Ativan (generic name: lorazepam) is a central nervous system depressant that slows the brain to treat anxiety, acute stress reactions, panic disorders, insomnia, and depression. Users can become physically dependent after as little as one week of therapeutic use.

Street names include control and silence.

Side effects of Ativan addiction include confusion, depression, suicidal thoughts, hyperactivity, lightheadedness, drowsiness, sleep problems, muscle weakness, lack of coordination, amnesia or forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, appetite change, and skin rashes.

Ativan use should not be stopped all at once. Instead, it should be reduced slowly in a medically supervised detox environment to ensure safety. Withdrawal symptoms like tremors, dizziness, headaches, and irritability can occur after taking therapeutic doses of Ativan for as little as one week, and severe cases can be fatal.

• Consuming a higher dosage than prescribed by the doctor
• Using it for longer than prescribed
• Developing an increased tolerance for Ativan
• Unsteadiness
• Visual problems
• Auditory hallucinations
• Suicidal thoughts
• Depression
• Slurred speech
• Impaired judgment
• Abnormal temperature regulation

• Coma
• Hypertension
• Hypnosis
• Ataxia (loss of full body movement control)
• Hypotonia (state of low muscle tone)
• Impaired motor functions
• Respiratory depression and arrest
• Difficulty staying awake
• Nausea
• Death

Call Fort Lauderdale Behavioral Health Center at 954-734-2001 if you struggle with Ativan abuse. We are always open, accept most forms of insurance, and offer reasonable self-pay options.