Lorazepam Overdose: Signs, Dangers, and Treatment

Ativan (lorazepam) is a medication often prescribed to help with anxiety, sleep problems, or seizures. While it can be helpful when used correctly, it also carries serious risks, especially if taken in larger amounts than prescribed. Misusing Ativan can lead to dangerous side effects, including the possibility of an overdose.

In this guide, we explain how Ativan works, how much lorazepam is too much, how you can overdose on lorazepam, what happens during an OD, and the steps you can take to prevent and treat one. Recognizing the warning signs early can help save lives. You will also discover how to connect with effective treatment for prescription drug addiction.

What Is Ativan (Lorazepam)?

Ativan, available in generic form as lorazepam, is a type of medication known as a benzodiazepine. Doctors usually prescribe it to help people with anxiety, insomnia, or to control seizures. It works by calming the brain and nerves, making you feel more relaxed. Ativan affects a chemical in the brain called GABA, which helps slow down brain activity when you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed.

While Ativan can be helpful for short-term use, it can be risky if used for too long or in higher doses than prescribed. Over time, some people may become dependent on the medication, meaning they feel like they need it to function. This is why doctors usually recommend using it only in the short term and following the dosage instructions closely.

Can You Overdose on Ativan?

Yes, you can OD on Ativan. It is possible to take too much of this powerful medication from the benzodiazepine family, which affects the brain and central nervous system (CNS). While it can be effective for treating anxiety, sleep disorders, or seizures, taking too much Ativan can lead to serious health risks, including overdose.

An overdose occurs when someone takes more than their body can handle, and this can happen accidentally or intentionally. Although Ativan is usually safe when taken as prescribed, overdose is still possible, especially with misuse. People who take too much Ativan or combine it with other substances like alcohol or opioids are at a much higher risk of overdose.

Ativan works by slowing the activity of the brain and nerves. This calming effect makes it useful for treating anxiety and other disorders, but excessive dosing can slow the brain down too much. This can lead to dangerous effects, including severe drowsiness, breathing problems, and even loss of consciousness.

4 Common Causes of Ativan Overdose

1. Mixing Ativan with Other CNS Depressants: One of the most common causes of an Ativan overdose is mixing it with other CNS depressants. Alcohol, opioids, and other sedatives can intensify Ativan’s effects, increasing the risk of overdose. People who take Ativan with these substances may not realize how dangerous it is until they experience severe symptoms.
2. Developing a Tolerance to Ativan [5]: Over time, a person might need more of the drug to feel the same effects. This can lead to taking larger doses than prescribed, which increases the risk of overdose. Tolerance develops when the body gets used to the medication, reducing its initial effectiveness. This is why doctors often recommend using Ativan only for short periods.
3. History of Substance Abuse: Certain factors can increase the risk of an Ativan overdose. People who have a history of substance abuse are more likely to misuse Ativan, which raises their risk. Those who take high doses of the drug or use it without a prescription are also more likely to overdose – read on to find out how much Ativan is too much.
4. Advanced Age or Poor Health: Older adults may be at a higher risk due to how their bodies process medications. Seniors may not metabolize Ativan as quickly as younger people, causing the drug to build up in their system over time [6].

Mixing Ativan with other drugs or alcohol is one of the most dangerous combinations. Because both substances can slow down breathing and heart rate, using them together can cause these functions to stop completely. Even small amounts of alcohol or opioids can drastically increase the risk of a life-threatening overdose when taken with Ativan.

Symptoms of Lorazepam (Ativan) Overdose

Getting help quickly if you suspect benzo overdose can save a life. Sometimes, it’s hard to recognize an overdose right away, as symptoms may appear gradually. At first, it might seem like the person is just sleepy or unusually calm, but as the overdose worsens, the symptoms can become more severe.

Here are some common Ativan overdose signs and symptoms:

• Extreme drowsiness or sleepiness
• Confusion and disorientation
• Slow or slurred speech
• Weakness or lack of coordination
• Blurred vision or trouble seeing
• Slow or shallow breathing
• Low blood pressure and slow heart rate
• Loss of consciousness or coma
• Seizures
• Bluish lips or skin

What Is a Lethal Dose of Lorazepam?

It’s difficult to say exactly how much Ativan is lethal, as it depends on a person’s age, weight, tolerance to the drug, and whether other substances were involved. That said, extremely high doses of Ativan can be dangerous, especially when taken with alcohol, opioids, or other CNS depressants.

For most people, the recommended maximum dose of Ativan for treating anxiety is about 10mg per day. Taking more than this amount significantly increases the risk of overdose. However, what constitutes a lethal dose can vary from person to person. For some, 10mg could be dangerous, while others may tolerate more due to factors like body size or a history of using similar drugs.

When Ativan is combined with other substances that affect the central nervous system, a lethal dose of Ativan may be lower. Taking Ativan along with alcohol or opioids, for instance, can slow breathing to a point where the body shuts down completely, leading to death. This is why you should never mix Ativan with other CNS depressants unless specifically instructed by a doctor.

Ativan Max Dosage for Adults: Is 5mg of Lorazepam a lot?

For adults, the usual dose of Ativan varies depending on the condition being treated. For anxiety, doctors typically prescribe 2 to 6mg per day, divided into smaller doses. For sleep disorders or insomnia, a smaller dose of 1 to 2mg at bedtime may be recommended. It’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions closely, as taking more than the prescribed amount can quickly lead to an overdose.

The maximum daily dose of Ativan should generally not exceed 10mg per day. Exceeding this amount dramatically increases the risk of overdose, especially if taken over a long period. Consult your physician if you feel your prescribed dose isn’t working. Never adjust the dosage independently, as it can trigger adverse outcomes.

Long-Term Effects of Lorazepam Overdose

An overdose of lorazepam can trigger serious long-term effects on a person’s health, especially if the overdose is severe or not treated quickly. While lorazepam is normally used to treat anxiety or insomnia, taking too much can cause lasting damage to the body and brain. Some long-term effects of an overdose may include:

• Memory problems
• Cognitive impairment
• Physical weakness
• Emotional changes
• Organ damage
• Dependence and addiction
• Brain damage

Treatment for Ativan (Lorazepam) Overdose

Treating an Ativan overdose requires immediate medical attention to prevent serious health complications or death. If you suspect someone has overdosed on lorazepam, act quickly – it could be life-saving.

Here’s how an Ativan overdose is typically treated:

• Call 911 immediately
• Monitoring and stabilization
• Activated charcoal
• Flumazenil
• Oxygen therapy
• IV fluids
• Hospitalization

What to do If You Overdose on Lorazepam

If you believe you are experiencing an overdose of lorazepam, seek help immediately. An overdose can quickly become life-threatening, and prompt action could mean the difference between life and death.

• Call 911 immediately
• Stay awake and alert
• Inform the medical team
• Don’t handle it alone

Prevention of Ativan Overdose

Preventing an overdose of Ativan is possible with careful use and following the guidelines provided by a healthcare professional.

• Follow prescription instructions
• Avoid mixing substances
• Communicate with your doctor
• Store safely
• Know your limits
• Educate yourself and others
• Taper off slowly
• Have an emergency plan

Ativan (Lorazepam) | FAQs

How much Lorazepam can I take at once?

The max dose of Ativan at one time varies depending on what it’s prescribed for, but adults usually take between 2 to 6mg per day, split into smaller doses. Follow your doctor’s instructions and never take more than prescribed, as higher doses can increase the risk of overdose.

Is lorazepam addictive?

Yes, lorazepam can be addictive, especially if taken for long periods or in higher doses. Over time, your body may become dependent on it, leading to dependence and withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it suddenly.

What do I do if I am overdosing on Ativan?

If you think you’re overdosing on Ativan, call 911 or seek emergency medical help immediately. Signs of Lorazepam overdose include:

• Drowsiness or sleepiness
• Confusion
• Lack of coordination
• Slurred speech
• Slowed breathing
• Blurred vision
• Seizures and loss of consciousness

Get Compassionate Addiction Treatment at Renaissance Recovery

When you’re ready to fight back against addiction to prescription medication, reach out to Renaissance Recovery. We treat all addictions in an outpatient setting, enabling you to carry on at home, work, or school while getting effective treatment for substance abuse during the day.

Every prescription drug addiction is unique, and our treatment plans reflect this with personalized therapies, such as:

• MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
• Counseling
• Motivational therapy
• Talk therapy
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Holistic treatment
• Aftercare

Get help for prescription drug addiction, call 866-330-9449.

Sources

1. https://www.drugs.com/ativan.html
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470159/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24025066/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3684331/
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11224198/
6. https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(16)30509-2/fulltext
7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7871060/
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8583742/
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470180/