Lorazepam Addiction: Effects, Withdrawal & Treatment

Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for the short-term relief of symptoms associated with anxiety and anxiety-related insomnia. It is also an anesthesia premedication used to induce sedation or amnesia in adults. Known also by its brand name, Ativan®, lorazepam is available in various forms, including oral tablets, oral concentrate solutions, extended-release capsules, and solutions that can be administered intravenously or via injection.1  

Lorazepam is also used “off-label,” meaning it can be administered by a medical professional in ways not specifically approved by the FDA,2 to induce rapid tranquilization or to treat delirium, insomnia, panic disorder, vertigo, and specific symptoms related to alcohol withdrawal syndrome.1

While lorazepam and other benzos are commonly prescribed by physicians for legitimate medical conditions, they also happen to be ripe for misuse. Benzo misuse occurs when you take benzos in ways other than instructed by your medical professional, or purely to feel their intoxicating effects. Combining substances such as sedatives, opioids, cough and cold medicines, muscle relaxers, and alcohol can worsen the lorazepam’s adverse reactions and lead to overdose and death.1  

The misuse of benzos like lorazepam can easily lead to dependence, which is characterized by a tolerance for taking lorazepam and the development of withdrawal symptoms after one has stopped taking it. It is different from addiction, which is characterized by compulsive drug-seeking and taking of a drug despite negative life consequences. Dependence can, however, lead to addiction.  

Common signs of benzodiazepine addiction include:3 

• Taking benzodiazepines in larger amounts or for longer than you are meant to 
• Wanting to cut down or stop using benzos but not managing to 
• Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from use of benzos 
• Cravings and urges to use benzodiazepines 
• Not managing to do what you should at work, home, or school because of benzo use 
• Continuing to use benzodiazepines even when it causes problems in relationships 
• Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of benzodiazepine use 
• Using benzos repeatedly despite their dangers 
• Continuing to use benzodiazepines even when you know you have a physical or psychological problem that could have been caused or made worse by the substance 
• Needing more benzos to attain the high you want 
• Development of withdrawal symptoms, which are only relieved by taking more benzodiazepines

Like most benzos, lorazepam carries certain side effects. These effects can become severe, particularly when the drug is taken in higher doses, taken more often than prescribed, or for longer than prescribed. Lorazepam side effects include:4  

• Drowsiness 
• Dizziness 
• Fatigue 
• Weakness or unsteadiness 
• Changes in appetite  
• Nausea 
• Diarrhea 
• Restlessness or excitement 
• Constipation 
• Blurred vision 
• Fluctuations in sex drive  

Severe side effects of lorazepam include:1  

• Respiratory depression and failure 
• Seizures 
• Suicidality 
• Tachycardia 
• Hypotension 
• Jaundice 
• Hyperactive and aggressive behavior 
• Cognitive deficits 
• Behavioral changes

Yes, you can overdose on lorazepam. The drug can cause both respiratory and central nervous system depression, which can lead to hypotension, ataxia, coma, and death. The risk of overdose is heightened if lorazepam is combined with opioids or alcohol, resulting most often in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.1 

The symptoms of lorazepam overdose may include:4 

• Drowsiness and fatigue 
• Confusion 
• Slowed breathing and heartbeat 
• Problems with coordination 
• Trouble talking 
• Loss of consciousness 

If you think that someone is experiencing lorazepam overdose, seek medical care immediately. Call 911 or your local emergency number, and be prepared to give information about the kind and amount of substances the person has taken.

Quitting lorazepam may result in withdrawal symptoms, especially for those who have developed a dependence on or addiction to the drug. That said, any patient who has taken a benzo such as lorazepam for longer than three to four weeks is likely to experience withdrawal symptoms if their drug use suddenly stops.5  

Fortunately, a medically supervised detox and treatment program can help those living with a lorazepam dependence or addiction safely manage their withdrawal symptoms. Medically supervised detox provides a safe and supportive environment for those who want to stop taking lorazepam. These programs sometimes prescribe medications approved by the FDA to manage withdrawal symptoms.  

An effective benzo detox may feature the issuance of medications like Flumazenil, which has been prescribed for the management of benzo withdrawal symptoms. A benzodiazepine antagonist typically used to counter overdose, Flumazenil has shown its own success in managing the symptoms of benzo withdrawal.6 

Lorazepam Withdrawal Symptoms 

Patients may find that the symptoms of their lorazepam withdrawal resemble those of the anxiety-related conditions for which they first took the drug. Common lorazepam withdrawal symptoms include:5 

• Headache 
• Sweating and palpitations 
• Tremors 
• Muscle pain, stiffness, and aches in the limbs, back, neck, or jaw 
• Dizziness 
• Confusion, disorientation 
• Delusions, paranoia 
• Nausea 
• Diarrhea 
• Insomnia, nightmares 
• Anxiety, panic attacks 
• Irritability and restlessness 
• Poor memory and concentration 
• Depression

Lorazepam addiction treatment can take place in many settings, though it always starts with detox. Detox is the process of ridding the substance from the body while managing any withdrawal symptoms that might occur.  

After detox, which typically takes between three and seven days, the patient moves through one or more treatments designed to stay sober and avoid relapse over the long term. These treatments include inpatient, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), outpatient (OP), and aftercare. The exact treatment plan depends on the person and their needs.  

During treatment, patients typically receive therapy and learn coping mechanisms to help them in their recovery. Most treatment programs include one or more research-based behavioral therapies, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) to ease withdrawal, and dual diagnosis treatment. Dual diagnosis treatment is a therapeutic approach that addresses the addiction alongside any co-occurring mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, or bipolar.

At Empowered Recovery Center in Atlanta, we strive to empower clients with the life skills they need to effect positive change in their lives. Our benzodiazepine addiction treatment program can assist you in taking that first step toward long-term recovery.

We offer a wide range of rehab programs to suit your needs. These include outpatient rehab, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), and intensive outpatient programs (IOP). We also include one year of recovery coaching to provide the extended support you may need once you’ve completed your program. 

We accept many insurance plans and can work with out-of-network insurance plans to get you the help you need. Our admissions team can verify your benefits, either over the phone or online, so that you’ve got the details of paying for addiction treatment, including using insurance to pay for rehab. If you’re ready to learn more about our comprehensive benzodiazepine addiction treatment offerings, call us today or fill out our contact form to take that first step toward a brighter future.

References

1. U.S. National Library of Medicine (2024). Lorazepam. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532890/
2. U.S. National Library of Medicine (2012). Ten Common Questions (and Their Answers) About Off-label Drug Use. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3538391/ 
3. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.) Substance Use Disorder (SUD): Symptoms and Treatment. Cleveland Clinic’s Health Library. Retrieved October 10, 2024 from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16652-drug-addiction-substance-use-disorder-sud 
4. MedLine Plus. (n.d.) Lorazepam. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved October 12, 2024, from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682053.html 
5. U.S. National Library of Medicine (2015). Management of benzodiazepine misuse and dependence. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved October 12, 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4657308/
6. U.S. National Library of Medicine (2024). Flumazenil. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved October 14, 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470180/