Effective Ativan Detox Treatment, Withdrawal, Overdose Risks

What Is Ativan?

Ativan (lorazepam) is a prescription tranquilizing drug.  You might also hear it as a sedative-hypnotic or anxiolytic medication.  Moreover, Ativan belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines. Many have been addicted to this drug and require Ativan detox to function normally again and avoid Ativan side effects that bring health risks.

Ativan is the brand name available in the US for lorazepam.  Loraz, another brand name for lorazepam, has been terminated in the US.  Ativan is obtainable in generic form; however, you need a prescript from your doctor. Despite its legitimate medical uses, Ativan has known addictive and drug dependence liabilities.

This is one reason why Ativan is prescribed for relatively short-term use. However, people should be careful to adhere to prescription guidelines. If not, if an individual exceeds the recommended dosage, it may increase the likelihood of drug addiction development.

Ativan is a DEA-controlled drug.  The active ingredient, lorazepam, is a DEA Schedule IV controlled substance.  Given that, substances in the DEA Schedule IV have a low potential for abuse relative to substances in Schedule III.  The DEA also classifies Ativan as a Depressant. Moreover, the street names for benzodiazepines, including Ativan, are Benzos, Downers, Nerve Pills, and Tranks.  Find out more about “benzo addiction treatment.” [1]

Ativan Detox For Addiction And Dependence

Physical dependency is commonly characterized by increasing tolerance to the drug, meaning a higher amount is needed to accomplish the same effects.

Detoxification is the process of allowing the body to rid itself of a drug.  Unfortunately, withdrawal often accompanies adverse health risks, and the body experiences symptoms when long-term drug use is abruptly discontinued.

The unpleasant symptoms that arise during withdrawal impart a high risk of relapse for people undergoing Ativan detox, so making it through this process is crucial to recovery.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse cautions that Ativan detox should be followed with behavioral therapy and medication to establish natural treatment.  [2]

Ativan detox and withdrawal can be stressful and sometimes dangerous.  So, it should be under the monitoring of medical professionals. Detoxing in an inpatient drug rehab center facility will give you comprehensive Ativan detox and can provide you with round-the-clock treatment and therapies.

How To Detox From Lorazepam?

Although detoxing from benzodiazepines like Ativan can be challenging, it is possible to do so safely with the help of the proper medical detox rehab programs. The duration of Ativan usage, dosage size, dose frequency, concurrent drug use, and co-occurring mental health issues significantly affect the intensity and chronology of withdrawal symptoms.

Risks Of Ativan Detox At Home

One of the biggest causes of avoiding detoxing at home is the risk of relapse.  Withdrawal can be a complicated survival process, mainly if rebound symptoms happen. Detoxing under close medical supervision guarantees clients quick access to psychological care if they encounter rebound anxiety during withdrawal.

This kind of treatment can help clients make it through Ativan detox without going back on the drug. Because Ativan’s withdrawal process has sometimes been associated with dangerous symptoms such as seizures, it’s vital to be strictly under monitoring during Ativan detox if a medical emergency arises. Medical professionals can also assist clients in Ativan detox over a safe period.  For instance, patients who detox at home may have the temptation to quit “cold turkey” or abruptly stop taking the drug completely.

The abrupt stop of using the drug may cause worse withdrawal symptoms and is not advisable.  Instead, the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests tapering off the use of the drug over some time to reduce withdrawal.

Medically Assisted Ativan Detox And Withdrawal

First, the client will gradually wean off the drug. Rarely, tapering off the use of the drug is the only intervention necessary.  However, they may prescribe some medications to help clients with their withdrawal symptoms.

Flumazenil is usually a prescription as a benzodiazepine antagonist, which blocks benzodiazepine binding at the GABA receptor and negates the brain’s effects.  Flumazenil can help stop a fatal drug overdose and accelerate the Ativan detox process as it sends an individual into almost immediate withdrawal.  However, its use must be supervised as it may increase the risk of seizures.

Furthermore, complementary psychological therapies have been shown to have positive results, including evidence-based approaches.

Learn more:

• Cocaine Addiction

• Heroin Addiction
• Ativan Side Effects & Interactions, & How To Treat Them
• Benzo Addiction Treatment
• Inpatient Drug Rehab – Effective Treatment Options
• Detox Rehab
• Drug Overdose Symptoms
• Effective Ativan Detox Treatment, Withdrawal, Overdose Risks
• Ativan and Alcohol
• Ativan vs Xanax. Which is Better, Stronger & Most Effective for Anxiety?

27 million

With more than 27 million prescriptions written as of 2011, Ativan ranked fifth among the most frequently prescribed benzodiazepines (and the number has continued to rise).

Source: NIH

20%

An extended hospital stay or death occurs in about 20% of all emergency room visits for benzodiazepine-related distress.

Source: NIH

• Headaches
• Restlessness
• Sweating

• Cramping
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Dizziness or Tremors

• Sleep disturbance
• Irritability
• Increased tension and anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Hand tremors
• Excessive sweating
• Headache

• Difficulty concentrating
• Dry heaving and nausea
• Muscular pain and stiffness
• Blood pressure changes
• Rapid heart rate
• Palpitations
• Weight loss

• Increases heart rate
• Hallucinations

• Fever
• Life-threatening convulsions and seizures

• Anxiety
• Depression or dysphoria
• Cravings
• Sleep difficulties
• Difficulty concentrating

• Reduced interest or lack of initiative
• Inability to feel pleasure
• Constantly feeling tired
• Obsessive-compulsive tendencies
• Memory problems

Timeline & Symptoms of Lorazepam Withdrawal

Days 1-3

Acute withdrawal symptoms, like headache and nausea, typically begin within the first 24 hours after quitting use.

Days 4-7

Symptoms of withdrawal tend to peak during this period. The signs and severity vary by person but may include tremors, cravings, and irritability.

Days 8-14

The symptoms of withdrawal usually start to lessen during the second week. By this time, acute withdrawal symptoms should have subsided most, if not completely. Rebound symptoms often start 2-3 days after acute withdrawal ends and may include severe anxiety, rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, and insomnia.

Days 15+

Typically the worst part is over at this point. The acute withdrawal symptoms should mostly be gone. Any lingering symptoms should be mild. Protracted withdrawal symptoms may begin for some Ativan users.

• Mental confusion
• Slurred speech
• Lack of energy
• Loss of control of body movements
• Muscle weakness

• Low blood pressure
• Slow breathing
• Passing out
• Coma

When one stops taking benzodiazepines without tapering off, severe “Ativan side effects withdrawal” symptoms such as tremors, seizures, and even death can occur.  For this reason, professional treatment at a medical detox facility is crucial.

Once the Ativan detox process has been successful, an individualized treatment plan will follow.  During treatment, individuals who have struggled with benzo addiction will learn skills and tools to help them stay off these drugs and lead better lives.

Searching for “Ativan detox near me?” If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction to Ativan, Valium, or any other form of benzodiazepine, get them the help they need and deserve.  Contact our team at We Level Up New Jersey for treatment today!