Last Updated: November 29, 2023

What Is Ativan (Lorazepam)?

Ativan is the brand name for the benzodiazepine lorazepam. This medication operates by enhancing the impact of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, largely due to its influence on GABA and benzodiazepine receptors. GABA is the brain’s inhibitory neurotransmitter, responsible for slowing down brain activity. Ativan is prescribed for various medical conditions, including:

• Anxiety
• Epilepsy
• Schizophrenia
• Nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy
• Delirium
• Cardiovascular emergencies

Interactions Between Lorazepam and Alcohol

Both Ativan and alcohol are classified as central nervous system depressants, believed by experts to enhance GABA activity in the brain. Medical professionals believe that Ativan influences a complex system in the brain, involving GABA and benzodiazepine receptors. On the other hand, alcohol increases the release of GABA and heightens activity at GABA receptors. Consequently, the combination of these substances can lead to synergistic effects, where the combined effects are more pronounced than those of each substance individually.

Can You Consume Alcohol While Taking Ativan?

It is strongly advisable to refrain from alcohol consumption while using Ativan due to the elevated risk of severe side effects, including the potential for overdose.

How Long Should You Wait After Taking Ativan Before Drinking?

It is recommended to abstain from alcohol for a minimum of 48 hours after taking Ativan. While this has been primarily studied with the injectable form of the drug, Ativan exhibits similar effects when taken orally.

Healthcare professionals can specify this duration based on Ativan’s half-life, which refers to the time required for a single dose to be completely eliminated from the body. Ativan’s half-life ranges from 10 to 20 hours. Since it takes approximately five half-lives for a drug to be entirely metabolized, the earliest that Ativan can be fully cleared from the body is approximately 48 hours after ingestion.

How Long After Drinking Can You Consider Taking Lorazepam?

It is advisable to wait until all traces of alcohol have been fully metabolized and cleared from your system before contemplating the use of Ativan. Simultaneous use of alcohol and Ativan is highly discouraged. After alcohol consumption, alcohol may remain in your system for extended periods, with peak levels occurring in the bloodstream within about an hour, followed by a gradual decline over the subsequent hours.

Your blood alcohol content (BAC), indicating the amount of alcohol present in your body, can be measured through tests like a breathalyzer. BAC levels may vary depending on factors such as the quantity of alcohol consumed, your body composition, and your gender.

Following its peak at approximately 45 minutes post-consumption, BAC decreases at an average rate of about 0.015 per hour. Consequently, if your BAC reaches the legal driving limit of 0.08, as is the case in most states, it would take more than five hours for the alcohol to be entirely metabolized and eliminated from your system.

If you have specific queries concerning the appropriate timing of Ativan ingestion following alcohol consumption, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Their guidance will be tailored to your individual medical history.

Potential Risks of Combining Ativan and Alcohol

The combination of Ativan and alcohol carries the potential for significant health risks. These hazards include an elevated risk of a life-threatening overdose and the possibility of enduring physical harm to your body.

Blackouts

When alcohol and Ativan are combined, the risk of memory impairment increases. This includes experiencing memory blackouts, during which you may not recall specific periods following the combination of these substances.

Elevated Risk of Accidents

Mixing alcohol and Ativan heightens the risk of accidents. Both substances possess sedative properties and can impair your balance, reaction time and coordination. Consequently, the likelihood of accidents, falls, and motor vehicle mishaps is significantly heightened.

Slowed Heart Rate and Breathing

Since both alcohol and Ativan are central nervous system depressants, their combination increases the risk of unintentional suppression of your heart rate and breathing. In severe cases, this may lead to a cessation of breathing and cardiac activity when alcohol and Ativan are consumed concurrently.

The Risk of Overdose

Combining alcohol and Ativan significantly raises the risk of an overdose, primarily because benzodiazepines like Ativan can lower the threshold for the dangers associated with alcohol. In fact, alcohol is a contributing factor in approximately 18.5% of benzodiazepine overdose fatalities. This underscores the critical importance of avoiding simultaneous alcohol and Ativan use.

Getting Help for Ativan and Alcohol Addiction

If you find yourself struggling with dependency on Ativan and alcohol, it can be a formidable challenge to overcome alone. Polysubstance abuse is a complex issue, but you don’t have to face it without support. Orlando Recovery Center is here to assist you on your journey to recovery. Our medical detoxification center can help you safely discontinue the use of alcohol and Ativan. Additionally, our rehabilitation center is dedicated to equipping you with the skills needed to maintain a life free from substance dependence. Don’t hesitate—reach out to a Recovery Advocate today to learn more about the support and resources available to you.

Sources

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. “Alcohol-Medication Interactions: Potentially Dangerous Mixes.” May 6, 2022. Accessed November 26, 2023.

Drugs.com. “Lorazepam Monograph for Professionals.” October 27, 2023. Accessed November 26, 2023.

Rege, Sanil; Graham, James. “The Impact of Alcohol on the Brain – Neurobiology of Brain Involvement.” Psych Scene Hub, November 24, 2023. Accessed November 26, 2023.

Hallare, Jericho; Gerriets, Valerie. “Half Life.” StatPearls, June 20, 2023. Accessed November 26, 2023.

Bowling Green State University. “Alcohol Metabolism.” Accessed November 26, 2023.

Mitchell, Mack C.; Teigen, Erin L.; Ramchandani, Vijay A. “Absorption and Peak Blood Alcohol Concentration After Drinking Beer, Wine, or Spirits.” Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research, March 21, 2014. Accessed November 26, 2023.