{"id":2431,"date":"2023-07-20T07:03:54","date_gmt":"2023-07-20T07:03:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/?page_id=2431"},"modified":"2025-02-07T12:21:22","modified_gmt":"2025-02-07T12:21:22","slug":"ativan","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/ativan\/","title":{"rendered":"Ativan: Uses, Identification &amp; Addictive Qualities"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ativan is a benzodiazepine that is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Misuse of Ativan is associated with a high risk of developing dependency or addiction.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Ativan is a brand name for the benzodiazepine lorazepam. Ativan is prescribed to treat&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/co-occurring-disorders\/anxiety-disorders\/\">anxiety<\/a>&nbsp;and panic disorders, as well as some seizure disorders, withdrawal symptoms and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Ativan is a popular illicit drug and is used recreationally for its sedative effects. However, routine Ativan use induces tolerance and people risk developing dependency or addiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">What is Ativan?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">When used as prescribed, Ativan is an anti-anxiety medication that is also used to treat panic disorders, some types of seizures, and insomnia. Ativan is similar to other benzodiazepines that are often misused, including&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/xanax\/addiction\/\">Xanax<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/valium\/addiction\/\">Valium<\/a>, and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/ambien\/addiction\/\">Ambien<\/a>. Pharmacologically, Ativan (and other benzodiazepines) work by enhancing the effect of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, resulting in sedation and hypnotic effects. Ativan is also sometimes used as a date-rape drug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Drug Classification<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Ativan is classified as a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/benzodiazepines\/addiction\/\">benzodiazepine<\/a>. Ativan is a Schedule IV drug, meaning that it has value as a prescription drug but that it has some potential for misuse. Thus, Ativan is a controlled substance that requires a prescription. Prolonged use may cause physical or psychological dependence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Ativan Ingredients<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">The active ingredient in Ativan is the benzodiazepine lorazepam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Uses of Ativan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Illicit use of Ativan can be incredibly dangerous, but there are several medically approved&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jpsmjournal.com\/article\/S0885-3924(14)00108-0\/fulltext#sec5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ativan uses<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\" wp-block-list eplus-wrapper\">\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\"><strong>Sleep Problems:<\/strong>&nbsp;Like other benzodiazepines, the sedative effects of Ativan can be incredibly helpful for people who struggle with insomnia.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\"><strong>Anxiety\/Panic Attacks:<\/strong>&nbsp;Ativan is a commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medication and its rapid onset can interrupt panic attacks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\"><strong>Nausea:<\/strong>&nbsp;Ativan enhances the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, meaning that neurons which would generally potentiate nausea remain inactive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\"><strong>Seizures:<\/strong>&nbsp;As with nausea, increasing the effectiveness of GABA dampens excitatory signaling to muscles, reducing or eliminating seizures related to hyperexcitability in the brain.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Ativan is generally not used to treat:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\" wp-block-list eplus-wrapper\">\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\"><strong>Depression:<\/strong>&nbsp;Ativan should not be used to treat&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/co-occurring-disorders\/depression\/\">major depression<\/a>, but secondary depression&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jpsmjournal.com\/article\/S0885-3924(14)00108-0\/fulltext#sec5.3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">associated with<\/a>&nbsp;anxiety disorders may respond well to Ativan.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\"><strong>Pain:<\/strong>&nbsp;Ativan is not a first-line treatment for pain management. However, it may relieve pain associated with&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jpsmjournal.com\/article\/S0885-3924(14)00108-0\/fulltext#sec5.3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">muscle spasms or neuropathic pain<\/a>. Ativan has very limited efficacy in most types of pain management.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\"><strong>Migraines:<\/strong>&nbsp;Ativan is not used to treat migraines. The co-use of Ativan with the anti-migraine drug valproate can lead to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/americanmigrainefoundation.org\/resource-library\/drug-interactions-in-headache-what-to-watch-for-and-why\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">liver problems<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/treatment\/medication-assisted-treatment\/ativan\/\">Ativan for alcohol withdrawal<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Dosage and Administration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Ativan is frequently administered orally, intramuscularly or intravenously. Adult&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nami.org\/Learn-More\/Treatment\/Mental-Health-Medications\/Types-of-Medication\/Lorazepam-(Ativan)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ativan dosage<\/a>&nbsp;typically ranges from 1 mg to 10 mg, with maintenance dosage to treat anxiety in adults usually falling between 1 mg and 2 mg, two to three times per day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/ativan\/related\/ativan-overdose\/\">How much Ativan is lethal<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Administration Methods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">There are several different administration methods for Ativan, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\" wp-block-list eplus-wrapper\">\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Ativan pills come in 0.5 mg, 1 mg and 2 mg doses. Ativan tablets are round and white.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Liquid Ativan is generally formulated as 2 mg and is taken orally.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Injectable Ativan is also formulated as 2 mg. Ativan injection (intravenous or intramuscular) is used by medical professionals to interrupt status epilepticus. Injectable Ativan is not generally available by prescription.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">What Does Ativan Look Like?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Prescription Ativan comes in pill or tablet form and is round and white. Ativan powder is essentially insoluble in water. Liquid Ativan is a viscous, glycol-based fluid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Brand Names<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Ativan is the brand name for the benzodiazepine lorazepam. Lorazepam may also be sold under the brand name&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/fda\/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=5ff82103-cc57-4af9-9362-82a7c686271d&amp;type=display\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lorazepam Intensol<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.therecoveryvillage.com\/benzodiazepine-addiction\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Similar drugs<\/a>&nbsp;that are in the benzodiazepine family include Xanax (alprazolam), Valium (diazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Dalmane (flurazepam). However, these drugs are pharmacologically distinct from Ativan (lorazepam).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Other Names for Ativan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Lorazepam is the generic name for Ativan.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov\/drug_chem_info\/benzo.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Street names<\/a>&nbsp;for Ativan include benzos, downers, nerve pills and tranks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Ativan Side Effects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Side effects of recreational Ativan use may resemble\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/alcohol\/addiction\/\">alcohol intoxication<\/a>. Common behavioral effects of Ativan intoxication include drowsiness, dizziness and impaired movements. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/ativan\/ativan-overdose\/\">Ativan overdose<\/a> can include hallucinations, memory loss, and loss of muscle control. Ativan overdose is a medical emergency and may be lethal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">How Long Does Ativan Stay in Your System?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">The half-life of Ativan is approximately 12 hours, and the half-life of the Ativan metabolite lorazepam glucuronide is approximately 18 hours. Compared to other benzodiazepines, Ativan has a relatively short half-life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Blood<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Ativan is detectable in blood for up to three days after use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Urine<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Ativan is detectable in urine for up to nine days after use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hair<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Ativan is detectable in hair follicles for at least four weeks after use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Breast Milk<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Ativan is detectable in&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK501231\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">breast milk<\/a>&nbsp;for less than five days after use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Is Ativan Addictive?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Ativan is highly addictive. Even short-term use of Ativan can induce tolerance, requiring increased dosages to achieve the same effect. When a person stops taking Ativan,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/ativan\/withdrawal-detox\/\">withdrawal effects<\/a>&nbsp;are common.&nbsp;Ativan is addictive in small doses. Ativan should not be taken for more than a few months at a time, owing to the high risk for developing dependence and addiction.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ativan is a benzodiazepine that is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Misuse of Ativan is associated with a high risk of developing dependency or addiction. Ativan is a brand name for the benzodiazepine lorazepam. Ativan is prescribed to treat&nbsp;anxiety&nbsp;and panic disorders, as well as some seizure disorders, withdrawal symptoms and chemotherapy-induced nausea and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":11187,"parent":481,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"categories":[29],"tags":[43],"class_list":["post-2431","blog","type-blog","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ativan","tag-benzodiazepines"],"acf":{"written_by":317,"enable_medically_and_up":["Yes"],"medically_reviewed_by":257,"medically_reviewed_content":"This article was reviewed by a medical professional to guarantee the delivery of accurate and up-to- date information. <a href=\"\/research\/\">View our research policy.<\/a>","up_to_date":"<i>Last Updated<\/i> - <b>3\/31\/2022<\/b>","page_first_published_date":"20220331","page_last_edit_date":"20220331","highlighted_description":"If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, help is available. Speak with a Recovery Advocate by calling <a href=\"tel:8886480738\" > (561) 340-7269<\/a> now.","key_takeaways":"<strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Ativan (generic name lorazepam) belongs to the benzodiazepine family<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Ativan is often prescribed short-term as an anti-anxiety medication. Other uses for Ativan include treatment of panic disorders, seizures, and insomnia<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Ativan is used recreationally for its sedative and hypnotic effects<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Compared to other benzodiazepines, Ativan has a short half-life and is generally not detectable in blood, urine, or breast milk for more than a few days after use<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Ativan carries a high risk for developing dependency or addiction and therefore should only be used short term. Even low doses of Ativan can cause dependency and addiction<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","source":{"source_label":"View Sources","source_content":"<div id=\"nmNKftbe\" class=\"accordion-container\">\r\n<div class=\"accordion-item-container\">\r\n\r\nDrugs.com. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/monograph\/lorazepam.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lorazepam<\/a>.\u201d November 2017. Accessed July 26, 2019.\r\n\r\nHoward, Paul; Twycross, Robert; Shuster, John; Mihalyo, Mary; Wilcock, Andrew. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jpsmjournal.com\/article\/S0885-3924(14)00108-0\/fulltext#sec5.3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Benzodiazepines.<\/a>\u201d The Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, May 2014. Accessed July 26, 2019.\r\n\r\nTepper, Stewart. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/americanmigrainefoundation.org\/resource-library\/drug-interactions-in-headache-what-to-watch-for-and-why\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Drug Interactions in Headache: What to Watch for and Why.<\/a>\u201d American Migraine Foundation, June 2008. Accessed July 26, 2019.\r\n\r\nDrugs.com. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/drug-class\/benzodiazepines.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Benzodiazepines<\/a>.\u201d February 2019. Accessed July 26, 2019.\r\n\r\nDrugs.com. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/cons\/lorazepam-intensol.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lorazepam Intensol.<\/a>\u201d January 2019. Accessed July 26, 2019.\r\n\r\nDrug Enforcement Administration. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov\/drug_chem_info\/benzo.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Benzodiazepines.<\/a>\u201d July 2019. Accessed July 26, 2019.\r\n\r\nDrugs.com. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/breastfeeding\/lorazepam.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lorazepam use while Breastfeeding<\/a>.\u201d February 2019. Accessed July 26, 2019.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>"},"staff_member_heading":"Authorship","staff_member":[{"staff_member_title":"Editor","select_staff_member":317},{"staff_member_title":"Medical Reviewer","select_staff_member":257}],"insurance_label":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/2431","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/blog"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2431"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/2431\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/481"}],"acf:post":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/staff\/257"},{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/staff\/317"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11187"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2431"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2431"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2431"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}