Lorazepam Side Effects and Drowsiness: What You Should Know

You’re considering taking lorazepam but worried about the side effects. Lorazepam, also known by its brand name Ativan, is a benzodiazepine prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. While it can be effective, lorazepam does come with potential side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion. If you’re struggling with anxiety or addiction, inpatient treatment at a center like Evoke Wellness at Hilliard may be a safer alternative. Evoke Wellness offers comprehensive treatment programs like:

With an integrative approach focused on your overall wellbeing, Evoke Wellness can help you achieve lasting recovery.

If you or a loved one is considering treatment, Evoke Wellness at Hilliard invites you to contact us. Our compassionate team is ready to answer your questions, discuss your needs, and help you take the first steps toward recovery. In Hilliard, you’ll find more than just a treatment program – you’ll discover a community dedicated to your wellness and success. Together, let’s embrace the journey to recovery and the promise of a new beginning. Call us at (833) 949-1347 today or reach out online.

What Is Lorazepam?

Lorazepam, sold under the brand name Ativan, is a benzodiazepine medication. It works by slowing down the movement of brain chemicals that may have become unbalanced, resulting in anxiety and sleep problems.

Prescribed Uses

Doctors commonly prescribe lorazepam to treat:

Anxiety disorders
Insomnia
Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol or drug addiction
Nausea and vomiting from cancer treatments
Sedation before surgery

Effects and Risks

As with other benzos, lorazepam can cause drowsiness, dizziness and impaired coordination – effects that increase with higher doses. Long-term use can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms when stopping the drug.

Lorazepam has a calming, relaxing effect but abusing it recreationally raises risks like overdose, coma and death when combined with other depressants like alcohol or opioids.

Common Lorazepam Side Effects

Drowsiness and Fatigue

The most common side effect of lorazepam (Ativan) is drowsiness or fatigue. You may feel unusually tired or sleepy, especially when first starting the medication. This can impair your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.

Dizziness and Unsteadiness

Lorazepam can cause dizziness, unsteadiness, and problems with coordination. Move slowly when getting up from a seated or lying position to avoid falls or injury. Avoid activities requiring mental alertness until you know how it affects you.

Memory Problems

Some people experience memory problems or confusion while taking lorazepam. This medication can cause amnesia or difficulty remembering recent events. Be sure to let your doctor know if you experience significant memory issues.

Does Lorazepam Make You Sleepy?

Lorazepam, sold under the brand name Ativan, is a benzodiazepine that can cause drowsiness as a side effect. This sedative effect helps explain why it is prescribed for anxiety disorders and insomnia.

The sedating properties make lorazepam useful for sleep issues. But drowsiness can impair daily functioning, so discuss this side effect with your doctor.

Lorazepam Use Precautions

Be Aware of Interactions

Lorazepam can interact with other medications and substances. Disclose all prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, and supplements you take. Avoid alcohol while taking lorazepam, as it increases drowsiness.

Monitor Side Effects

Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and lack of coordination. More serious risks like confusion, depression, and impaired breathing require medical attention. Immediately report worsening symptoms.

Dependency Concerns

Long-term use can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Take lorazepam only as prescribed to avoid developing an addiction. Stopping abruptly may cause withdrawal symptoms like seizures.

Seeking Treatment for Lorazepam Dependence

Lorazepam dependence can be challenging, but professional treatment offers hope. Evoke Wellness provides specialized programs to address substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.

Comprehensive Programs

Depression treatment program: Address underlying depression fueling substance abuse.
PTSD treatment program: Heal trauma through evidence-based therapies.
Rehab aftercare program: Continued support for sustained recovery.

Personalized Approach

Person-centered therapy: Tailor treatment to your unique needs and goals.
Group therapy: Build a supportive community for accountability.
Individual therapy: Gain self-awareness and coping strategies one-on-one.

With compassionate care, you can overcome lorazepam dependence and reclaim your well-being.

Depression Treatment Program at Evoke Wellness

Evoke’s depression treatment program is designed to help you overcome the challenges of depression through evidence-based therapies and a compassionate, person-centered approach.

Personalized Care

Tailored treatment plans to address your unique needs
Individual and group therapy sessions
Mindfulness and holistic healing methods

Comprehensive Support

Residential inpatient setting for focused healing
24/7 monitoring and care from our clinical team
Aftercare planning for lasting recovery

With Evoke’s specialized depression program, you’ll gain the tools and support to manage symptoms, develop healthy coping strategies, and reclaim your wellbeing. Your journey to healing starts here.

PTSD Treatment Program at Evoke Wellness

At Evoke Wellness, our PTSD treatment program utilizes evidence-based therapies tailored to your unique needs. We understand the profound impact of trauma and offer:

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Our compassionate team guides you through processing traumatic memories in a safe, supportive environment. With personalized care, we help you develop resilience and reclaim your life.

Rehab Aftercare Program at Evoke Wellness

Evoke Wellness provides a comprehensive aftercare program to support lasting recovery. After completing residential treatment, you’ll receive personalized continuing care recommendations, including:

Outpatient therapy
Sober living resources
Alumni support services

Our aftercare specialists work closely with you to create an aftercare plan tailored to your needs. This ensures you have the tools and support system for a successful transition to independent living.

Person-Centered Therapy Program at Evoke Wellness

At Evoke Wellness, our person-centered therapy empowers you to play an active role in your treatment. Our skilled therapists create a safe, supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors without judgment.

Through this collaborative approach, you’ll gain insights into your core values, needs, and motivations – paving the way for lasting positive change. You’ll develop strategies to overcome challenges, build resilience, and create a life aligned with your authentic self.

Group Therapy Program at Evoke Wellness

At Evoke Wellness, our group therapy program provides a supportive and empowering environment. You’ll join others on a similar journey, sharing experiences and learning healthy coping strategies.

A Healing Circle

Our trained therapists facilitate regular group sessions. In this safe space, you can:

Gain insights from diverse perspectives
Practice communication and interpersonal skills
Build self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Strength in Community

Group therapy complements individual treatment. You’ll experience the healing power of:

Universality – Realizing you’re not alone
Hope – Drawing motivation from others’ progress
Support – Offering and receiving encouragement

Experience the transformative benefits of our comprehensive group therapy program at Evoke Wellness. Take the first step towards lasting recovery today.

Individual Therapy Program at Evoke Wellness

At our inpatient rehab facility, we offer personalized individual therapy sessions. This allows you to openly discuss personal struggles in a safe, non-judgmental environment.

One-on-One Counseling

Work through trauma, addictions or mental health concerns
Develop healthy coping strategies and life skills
Gain self-awareness and process emotions

Customized Treatment Plan

Our therapists create an individualized plan tailored to your unique needs and goals. We utilize evidence-based therapies like CBT and motivational interviewing.

Through individual therapy, you’ll build the inner strength for lasting recovery. Our compassionate staff will guide you every step of the way.

Conclusion

You now have a better understanding of lorazepam’s side effects like drowsiness and how inpatient treatment at Evoke Wellness can help. Our programs for depression, PTSD, rehab aftercare, person-centered therapy, group therapy, and individual therapy approach healing through evidence-based techniques tailored to your needs. With compassionate support from our skilled staff, you can overcome lorazepam dependence, manage your mental health, and thrive. Contact us today to learn more about our personalized treatment plans. We’re here to listen and help you take the next step toward the fulfilling life you deserve.