{"id":2434,"date":"2023-07-20T07:16:10","date_gmt":"2023-07-20T07:16:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/?page_id=2434"},"modified":"2025-02-07T12:21:25","modified_gmt":"2025-02-07T12:21:25","slug":"addiction","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/ativan\/addiction\/","title":{"rendered":"Ativan Side Effects and Addiction"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ativan is a commonly prescribed benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety. Even when used as directed, Ativan can be addictive.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ativan (lorazepam)<\/a> is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety<\/a> and panic disorders. However, Ativan can lead to dependency and addiction quickly, even when used as directed. Therefore, it is important to be able to identify common physical and psychological side effects of Ativan abuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See Related: Ativan for alcohol withdrawal<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ativan Abuse<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Benzodiazepines<\/a> are the second-most lethal<\/a> prescription drug in the United States, after opioids<\/a>. Overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines quadrupled<\/a> between 2002 and 2015. When used regularly, even for a short amount of time, Ativan tolerance develops rapidly, resulting in the need for ever-increasing doses of the drug to obtain the same effect. This tolerance precipitates dependency and addiction, which can take hold within a few weeks of daily use. Because Ativan has a short half-life, it is among the most addictive of the benzodiazepines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Signs of Ativan Addiction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Benzodiazepines, including Ativan, are primarily prescribed to calm anxiety and prevent panic attacks. They do this by reducing the level of excitability in the brain (sedation). So, people who take Ativan are calmer and more relaxed than they would be otherwise. Ativan should not be used daily, or for more than a few months at a time. Unfortunately, Ativan is often prescribed in such a way that tolerance, dependency and addiction are common.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Addiction is generally associated with a preoccupation with the drug of choice, and Ativan is no exception. Many people who struggle with Ativan misuse exhibit altered behavior including loss of interest in hobbies, neglecting responsibilities, failure to accomplish tasks and even evasiveness. Particularly high doses of Ativan can cause drowsiness, forgetfulness, memory loss, confusion, muscle weakness, appetite changes and dizziness. Withdrawal<\/a> can cause irritability, anxiousness, restlessness and mood swings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ativan Side Effects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ativan dependency is associated with a number of physical and psychological side effects<\/a>, ranging from mild to severe. Individuals experiencing any of these side effects should consult with their physician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Physical side effects of Ativan dependency and addiction frequently include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n