Home » Drug Addiction Resources » Ativan (Lorazepam) Addiction and Abuse » Ativan Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline & Detox Treatment
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Ativan (lorazepam) is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety, insomnia, continuous seizures and agitation related to alcohol withdrawal. Benzodiazepines are central nervous system (CNS) depressants that slow activity in the brain, promoting relaxation.
The DEA classifies Ativan as a Schedule IV controlled substance, meaning it has a low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence. While its abuse potential may be low, there are risks associated with Ativan use. Ativan has an FDA Black Box Warning against combining it with opioids and other sedating medications — as doing so can lead to severe adverse reactions, including slowed or difficult breathing and death. Black Box Warnings are the most serious warnings from the FDA.
Ativan is approved for short-term use, but its effectiveness long-term (more than four months) has not been studied. The risk for dependence is low when Ativan is used short-term (for two to four weeks), but it increases with higher doses and more prolonged use. A gradual taper schedule should be followed after long-term use to help prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Ativan withdrawal can be separated into two phases, acute withdrawal reaction and protracted withdrawal syndrome. An acute withdrawal reaction can occur when Ativan (lorazepam) is stopped abruptly or the dose is reduced too quickly. Though acute withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person, they can be uncomfortable and possibly life-threatening. Tapering is recommended to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms.
Some individuals will experience protracted withdrawal syndrome. This syndrome consists of withdrawal symptoms lasting longer than four to six weeks, sometimes lasting greater than 12 months.
Characteristics of protracted withdrawal syndrome include:
Ativan has an average half-life of 12 hours. This is the time it takes the body to get rid of half the dose of Ativan. Because of its short half-life, early withdrawal symptoms can begin within 24 hours after the last dose but may take up to four days to start.
Acute withdrawal symptoms from Ativan usually last 10 to 14 days. In some cases, a protracted withdrawal syndrome can occur after the acute withdrawal syndrome.
Ativan withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person. Most withdrawal symptoms occur within one to four days after the last dose of Ativan and can last for about two weeks.
Physical withdrawal symptoms may include:
Psychological withdrawal symptoms may include:
The severity of Ativan withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on each situation. Several factors that may affect the severity of Ativan withdrawal include:
Several medications may help reduce Ativan withdrawal symptoms. These medications help people going through Ativan withdrawal cope with anxiety, depression and insomnia during withdrawal.
Medications prescribed for the management of Ativan withdrawal include:
During a medical Ativan detox, the body eliminates the drug from the system while under medical supervision. Your treatment team at Orlando Recovery Center develops a detailed, individualized treatment plan after thorough intake and evaluation. Treatments and medical monitoring designed for the comfort and safety of each individual are included in each detox plan. Around-the-clock medical care during Ativan detox by clinicians and therapists can help manage withdrawal symptoms.
The detox process can vary in length depending on the severity of withdrawal symptoms and the needs of the person struggling with Ativan dependence. Transitioning to an inpatient or outpatient rehab program after detox is often essential to continue the recovery process.
Orlando Recovery Center offers fully licensed and accredited detox and rehab treatment programs for those struggling with Ativan withdrawal. Each day, our licensed multidisciplinary team of experts helps people begin the first steps toward lifelong recovery. Programs at our center are designed to provide safety and comfort during detox and throughout rehab treatment.
Treatment plans at the Orlando Recovery Center are individualized for each patient and may include these programs:
Amenities at Orlando Recovery Center include:
Ativan withdrawal can be challenging and sometimes dangerous to handle on your own. If you or a loved one is struggling with Ativan dependence, contact Orlando Recovery Center today.
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.