What Is Ativan Withdrawal?

Lorazepam, the generic Ativan, is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety, sleeplessness, and epilepsy. Ativan, like other benzodiazepines, calms the brain by increasing the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA, which decreases neural activity. Although Ativan has proven helpful for many people with anxiety and related disorders, its use is not without potential downsides. The effects of Ativan, as well as its advantages and disadvantages, will be discussed in this article.

Ativan Withdrawal Symptoms

When a person taking Ativan for a long time suddenly cuts back on or stops taking it, they may experience Withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be upsetting and even dangerous, which shows how important it is to manage withdrawal while being watched by a doctor carefully.

• Anxiety and restlessness: One of the most common withdrawal symptoms is anxiety. People may feel more anxious, restless, and upset. It’s also possible to have panic attacks and feel very uneasy.
• Insomnia and Sleep Disturbances: Coming off of Ativan can make it hard to fall or stay asleep, leading to insomnia. Sleep problems can make other withdrawal symptoms worse and hurt your overall health.
• Mood changes: During withdrawal, it’s common for people to have mood swings, be irritable, and feel emotionally unstable. People may also have mood disorders, depression, and heightened emotional sensitivity.
• Physical symptoms include tremors, muscle aches, headaches, sweating, and stomach problems like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Cognitive Problems: Symptoms of cognitive problems include the inability to focus, having trouble remembering things, and being confused. These problems with thinking can make it hard to do everyday things and make decisions.
• Sensory Sensitivity: Withdrawing from Ativan can make you more sensitive to light, sound, and other sensory stimuli. This can make the person feel more uncomfortable and irritable.
• Seizures can happen if you stop taking Ativan suddenly, especially if you’ve been taking it for a long time or at a high dose. This is why it is so important to have medical supervision during the withdrawal process.
• Rebound symptoms: During withdrawal, anxiety or insomnia, which are similar to the original condition for which Ativan was prescribed, can happen.

How Long Does Ativan Withdrawal Last?

How long it takes to stop taking Ativan depends on the person. Early symptoms can show up anywhere from a few hours to a few days after the last dose, and they are often at their worst during the first week. After that, the symptoms may get better over a few weeks. But protracted withdrawal, marked by symptoms that last for a long time, can last for months.

Learn More:

• Benzodiazepine Detox, Withdrawal, Symptoms, Timeline, & Treatment
• Benzodiazepines List
• Anxiety Symptoms
• Benzodiazepines List
• Is Ativan Stronger Than Klonopin? Ativan vs Klonopin, Differences and Side-Effects. Switching From Ativan to Klonopin.
• How Does Ativan Make You Feel? Benefits, Side Effects, and Risks

Ativan for Alcohol Withdrawal

Managing symptoms of Ativan alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is a common reason for a short course of treatment with Ativan (generic name: lorazepam). People with alcohol use disorder are more likely to experience AWS if they suddenly cut back on or stop drinking. Anxiety, tremors, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, hallucinations, seizures, and other symptoms may accompany AWS on a spectrum from mild to severe.

Benzodiazepines, which Ativan is a member, are known for their sedative effects on the brain and nervous system. Under medical supervision, Ativan can reduce the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. This makes the detox process more manageable. It lessens the possibility of brain overactivity associated with alcohol withdrawal by boosting the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter.

As part of a larger treatment plan that includes medical monitoring, counseling, and support, Ativan may help with alcohol withdrawal. Although Ativan may help with the short-term management of AWS symptoms, it should not be considered a long-term solution for alcohol dependence. Ativan users going through alcohol withdrawal should be under close medical supervision, and it may be necessary to taper off the drug gradually to avoid becoming dependent on it.

5 Million

people will use benzodiazepines like Ativan for reasons other than medical ones.

Source: NSDUH

15.5 million

people 18 and older have abused prescription tranquilizers like Ativan at least once.

Source: SAMSA

Ativan Withdrawal Timeline

The Ativan Withdrawal timeline follows a pattern of symptoms that can vary in intensity and duration. Within 6 to 12 hours after the last dose, individuals may experience restlessness, irritability, and anxiety. Symptoms may escalate over the next 1 to 4 days, including tremors and confusion. The following 5 to 7 days often bring severe rebound anxiety and insomnia. As time progresses to 1 to 2 weeks, the withdrawal may manifest as heightened anxiety, depression, and cravings. Even after this initial phase, some lingering psychological symptoms might persist for 2 to 4 weeks.

Beyond the first month, a gradual improvement can be expected, although individual experiences may differ. It’s important to note that the Ativan withdrawal timeline can be influenced by dosage, duration of use, and individual sensitivity.

Ativan (lorazepam) is a potent benzodiazepine for treating anxiety, sleeplessness, and other problems. But like other benzodiazepines, long-term use of Ativan can cause physical and mental dependence. When a person decides to stop taking Ativan, whether for medical reasons or because they are worried about becoming dependent, it is essential to go through the withdrawal process in a safe and effective way.

Ativan withdrawal can be challenging, and trying to stop using it all at once can cause unpleasant and dangerous symptoms. This is where detox, or cleansing, comes in. Ativan Detox lets the body eliminate a drug while dealing with withdrawal symptoms under a doctor’s care.

We Level Up NJ Ativan Detox Near Me Treatments:

At We Level Up NJ, we understand how hard it is to get off benzodiazepines and how each person has different needs. Our detox programs are made to give you complete care during this crucial time. Our doctors and nurses closely monitor your withdrawal symptoms to ensure you are safe and comfortable the whole time. We offer individualized treatment plans, which may include medication-assisted detox to make withdrawal less painful.