Ativan is the brand name of lorazepam, a benzo medication used to treat anxiety and other psychological disorders. As a controlled substance, its use requires careful monitoring.
When patients are prescribed Ativan for the first time, the most common question they have is, “How does Ativan make you feel?”
Ativan is an anxiety medication, which means it’s primarily used to treat anxiety symptoms. Lorazepam induces a feeling of relaxation and calmness by stimulating inhibitory receptors in the brain responsible for feelings of ease. However, it’s important to be aware of potential drug interactions with other prescription medications, including antidepressants, and even some over-the-counter drugs.
It’s also crucial to understand the risks associated with higher doses and prolonged substance use, which can lead to substance abuse or a use disorder. Furthermore, due to its effects on the central nervous system, Ativan can interact negatively with alcohol withdrawal.
In today’s article, we’ll walk you through a brief guide with everything you need to know about Ativan and concerns regarding its use. Let’s dive in!
TL;DR: Ativan (lorazepam) typically induces feelings of calmness and reduced anxiety.
Table of Contents
What Is Ativan Used for?
The effect of Lorazepam makes Ativan a commonly prescribed treatment for a wide variety of disorders.
Of course, the most common reason for prescribing Ativan is for anxiety disorders. The drug helps the central nervous system reduce the symptoms associated with the conditions, such as:
- Agitation, unsteadiness
- Excessive tension and restlessness
- Tension
- Inability to proceed with daily objectives because of feeling unsettled
- Panic attacks associated with anxiety
In addition to anxiety, Ativan may also be taken for other conditions, especially in combination with other treatments. These conditions include
- Short-term anxiety: Another type of acute anxiety, mostly associated with depression and psychological disorders.
- Insomnia: Ativan is approved as a treatment for the lack of ability to sleep due to stress and anxiety.
- Seizures: Like other benzodiazepine drugs, Ativan may also be prescribed to control/prevent seizures and status epilepticus.
- Spasms: Ativan may be prescribed as a muscle relaxant, especially in combination with other treatments to treat jerky movements and tremors.
How Does Ativan Work?
Our brains contain certain chemicals known as neurotransmitters, which are part of a complex system responsible for controlling our psychological state and hormones.
One of these neurotransmitters is known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). When GABA binds to its receptors in our brain, it induces a relaxed effect on both the mind and body, and that’s where Ativan comes into play!
Ativan’s active ingredient is Lorazepam, which belongs to the Benzodiazepine family. Like other drugs from this group, it works by stimulating GABA to bind to GABA-A receptors.
This enhances the sedative and tranquilizing effect of the brain chemical, which generates its effects on the body.
How Does Ativan Make You Feel?
As previously established, Ativan has a potent calming effect on the body and mind. However, it also has other effects associated with stimulating GABA receptors.
The most popular effect of taking Ativan is that you’ll feel a bit sleepy or drowsy/dizzy, which is why some doctors prescribe it for anxiety-induced insomnia.
Common Side Effects of Ativan
Ativan can also have various adverse or unwanted side effects associated with how it works. These typically include
- Blurred vision and Loss of coordination (which is why you shouldn’t drive or operate heavy machines while under the influence of Lorazepam)
- Feeling weak and clumsy
- Drowsiness, sedative effects
- Nausea and headache
- Heartburn or acid reflux
- Dry mouth
- Constipation with a change in appetite
- Impairment/changes if sexual abilities
Factors That Affect the Severity of Ativan Effects
As you can see, most of the side effects are associated with Lorazepam’s nervous system-slowing effects. The side effects’ intensity is also impacted by several factors, such as:
- The amount of Ativan taken
- The frequency of use
- Your overall physical and mental health
If these side effects worsen with time or become unbearable, you should let your doctor know immediately.
Taking Ativan with other drugs or substances can also increase the side effect’s severity. For example, alcohol and opioids increase the severity of Ativan’s side effects and can cause life-threatening reactions, such as cardiac arrests or collapsed lungs.
Common Ativan Withdrawal Symptoms
Ativan (lorazepam) is a benzodiazepine often prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and sometimes seizures — but it can lead to dependence, especially with long-term or high-dose use. If someone stops taking it suddenly, they may experience benzodiazepine withdrawal, which can be serious and even life-threatening in some cases.
Psychological symptoms:
- Severe anxiety or panic attacks
- Irritability or agitation
- Insomnia or sleepiness
- Depression
- Poor concentration, memory loss
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Mood swings
Physical symptoms:
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle pain or stiffness
- Tremors
- Heart palpitations
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Tingling or numbness
- Physical dependence
Serious side effects or dangerous symptoms (especially with abrupt discontinuation):
- Seizures
- Delirium
- Psychosis
- High blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
- Life-threatening complications
Why is Ativan Withdrawal Risky?
Ativan affects GABA receptors in the brain, calming the nervous system. Stopping suddenly can cause the brain to rebound into a hyper-excitable state — which is why medical supervision is critical during detox, especially for those with long-term use.
How Long Does It Take Ativan to Kick In?
Lorazepam is a fast-acting Benzodiazepine drug. This means that the effects of Ativan can be felt in as little as a few minutes. This doesn’t only apply to medicinal effects, but also the side effects.
Keep in mind that the onset of action can vary depending on how you take the treatment. Ativan is available in the form of tablets and liquid injections. The latter takes as little as 20 to 30 minutes to kick in.
How Long Does Ativan Stay in Your System?
A normal dose of Ativan should last in effect for about 6 to 8 hours. But just because the effects have worn off, doesn’t mean that the drug is completely eliminated from your system.
Lorazepam has an average half-life of around 12 hours. This means that the majority of Ativan will be out of your system after 5 days of taking it.
Ativan is metabolized in the liver and excreted by the kidney. However, some metabolites might stay in your system for a lot longer (more than 3 weeks).
Also, abusers with high tolerance might take a lot longer to completely eliminate Ativan from their system.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration of Effects | Ativan’s effects last approximately 6 to 8 hours. |
| Half-life | The average half-life of Lorazepam is around 12 hours. |
| Elimination Time | Most of Ativan is eliminated from the system after 5 days of ingestion. |
| Metabolism | Ativan is metabolized in the liver. |
| Excretion | It is excreted by the kidneys. |
| Persistent Metabolites | Some metabolites may remain in the system for more than 3 weeks. |
| Abuse Considerations | In cases of abuse, particularly among individuals with high tolerance, elimination may take significantly longer. |
Is Ativan Addictive?
Although it’s not a narcotic, Ativan is listed under Schedule IV of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Ativan must be prescribed by a physician and is only used for short-term treatment if the doctor finds the benefits to outweigh the risks.
Long-term use and misuse of Ativan can lead to drug dependence or even addiction. For that reason, you should always follow the doctor’s dosage and never take Ativan on your own.
What Happens If I Take Ativan Without Prescription?
As previously established, Ativan can develop dependence and addiction. Ir can also put you at great risk of drug abuse or serious adverse reactions due to inadequate or high dosage.
Stopping Ativan immediately may cause intense drug withdrawal effects, including
- Breathing difficulties
- Increased heart rate
- Sweating and high body temperature
- Tremors and vertigo
- Body aches
- Muscle tension
- Painful headaches
- Insomnia
If you have been taking Ativan on your own, you should seek immediate medical help to help you with the detox stage.
Final Thoughts
This wraps up today’s guide, which walks you through everything you need to know about Ativan and its effects.
As you can see, Ativan’s primary effect is sedation and relaxation. However, it can also have several side effects that vary in severity depending on how you use the drug. Therefore, it’s crucial to always follow the prescription and never take it without medical advice. If you or a loved one is struggling with Ativan use or experiencing adverse effects, seeking medical attention is paramount.
For those concerned about potential dependence or seeking a path to wellness, exploring available treatment options is recommended. A comprehensive treatment plan, often facilitated by a qualified healthcare provider or within an inpatient treatment center, can provide the necessary support and guidance. Effective addiction treatment focuses on safe detoxification and long-term recovery, ensuring individuals regain control and improve their overall quality of life.
Published on: 2023-02-26
Updated on: 2025-03-21
