Ativan is the brand name for Lorazepam, a drug that belongs to the benzodiazepine class and is used for treating anxiety disorders, insomnia, and seizures. It also has sedative, hypnotic, and anticonvulsant properties. Ativan is used to treat anxiety disorders by decreasing the activity in the brain’s central nervous system. This can help to reduce feelings of tension or stress. It is also used as an adjunct treatment for seizures in adults and children who are not fully responsive to other treatments. Ativan can also provide relief from symptoms of withdrawal caused by suddenly stopping alcohol or benzodiazepines. Ativan can be taken orally, injected, or inhaled.

Ativan dosage, administration and duration should be prescribed and carefully monitored by a physician. Ativan tablets contain either 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg of lorazepam.

There are general guidelines for using Ativan safely, which include:

• Always taking the dose prescribed by your doctor
• Not taking more than the prescribed dose
• If you miss a dose or forget it, do not double up on your next one
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication

It is important to mention that this medication should not be taken by people who have a history of alcohol or drug abuse.

Side effects of Ativan can vary from person to person. They are typically mild but can be severe.

Mild side effects include:

• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Blurred vision or double vision

Severe side effects include:

• Upper stomach pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hallucinations
• Changes in vision
• Yellowing in the eyes or jaundice
• Muscle weakness
• Suicide ideation/wanting to harm yourself

Ativan should be prescribed for short periods, 2-4 weeks, and any increases in dosage should only be done under medical supervision. As with any drug, Ativan can be highly addictive, especially if it is taken in high doses or over long periods of time. This can lead to physical dependence or even addiction; leading to withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped suddenly.

Benzodiazepines like Ativan are a commonly abused substance and have become increasingly easy to acquire illegally. People who have a history of untreated mental illness or substance abuse are at higher risk of developing an Ativan addiction.

There are many signs that someone has an Ativan addiction including:

• Tolerance (need for higher doses)
• Withdrawal symptoms (experienced when someone stops taking the drug)
• Cravings
• Continued use despite negative consequences.
• Overdosing

Overdosing on Ativan is possible but very rare among those who take it according to their doctor’s instructions. However, mixing alcohol with Ativan can cause severe breathing problems which lead to death in some cases. In addition to overdose-related risks, mixing alcohol with any drug increases your chances of engaging in risky behaviors.

Benzodiazepine addiction can lead to withdrawal symptoms when someone stops taking Ativan. Like most benzodiazepines, Ativan has a long half-life (5–10 hours), meaning it can take quite some time before your body is free of it. Withdrawal symptoms typically begin 6–24 hours after the last dose. If you have been taking Ativan regularly for an extended period and suddenly stop taking it, withdrawal symptoms will likely occur. Common Ativan withdrawal symptoms include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Restlessness
• Irritability

When these symptoms occur, they are often mistaken for an underlying disorder rather than being caused by Ativan withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms can also be severe and include:

• Seizures
• Tremors
• Coma
• Death

Due to the possible dangers of Ativan withdrawal, it is vital that patients seek help and detox at an Ativan detox center. These centers are equipped to assist with the safe and medically sound detox from Ativan.

At Lakeview Health, we tailor treatment plans according to the needs of each patient. Our Benzo detox center has on-site medical staff equipped to help you overcome your Ativan addiction. Our treatments have a strong emphasis on holistic healing and include:

Dual diagnosis treatment

Using this treatment modality, the Lakeview Health team can help you to address your Ativan addiction while treating any co-occurring mental health conditions that might be present. These conditions include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Bipolar Disorder
• Social phobias
• PTSD

Addiction Therapy Services

We offer an array of therapeutic options to assist patients in holistic recovery, these options include:

• Individual counselling
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Trauma-informed care
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Dialectical behavior therapy

Inpatient hospitalization programs

Our inpatient hospitalization facilities provide a safe space to focus on rehabilitation and well-being. Lakeview Health offers:

• Gender-Responsive Treatment
• Professionals Program
• Pain Recovery Program
• Alumni Program

Aftercare programs 

Our Aftercare Program is designed to ensure that each patient knows where to turn for on-going care and support after leaving Lakeview.

Lakeview Health in Jacksonville, FL is a benzo detox center providing custom, physician-supervised detox programs, as well as residential and partial hospitalization care. Call Lakeview Health now at 866 704 7692 to learn more about ending your benzo addiction and starting a healthy recovery with the best possible support.