substance, which means it poses a risk of abuse and addiction. Ativan abuse occurs when you take the drug in a manner not prescribed by a doctor.

For example, you might take higher doses than prescribed, take it more often than prescribed, or take it without a prescription.

Ativan abuse can lead to increased side effects, overdose, and addiction.

Increased Side Effects

The most common side effects of Ativan include:

• dizziness
• drowsiness
• weakness
• blurry vision
• dry mouth
• nausea
• diarrhea
• constipation
• trouble urinating
• changes in appetite
• changes in sexual desire or ability

Some people also experience more serious side effects, such as:

• fever
• irregular heartbeat
• shuffling walk
• rash
• yellowing of skin or eyes

If you or someone you know experiences these more serious side effects, seek medical advice right away.

Overdose

As a central nervous system depressant (or “downer”), Ativan slows down your breathing and heart rate. At high doses, it can slow your breathing and heart rate to the point of a life-threatening overdose.

Other signs of Ativan overdose may include:

• extreme drowsiness
• confusion
• sweating
• impaired coordination

When left untreated, an Ativan overdose can be life-threatening, especially if it has been laced with other drugs. In recent years, many drug dealers have been lacing street drugs with fentanyl, an extremely powerful opioid linked to numerous overdose deaths.

Addiction

Like other benzodiazepines, Ativan can be addictive when used for a long time or abused. That’s why many doctors only prescribe it for short-term use. Ativan addiction is a serious disease that makes you feel unable to stop using the drug.

Common symptoms of Ativan addiction include:

• intense cravings for Ativan
• mood swings
• loss of motivation
• loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• tolerance (needing increasingly larger or more frequent doses of Ativan to feel the desired effects)
• doctor shopping (visiting multiple doctors to get multiple prescriptions of Ativan)

Another common sign of Ativan addiction is physical dependence. That means your body starts requiring Ativan to function normally. If you stop using it, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as shaking, sweating, and anxiety.

Get Addiction Treatment

If you or someone you love shows signs of Ativan addiction, seek help at an addiction treatment program. Available on an inpatient or outpatient basis, these programs offer recovery-focused services such as medical detox, mental health counseling, and support groups.

To learn more about substance abuse treatment options, please contact Northeast Addictions Treatment Center. Our board-certified healthcare providers offer personalized, comprehensive care to help you or your loved one overcome drug abuse.