Many who suffer from social anxiety or panic attacks can maintain a normal life thanks to Ativan. There is one thing, however, that needs to be addressed. Some have wonder if Ativan and alcohol can ever mix. The answer is no. Unfortunately, mixing lorazepam and alcohol can cause an extreme reaction and in some cases even prove fatal. Here is some more information about why you should never drink alcohol if you are on Ativan (lorazepam).
The danger exists because some intentionally drink alcohol while on Ativan to increase the effects. They may find that as a general rule their anxiety fades faster, and they drift peaceful to sleep after just one to two drinks. Here is the danger. Rather than simply drifting to sleep, the person may actually continue to have their breathing slow until it stops completely. If no one notices what has happened, the individual can easily slip into a coma or even die.
Ativan can cause breathing problems, confusion, and a slowed heart rate, especially if taken in too high of a dose. If you mix alcohol with Ativan, these effects are immediately increased. Some have gone on Internet forums to discus alcohol use. The problem is that one person may be able to take 1.5 mg of Ativan, have 2 drinks, and just drift off to sleep; but another person whose body deals with the drug differently may suffer serious consequences. The mix may even prove fatal. Thus, it is better not experiment with Ativan and alcohol, and not to take advice from anyone who does.
If you know someone who takes Ativan has been drinking and they are beginning to slur their speech, lose their memory, or develop physical symptoms like bluing around the lips, a weak pulse, or slowed breathing; call for medical assistance immediately. The EMS will be in a better position to treat the overdose victim on the way to the hospital than you would be if they become unconscious while you are driving them. Never allow someone to try and sleep a mix of Ativan and alcohol off because they simply may not wake up.
The best advice is to follow your doctor's instructions for taking Ativan. Directions should be printed on the label. You can also talk to your pharmacist when you pick up the medication if you have additional questions. If you know someone who has a habit of mixing Ativan and alcohol, encourage them to get help before it is too late.
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Im prescribed lorazepam it for anxiety issues. it sucks because my issues are alcohol related along with social skills. I love being the center of attention, but when im called upon to speak in front of a group, I get super nervous, or anxious. the first time I felt this way was unexpected at a wedding of my best friend. I was in his wedding and didn't know why I kept wanting to throw up. on the way to his wedding service, I threw up 3 times in a bag. during the wedding service, I kept my right leg shaking to calm me, not knowing what was going on. the next time was when I had to fly. I have never had a problem flying before, having flown 2 times before.however, I arrived at the airport and couldn't even go inside. I threw up 3 times in the parking lot. my doc gave me first valium,(telling me I had a panic attack) which didn't touch me before I got there(it was puked up). the next day she gave me Ativan(lorazepam). MIRACLE drug for me!!!! it worked great. .5 mg. she said try it when you get home, eat some food, start thinking about your flight and get anxious. then, if you need another, take it, and take another....just don't go over 2mg. 1.5mg was what I needed to get past the flight. that woman gave me a miracle drug that's helped me thru so much. I have since found out that I have had panic attacks, that .5 mg could've cured me when caught early on. im by no means one to take drugs for anything, but this is wonderful when used correctly. when you feel anxious, which most adults do nowadays, take a .5mg, and wait 30 mins till it kicks in. ONLY IF YOU NEED IT. I can go now 2 weeks without one. but I know I have it if I need it. alcohol use with lorazepam....2 drinks like beer or a 1 shot liquor drink is ok for me, it makes me more sedated. however, I don't recommend it!!! look up internet stories about lorazepam and alcohol. I take it the day after when anxiety sets in from 2 days of drinking alcohol. its an alcohol induced anxiety. im not an alcoholic, just like to drink heavy once every month. once the alcohol gets outta my system, I may need a .5mg of lorazepam. other than that, its a wonderful drug if you have social anxiety or any anxiety like me.
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