Mixing Ativan and Alcohol: Dangers and Effects

What is Ativan?

Ativan is the brand name for lorazepam, a prescription benzodiazepine. It is commonly prescribed for anxiety and may also be used in specific medical situations involving seizures, severe agitation, short-term insomnia, or chemotherapy-related nausea when clinically appropriate.

Ativan works by increasing the calming effects of GABA, a neurotransmitter that helps slow activity in the brain and nervous system. This can reduce anxiety and agitation, but it can also cause drowsiness, slowed reaction time, poor coordination, and memory problems.

Ativan should only be taken as prescribed. Taking a higher dose, taking it more often than directed, using it without a prescription, or combining it with alcohol can increase the risk of dependence, withdrawal, overdose, and serious injury.

Why Is Mixing Ativan and Alcohol Dangerous?

Ativan and alcohol are both central nervous system depressants. This means they slow brain and body functions, including alertness, coordination, reaction time, judgment, and breathing.

When taken together, their depressant effects can add together rather than stay separate. A person may feel much more sedated than they expected, even if they took a prescribed dose of Ativan or drank an amount of alcohol they usually tolerate.

The greatest medical risk is respiratory depression. This means breathing becomes too slow or shallow to bring enough oxygen into the body. Without fast medical care, respiratory depression can become life-threatening.

This combination also increases the risk of falls, car accidents, choking on vomit, aspiration, risky behavior, blackouts, and accidental overdose. People taking lorazepam should avoid alcohol unless their prescriber gives specific medical guidance.

Side Effects of Mixing Ativan and Alcohol

The side effects of Ativan and alcohol often overlap. When the substances are combined, these effects can become stronger and less predictable.

Possible side effects include:

• Extreme drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Poor coordination
• Slowed reaction time
• Slurred speech
• Memory loss or blackouts
• Nausea or vomiting
• Mood swings
• Irritability or agitation
• Blurred vision
• Muscle weakness
• Low blood pressure
• Slow or shallow breathing
• Loss of consciousness

These symptoms can become more serious when a person takes a high dose, drinks heavily, has a low tolerance, uses other substances, or has an underlying health condition.

Signs of Ativan Overdose or Alcohol Poisoning

Ativan overdose and alcohol poisoning are medical emergencies. The risk increases when lorazepam and alcohol are taken together.

Signs of a possible Ativan overdose may include:

• Extreme sedation
• Severe weakness
• Loss of muscle control
• Slurred or altered speech
• Severe confusion
• Slow or shallow breathing
• Stupor
• Unresponsiveness
• Collapse
• Coma

Signs of alcohol poisoning may include:

• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Pale, clammy, or bluish skin
• Low body temperature
• Slow, irregular, or stopped breathing
• Seizures
• Unresponsiveness
• Unconsciousness

Call 911 immediately if these symptoms appear. Stay nearby until help arrives, keep the person on their side if they are vomiting or unconscious and it is safe to do so, and do not give them more alcohol, medication, food, or drinks. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions.

Ativan and Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Ativan and alcohol can both lead to physical dependence. Dependence means the body has adapted to the substance and may react when use is reduced or stopped.

Alcohol withdrawal and benzodiazepine withdrawal can be medically risky. Symptoms may include:

• Anxiety
• Sweating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Tremors
• Increased heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Agitation
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Delirium

The risk is higher when someone has been drinking heavily, taking Ativan regularly, using high doses, or combining both substances. Stopping suddenly can be dangerous.

Medical detox, withdrawal management, medication monitoring, or a medically supervised taper may be needed. A clinical team can assess withdrawal risk and create a safer plan for reducing or stopping alcohol, Ativan, or both.

Signs Someone May Need Help for Alcohol or Ativan Misuse

Unsafe alcohol or Ativan use can affect health, behavior, relationships, work, school, and daily responsibilities. The signs may develop gradually, which can make them easy to dismiss or minimize.

Signs that someone may need help include:

• Taking Ativan in higher doses than prescribed
• Drinking while taking lorazepam
• Running out of medication early
• Using alcohol or Ativan to cope with anxiety, stress, or sleep problems
• Feeling unable to cut back
• Hiding substance use from others
• Becoming withdrawn or secretive
• Missing work, school, or family responsibilities
• Having memory gaps or blackouts
• Showing mood changes, irritability, or unusual behavior
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms between uses
• Continuing to use despite health, relationship, work, or legal consequences

These signs do not mean someone has failed. They may point to alcohol use disorder, benzodiazepine misuse, or another substance use disorder. These are treatable medical conditions, and support can help a person begin recovery with less fear and shame.