Combining Ativan with alcohol can lead to compounded effects and serious risks that may be dangerous or even fatal.
If you or someone you care about has ever mixed prescription medications with alcohol, you’re not alone. The combination of alcohol and prescription drugs is both common and potentially very hazardous. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly 55% of individuals reported using alcohol in the past month, and approximately 42% of current drinkers also take medications that can interact negatively with alcohol. Understanding these interactions and their potential dangers is crucial for your safety.
What Is Ativan (Lorazepam)?
Ativan, known generically as lorazepam, is a benzodiazepine. These medications function as central nervous system (CNS) depressants, slowing down brain activity to induce calmness. Lorazepam is prescribed to manage various conditions, including:
- Short-term anxiety
- Insomnia
- Seizures
- Alcohol withdrawal
While lorazepam can be highly effective, it carries risks, especially when used for extended periods. Common side effects associated with lorazepam include:
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- Risk of dependency
- Lowered inhibitions
- Respiratory depression (shallow or difficult breathing)
- Cognitive and memory impairment
- Confusion
- Sedation
- Dizziness and an increased risk of falls
These side effects can become more severe when lorazepam is combined with other substances that have similar effects, making the simultaneous use of multiple CNS depressants particularly dangerous and potentially life-threatening.
Interactions Between Lorazepam and Alcohol
Using alcohol alongside benzodiazepines like lorazepam is problematic because both act as CNS depressants. Recently, concerns have also grown regarding interactions between alcohol and other CNS depressants, such as opioid pain medications. Both alcohol and lorazepam target similar receptors in the brain (such as GABA receptors), leading to additive effects. The higher the dosage and the more CNS depressants involved, the greater the impact on the body.
Combining lorazepam with alcohol heightens the risk of severe CNS-related side effects, contributing to increased emergency room visits and drug-related fatalities. Many individuals have questions about the safety and timing of consuming alcohol while taking benzodiazepines, wondering if these substances can ever be mixed safely.
Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Ativan?
Due to the additive effects and associated risks, it is strongly advised not to consume alcohol while taking Ativan. Lorazepam and other benzodiazepines are generally not recommended for individuals recovering from problematic alcohol use except under professional supervision during withdrawal treatment.
If your healthcare provider approves the occasional use of alcohol or lorazepam, it is essential to ensure adequate time between their use to minimize risks.
How Long Should You Wait to Drink After Taking Ativan?
The duration before you can safely consume alcohol after taking Ativan varies depending on individual factors. Lorazepam typically reaches peak levels in the body around two hours after ingestion, with an average half-life of about 12 hours. However, this can range significantly based on personal metabolism, meaning the drug may remain in your system for up to nearly four days.
Older adults should exercise additional caution, as the effects of CNS depression (such as drowsiness, confusion, and an increased risk of falls) are more pronounced, and lorazepam may be cleared more slowly from their systems.
To ensure safety, it is best to consult your doctor before consuming alcohol if you are taking Ativan. If permitted, waiting at least 12 hours or until the following day after taking a dose is recommended.
How Long After Drinking Can You Take Lorazepam?
A few factors influence how quickly alcohol is metabolized in the body, including:
- Whether you have an empty or full stomach
- Individual differences in enzyme activity (genetics, etc.)
- The quantity and rate of alcohol consumption
Drinking on an empty stomach can result in higher alcohol levels, supporting the advice to “never drink on an empty stomach.” Alcohol is processed by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), and the efficiency of this enzyme varies among individuals. Generally, the body can metabolize about one standard drink per hour. The more alcohol consumed, the longer it takes to be cleared from the system.
It is advisable to discuss any plans to drink alcohol with your doctor if you are prescribed lorazepam to develop a personalized and safe plan.
Dangers of Mixing Ativan and Alcohol
Combining two CNS depressants like lorazepam and alcohol amplifies their effects, which can lead to dangerous outcomes:
- Blackouts: Both substances can impair memory and lower inhibitions, sometimes resulting in acute amnesia or “blacking out.” This can lead to risky behaviors, including violent actions linked to reduced self-control.
- Increased Risk of Injury: Enhanced sedation and dizziness raise the likelihood of falls and injuries. Studies indicate a higher risk of bone fractures with benzodiazepine use and a significant association with motor vehicle accidents, where 30% of fatal crashes involve alcohol and 54% of seriously injured drivers test positive for alcohol and/or drugs.
- Slowed Breathing and Heart Rate: Respiratory depression is a serious concern, especially when combining CNS depressants. Mixing lorazepam and alcohol can severely impair breathing and heart rate, potentially leading to hospitalization or death.
- Overdose: The combination of benzodiazepines and alcohol significantly increases the risk of overdose. Research indicates that 72% of deaths from benzodiazepine overdoses involve alcohol, highlighting the critical need for awareness and prevention.
Seeking Help for Ativan and Alcohol Addiction
If you or someone you know is struggling with the misuse of Ativan or alcohol, professional help is available. The Recovery Village Salem provides supportive, non-judgmental care tailored to your needs. Our residential rehab programs offer comprehensive treatment to help you regain control and achieve a substance-free life. Contact a Recovery Advocate today to begin your journey toward recovery.
