How Does Ativan Make You Feel? Guide to Ativan Effects

Ativan (lorazepam) is a benzodiazepine drug used to treat anxiety and seizure disorders like epilepsy. While it can be effective, Ativan is not without side effects and risks, which are important to understand.

Learn more about Ativan’s effects, how it makes you feel, and what you should know if you take it.

What Is Ativan?

Ativan, the brand name for lorazepam, is a benzodiazepine medication. Benzos are central nervous system depressants that are prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and other conditions. They enhance the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which has a tranquilizing effect on the mind and body. This can help with anxiety symptoms, restlessness, insomnia, and seizure activity.

Though Ativan and other benzodiazepines are helpful for anxiety disorders and other disorders, they have risks. Ativan is a Schedule IV drug under the Controlled Substances Act, which means it has legitimate medical uses and a low risk of misuse. However, Ativan and other benzos are often misused, either on their own or with other drugs.

How Does Ativan Make You Feel?

For most people, Ativan takes 15-30 minutes to onset effects. Generally, Ativan causes you to feel relaxed and calm.[1] People who take Ativan don’t usually report feeling groggy or foggy. Instead, they feel clear and “in the moment” but less anxious than usual.

Some people experience drowsiness and muscle relaxation upon taking Ativan. Drowsiness can lead to falling asleep shortly after taking the drug.[2] Impaired coordination, confusion, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating may also occur.

In the short term, Ativan reduces feelings of psychological and physical tension, worry, and anxiety, leading to overall well-being. However, this feeling can lead some people to misuse or abuse Ativan, causing emotional numbness.[3] Over time, the effects may decrease as your body adjusts to the presence of the drug, leading to tolerance.

How Does Dosage Influence Ativan Effects?

The dosage you have will affect how Ativan makes you feel, as well as individual factors like body weight, age, metabolism, and drug tolerance.

It’s best to take the lowest effective dosage of Ativan for a short period, generally two to four weeks. Taking Ativan at high doses or for long periods can increase the likelihood of becoming dependent on the medication, leading to addiction.[4] Your doctor will determine the best dose for your needs.

Negative Effects of Ativan

Ativan is not without risks and side effects. By slowing the activity of the brain and nerves, Ativan can negatively impact your physical functions and responses. While you may feel calm and relaxed on Ativan, it can also cause painful muscle spasms or life-threatening seizures, even at a regular dose.

Ativan can cause clumsiness, drowsiness, and disorientation, which can lead to injuries.[5] It’s important to avoid driving a vehicle or engaging in other risky activities until you know how the drug affects you. For some people, Ativan can cause symptoms that are similar to alcohol intoxication, such as loss of coordination, slurred speech, blurred vision, and other visual disturbances.

Another risk of Ativan is paranoia or suicidal ideation.[6] Though less common, this can occur in people who have no history of self-harm or suicidal ideation. It’s important to report any concerning symptoms to your doctor.

Ativan Overdose

Like any drug, it’s possible to overdose on Ativan. It’s generally safe when taken in the prescribed doses, but taking large doses can leave you at risk of a potentially fatal overdose. As a central nervous system depressant, Ativan slows the activity in the brain and nerves, causing unconsciousness, coma, or death. Combining Ativan with other central nervous system depressants, such as opioids or alcohol, significantly increases the risk of a dangerous overdose.

Some of the symptoms of an Ativan overdose include:[7]

• Shallow breathing
• Drowsiness
• Excessive sedation
• Pale, bluish skin or lips
• Slurred speech
• Memory loss
• Weakness
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness

An Ativan overdose is an emergency that may end in death. If you suspect someone is overdosing, call 911 as soon as possible. Stay with the person until help arrives. If you think opioids are involved, you can administer naloxone to prevent further complications.

Ativan Withdrawal

When Ativan has been taken for long periods or is misused, the body builds a physical dependence on it. The body has become accustomed to its presence and needs the drug to function properly. If you stop taking it suddenly or significantly reduce your intake, you may experience withdrawal symptoms and potentially life-threatening complications.

As a benzodiazepine, Ativan withdrawal may be associated with a range of symptoms, including:[8]

• Irritability and agitation
• Increased heart rate
• Anxious tension
• High blood pressure
• Sweating
• Tremors
• Muscle pain and stiffness
• Cognitive difficulties
• Panic attacks
• Rebound anxiety
• Weight loss
• Headaches
• Muscle pain
• Nausea

Can You Become Addicted to Ativan?

Though Ativan has a lower misuse potential than some other drugs, it is possible to become addicted to it. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), an Ativan addiction is categorized as a sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder. The criteria for this substance use disorder include:[9]

• Taking Ativan in larger amounts or for longer periods than intended
• Wanting to reduce or stop using Ativan without success
• Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from the use of Ativan
• Failing to fulfill obligations at work, home, or school because of Ativan use
• Continuing to use Ativan despite interpersonal problems
• Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of Ativan use
• Using Ativan in risky situations

Treatment for Ativan Addiction

If you’re struggling with Ativan addiction, it’s important to get help as soon as possible to avoid risks like overdose. However, you shouldn’t quit cold turkey. Ativan withdrawal can have potentially dangerous complications, including life-threatening seizures.

Typically, Ativan doses are tapered with the supervision of a doctor to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms. It may be best to enter medical detox, ensuring you have a medical team to supervise your dose, monitor your health, and prevent serious complications.

Once detox is complete, it’s important to continue treatment in an inpatient or outpatient setting to address the contributing factors to drug abuse and addiction. Treatment plans are individualized based on your history and needs. However, they often include behavioral therapies, individual counseling, group counseling, and other modalities that address unhealthy behaviors and develop healthy coping strategies.

Get Help for Ativan Addiction

Ativan can help treat anxiety and other disorders, but it’s not without risks. The relaxing feeling that Ativan causes can make it tempting to misuse, increasing the risk of overdose and addiction. Getting help as soon as possible is important to avoid these risks and start on a journey toward a healthier life.

Frequently Asked Questions