Ativan (Lorazepam) Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline & Detox

Withdrawal can occur when someone stops taking Ativan after using it regularly. Symptoms can be severe, so a medically supervised detox is recommended.

What Is Ativan (Lorazepam) Withdrawal?

Ativan (lorazepam) is a benzodiazepine drug that can cause physical dependence and psychological addiction. These conditions occur because a person’s body and brain can begin relying on drugs like Ativan to function normally. When someone is dependent on or addicted to Ativan, theymay experienceuncomfortable physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms if the drug is not in their system.

Withdrawal symptoms can make it very difficult to stop using drugs like Ativan. Some people try to quit cold turkey or detox at home, but their attempts are often unsuccessful. Attending a medical detox program at a specialized facility can give you the best chances of getting through the withdrawal phase and onto the next steps of recovery.

Ativan (Lorazepam) Withdrawal Symptoms

Some of the physical symptoms of Ativan withdrawal mayinclude:

• Anxiety
• Trouble sleeping
• Restlessness
• Agitation
• Irritability
• Memory and concentration problems
• Muscle aches and tension
• Drug cravings

Regarding psychological withdrawal symptoms, many people who are detoxing from Ativan find that they experiencerebound symptoms. Symptoms like insomnia or anxiety are typically what cause someone to use Ativan in the first place, but during the withdrawal and detox process, these symptoms may return and be more severe. Rebound symptoms usually occur in the earliest stages of detox and withdrawal.

How Long Do Ativan (Lorazepam) Withdrawal Symptoms Last?

The duration and severity of Ativan withdrawal symptoms often vary from one person to another. Still, the Ativan withdrawal and detox process typically follows a general timeline and treatment approach. The following sections provide an overview of the Ativan withdrawal timeline and available treatment methods.

Ativan Withdrawal Timeline

Ativan has a long half-life ofup to 20 hours, meaning that it takes that long for half the dose to be cleared from your system. It typically takesfive half-livesfor a drug to be fully eliminated from the system.

Withdrawal symptoms can begintwo to seven daysafter taking the last dose of Ativan. Without treatment, symptoms can continue fortwo to eight weeks.

Managing Withdrawal Symptoms

Some people may wonder if there is an Ativan withdrawal medication that can be used to treat symptoms, especially during the Ativan withdrawal peak. There is currently no drug that’s specifically approved for Ativan withdrawal treatment, but other treatment approaches are available. For example, tapering Ativan use and changing to an extremely long-acting benzo like diazepam aretwo common treatment options.

Medical Detox

During amedically assisted detox, patients receive treatment for emerging Ativan withdrawal symptoms. Their medical team monitors the entire detox process, makes necessary medical interventions and ensures symptoms do not become life-threatening. Some detox programs might utilize a tapering process and provide benzodiazepines with longer half-lives, which are both approaches that help wean patients off Ativan. Treatments for co-occurring disorders may be provided, and in some cases, there may be natural herbal remedies or supplements that can help the withdrawal process.

Tapering Plan/Schedule

Tapering involves gradually reducing the dose of a drug to prevent withdrawal symptoms. However, you should not try to taper your dose without the help of a professional. Only a physician can determine the right amount of Ativan to begin with, how gradually you should reduce doses and the schedule you should follow. The tapering process can be complex, especially if other addictions are involved, and it may take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to complete.

If you or someone you love is struggling with Ativan use, The Recovery Village is here to help.Contact us today to learn about detox and treatment programs that can work well for your situation.

Visit the following websites to learn about The Recovery Village’s network of drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities. Call today for admissions. Each center is ready to help people learn how to cope with their addiction and uncover the root causes for their substance use disorder.

• Orlando Recovery Center: A premier rehabilitation facility in Orlando, Florida that helps individuals recover from addiction and substance use disorders. The center also offers the opportunity to treat co-occurring disorders.
• The Recovery Village Columbus: Located in Ohio,this facility provides inpatient, outpatient and aftercare treatment for people looking to begin detox. The center provides individualized plans to help patients through recovery while addressing their unique co-occurring disorders or any setbacks that may happen during recovery.
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