How many ativan can kill you

Ativan can be administered safely by intravenous or intramuscular injection. If abused by injection, bacterial infections can occur from unclean needles, as can transmission of diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C. A person can overdose on Ativan lorazepam by taking too much at once or having it build up in their system.

A build-up can occur if another dose of Ativan is taken before the previous dose has been processed. Benzodiazepines are stored in body fat, which means they remain in the body for a decent length of time. If too much accumulation occurs, the levels of Ativan in the body can reach toxic levels.

It is more likely, however, that overdose will occur when Ativan is taken with another substance. A study published in American Family Physician found that 80 percent of benzodiazepine abuse occurs as polysubstance use, most notably with opioid drugs. Combining Ativan with central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol, opioids, and other benzodiazepines intensify sedation. This can cause severe respiratory depression that may result in loss of consciousness, coma or death.

Mixing Ativan with stimulant drugs can also be dangerous, as the differing substances counteract each other. A person under the influence of both a depressant and a stimulant may feel less impaired than they would under the influence of just one drug. This can cause them to take more of either substance in order to increase its effects. Over time, the body becomes tolerant to benzodiazepines like Ativan lorazepam.

For the drug to have the same effect, a higher dose is required. Tolerance to hypnotic effects that aid in sleep occurs first and tolerance to anti-anxiety properties follows. Instead, it is likely that someone will develop a physical dependence on Ativan with prolonged use. When this happens, they experience withdrawal symptoms like sweating, vomiting, abdominal cramps, tachycardia rapid heart rate or seizures if they suddenly stop taking Ativan.

Doctors advise tapering off of Ativan slowly in order to limit or avoid withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal from Ativan may be life-threatening because it can disrupt brain activity and cause seizures. Tapering allows the body to adjust more slowly and effectively, which can help prevent the development of addiction. Many people—doctors included—believe that the effects of anxiety on the mind and body can be more dangerous than the side effects of the drug that relieves it.

What they may not consider is that benzodiazepine drugs like Ativan lorazepam can actually worsen anxiety symptoms if used in excess. When Ativan is used to regulate brain function for an extended period of time, the brain stops controlling GABA and allows the drug to take control. If a person stops taking Ativan, their brain activity surges, causing intense anxiety, irritability, and insomnia. These unpleasant and over-stimulating effects lead the individual to take more Ativan for relief.

This mental dependence addiction is very difficult to overcome. As tolerance grows, a person takes more and more Ativan. They become consumed by thoughts of obtaining and taking the drug.

They cannot control their drug use, and continue taking Ativan even when it becomes the cause of their problems, rather than the cure. Extended use of Ativan can also cause changes in brain functioning. Studies have shown long-term Benzodiazepine use can result in cognitive impairment. While cognitive dysfunction improved in some patients after quitting Benzo use, not all patients regained full cognitive functioning.

While many obtain and use this drug illegally, there are some who abuse Ativan with a prescription. The abuse often takes place behind closed doors and can go unnoticed for some time. A physical dependence on Ativan can develop quickly. It can even happen to those with a prescription who take the recommended dosage. Withdrawal symptoms, like nausea and anxiety, are a clear sign of a physical dependence.

Cravings are the hallmark of psychological dependence. A person may experience cravings while still taking Ativan or after a period of not using. Whenever he would crave something he would obsess about that one thing and nothing else mattered. I always said there were like two of him. There are 11 criteria that characterize addiction as outlined by the DSM. Depending on how many of those criteria a person meets, they may have a mild, moderate or severe Ativan use disorder. It is critically important for individuals who believe they are suffering from an Ativan addiction to be assessed by an addiction professional to determine their actual needs.

Make a Call If someone you know is addicted to Ativan, you can help them get on the path to recovery by staging an intervention. While some addicts are aware of their problem, many are in denial.

This can make talking about their addiction very difficult and the assistance of a professional may be needed. Getting other loved ones to participate may. Learn More. Even those who follow the recommended dosage as prescribed by a doctor can experience physical withdrawal.

Some people experience withdrawal after only one week of taking the prescribed dosage of Ativan. Prolonged abuse of Ativan will undoubtedly cause physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms when use is terminated. A treatment program or medically assisted detox can safely reduce the effects of withdrawal and teach the skills needed for a successful recovery.

There are currently no medications approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of addictions to Benzodiazepines like Ativan, but there are other therapies and treatments options. If you or a loved one are struggling with an addiction to Ativan, contact a treatment provider to learn about treatment options today.

After graduation, he decided to pursue his passion of writing and editing. All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional. Theresa is also a Certified Professional Life Coach and volunteers at a local mental health facility helping individuals who struggle with homelessness and addiction. Theresa is a well-rounded clinician with experience working as a Primary Addiction Counselor, Case Manager and Director of Utilization Review in various treatment centers for addiction and mental health in Florida, Minnesota, and Colorado.

She also has experience with admissions, marketing, and outreach. Taking Ativan in combination with other drugs is very dangerous, as it increases the risk of overdose. In some cases, excessive sedation from mixing drugs can lead to unconsciousness, coma, or death. Number of people who ended up in the emergency room in due to Lorazepam Ativan complications.

Proportion of patients admitted to the hospital for Benzodiazepine abuse who were also abusing another substance.

Learn More. Depending on your situation and needs, seeking out a support group or additional, individual counseling can provide the necessary tools to stay sober. If you or someone you love is struggling with an Ativan addiction, contact a treatment provider to find rehab-related help. Galloway, NJ. View Center. Hollywood, FL.

After graduation, he decided to pursue his passion of writing and editing. All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional. Theresa is also a Certified Professional Life Coach and volunteers at a local mental health facility helping individuals who struggle with homelessness and addiction. Theresa is a well-rounded clinician with experience working as a Primary Addiction Counselor, Case Manager and Director of Utilization Review in various treatment centers for addiction and mental health in Florida, Minnesota, and Colorado.

She also has experience with admissions, marketing, and outreach. As a proud recovering addict herself, Theresa understands first-hand the struggles of addiction.

There is no limit to what Theresa is willing to do to make a difference in the field of Addiction! Mallorca, Spain. Athens, Greece. Andover, MA. Boston, MA. Wakefield, MA. Quincy, MA. Canton, MA. Ashby, MA. Falmouth, MA. Ottawa, ON.

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