Ativan is a prescription medication used to treat seizure disorders like epilepsy. It is also used to treat anxiety and panic disorder, and sometimes given to patients before undergoing surgery or dental procedures as a mild sedative.

Ativan is a part of the drug class of benzodiazepines and can be habit-forming and addictive that often leads to Ativan abuse. While the drug does not carry a high risk of premature death from overdose by itself, it is incredibly dangerous to mix Ativan with alcohol. Most Ativan overdoses seen in the ER are directly linked to alcohol consumption. When taken with alcohol, Ativan can cause slowed breathing, eventually leading to coma and death. Rehab for Ativan addiction is 100% necessary for a real recovery.

People in Ativan abuse can experience severe and disturbing withdrawal symptoms. Some are even fatal:

• Headaches, sweating, and tremors
• Heart palpitations and changes in blood pressure
• Nausea and vomiting
• Anxiety, panic attacks, and mood swings
• Life-threatening seizures

Because Ativan abuse shows in fast-acting with a short half-life, withdrawal symptoms appear quickly, within the first 24 hours after the last dose. Fortunately, there is a treatment for benzodiazepine addiction. Interventions, therapy, and substitution can all aid in the recovery of addiction to benzodiazepines.