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Ativan, the brand name version of lorazepam, is a benzodiazepine drug that is prescribed for the treatment of anxiety, panic disorders, seizures, and/or temporary sleeplessness. Ativan is usually prescribed on an as-needed basis, meaning that patients are advised to take the pills only when they are in crisis or experiencing high levels of stress that feel unmanageable.

Unfortunately, however, because this drug has a calming effect and patients are in crisis when they take the medication, they may be apt to take more than prescribed – or to take the drug in situations where other methods of stress management may be a better option. Abuse of this drug can be exceptionally dangerous because it significantly slows central nervous system function and respiration (breathing) if taken incorrectly. This drug impacts each person differently. Taking too much Ativan can easily result in illness or death by overdose.

What an Ativan Overdose Looks Like

When someone takes too much Ativan, he or she may still be conscious but have difficulty standing or speaking. That person may seem confused, speak incoherently, and lack coordination. When you address a person in overdose, he or she may not seem to hear you or respond, or that person may respond with words that don’t make sense. If the person is still awake, contact poison control and ask for how best to handle the situation.

If the person is unconscious and you are unable to rouse him, call 911 immediately. It is clear that the person is in a state of overdose and not simply asleep if:

  • He has slowed or shallow breathing.
  • He has a slow heart rate.
  • There is a bluish tint to his skin, nails, or lips.
  • He is not breathing at all.

If this is the case, do not attempt any home remedies, remain on the line with the 911 operator, and answer any questions that emergency responders ask to the best of your ability. You may be asked, for example, about the age, weight, and gender of the person, about the drug that he took and in what dose, or if he took other substances as well. This information will be relayed to the emergency medical personnel who are dispatched to the site so they can quickly and effectively handle the situation.

After an Overdose

Some Ativan overdose situations are deadly – but not all. If your loved one is lucky enough to survive an Ativan overdose, the next step is to connect him or her with immediate detox assistance and treatment. Your loved one may not be lucky enough to survive a second overdose, and the only way to ensure that the incident does not repeat itself is total abstinence from Ativan use. The best way to accomplish assured recovery is through professional treatment.

But what if your loved one is not interested in getting help for substance abuse and addiction? This is not an uncommon response from someone who lives with an active benzodiazepine abuse or addiction disorder, even after surviving a near-death experience. The best response is to stage a formal intervention with the goal of:

  • Making it clear that your loved one is, in fact, living with a problem that requires immediate help
  • Communicating that benzodiazepine abuse and addiction are medical issues and will only be helped by medical treatment
  • Emphasizing that you will love and support your loved one through recovery
  • Offering the immediate opportunity of treatment – with no delay in entry

Learn more about how you can help your loved one move past an Ativan overdose and avoid experiencing the problem again. Black Bear’s confidential helpline is staffed by experienced recovery professionals. We are here to help you and your loved one find addiction treatment, overdose prevention, and intervention solutions that meet the needs of your family.