The White Lotus and Lorazepam: A Deep Dive into the Medication and Its Implications
Understanding Lorazepam
What is Lorazepam?
Lorazepam, known by its brand name Ativan, is a medication in the benzodiazepine class. This class also includes well-known drugs like Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin. According to Megan Maroney, PharmD, a clinical associate professor at the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, lorazepam acts as a nervous system sedative, reducing alertness and calming the user.
Hillary Ammon, PsyD, a clinical psychologist at the Center for Anxiety & Women’s Emotional Wellness, explains that lorazepam works by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter GABA, which promotes relaxation. Those who take it often report feeling calmer and experience a reduction in both physical and mental symptoms of anxiety.
What is it used for?
Lorazepam is predominantly used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. However, it can also be prescribed for insomnia, agitation, and to treat or prevent seizures, as noted by Megan Maroney, PharmD. Although Victoria Ratliff from "The White Lotus" uses it to help her sleep, experts caution against this practice. W. Christopher Winter, MD, a neurologist and sleep medicine physician, describes it as an outdated and ineffective treatment for insomnia, stating that these medications often do not improve sleep quality and can sometimes worsen it.
Short-Term or Situational Use
How Long Can You Be On Lorazepam?
Erin Kelly, PhD, a psychologist and assistant professor in the Division of Pain Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, explains that lorazepam is designed for short-term or situational use. It is typically prescribed for acute panic attacks, or to manage anxiety during situational stressors such as flying or getting an MRI. “These medications can be helpful for anxiety caused by a specific situation, but only in the short term,” says Dr. Maroney. “They can take one dose for that specific situation and it works pretty well, but only in the short term.”
Lorazepam is often used as a "bridging treatment" while waiting for longer-term treatments, such as therapy or other medications, to take effect. According to David Merrill, MD, PhD, a board-certified psychiatrist, these other treatments can take longer to work, so a fast-acting medication like lorazepam can be useful in managing severe anxiety symptoms in the interim.
Side Effects and Risks
Are There Any Side Effects?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists several potential side effects of lorazepam, including feelings of sedation, dizziness, weakness, and unsteadiness. Additional side effects may include drowsiness, amnesia, confusion, seizures, blurred vision, depression, and euphoria.
Addictive Properties and Withdrawal Symptoms
Is Lorazepam Addictive?
Yes, lorazepam is potentially addictive. Gail Saltz, MD, an associate professor of psychiatry, warns that abrupt withdrawal from lorazepam can be medically dangerous, as it can cause withdrawal symptoms such as a rise in blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, nausea, sweating, and aches. "Once dependent, stopping lorazepam can lead to withdrawal symptoms, which can be dangerous," says Saltz. Therefore, Merrill advises caution when using the drug and a slow, tapered approach when stopping it to avoid complications.
Did you know?
Lorazepam’s addictive properties are one of the reasons why it is primarily prescribed for short-term use. Long-term use can lead to dependence and severe withdrawal symptoms, which can be hazardous to your health.
Alcohol and Lorazepam: A Dangerous Mix
Combining alcohol with lorazepam is a recipe for trouble, as both depress the central nervous system. The combination can lead to increased sedation, respiratory depression, and even death, especially if the dosage is excessive.
Pro Tip:
If you are taking lorazepam, avoid alcohol completely. This combination can be extremely dangerous and potentially fatal.
Table: At-A-Glance Guide to Lorazepam
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Ativan |
| Class | Benzodiazepine |
| Common Uses | Anxiety, panic disorders, insomnia, agitation, seizures |
| Mechanism | Increases GABA levels, promoting relaxation |
| Side Effects | Sedation, dizziness, weakness, unsteadiness, drowsiness, amnesia, confusion, seizures, blurred vision, depression, euphoria |
| Duration of Use | Short-term or situational |
| Addictive Potential | Yes. Physiological dependence and dangerous withdrawal symptoms |
| Alcohol Interaction | Dangerous. Can lead to increased sedation, respiratory depression, and death |
FAQs on Lorazepam
Q: Can lorazepam be used long-term?
A: No, lorazepam is designed for short-term use. Long-term use can lead to dependence and severe withdrawal symptoms.
Q: What are the common side effects of lorazepam?
A: Common side effects include sedation, dizziness, weakness, unsteadiness, drowsiness, amnesia, confusion, seizures, blurred vision, depression, and euphoria.
Q: Can you drink alcohol while taking lorazepam?
A: No, combining alcohol with lorazepam is dangerous and can lead to increased sedation, respiratory depression, and even death.