Why Can't You Drink Alcohol with Lorazepam?
Lorazepam is a brand name for Ativan. It belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety and related conditions such as inability to sleep. Neurologically, they have very similar effects to alcohol, meaning that drinking alcohol with Lorazepam can overload the body.
The Effects of Lorazepam and Alcohol
Both Lorazepam and alcohol boost the effect of inhibitory neurotransmitters known as GABA transmitters (Gamma-aminobutyric acid transmitters). Effectively, they forcibly stop the brain from responding to stimulation. In other words, they tell it to calm down. As the brain calms down, so does the body.
Drinking alcohol also reduces the body’s ability to activate NMDA receptors (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors). NMDA receptors are glutamate receptors. They play an essential role in excitatory responses. Suppressing them also forces the body and mind to calm down; this means that, individually, both Lorazepam and alcohol can have a calming, soothing effect on the mind and the body. Together, however, their influence can be overpowering.
The Side Effects of Lorazepam and Alcohol
The fact that Lorazepam and alcohol operate in a very similar way means that the side effects of both tend to be very similar.
Side Effects of Both Lorazepam and Alcohol Include:
Drowsiness and fatigue
Reduced ability to concentrate
Impaired coordination and reaction times
Slurred speech
Slowed heart rate and breathing
Side Effects of Lorazepam Include:
Lightheadedness
Dizziness
Weakness
Side Effects of Alcohol Include:
Reduced inhibitions
Mood swings
Memory problems
Lorazepam is taken under prescription, meaning that its side effects should be minimal as long as the user follows the doctor’s instructions. Alcohol is usually self-administered, meaning that the onus is on the individual to know their mind and body and hence when to stop drinking. The golden rule is if in doubt, stop drinking.
Lorazepam and alcohol should never be taken together under any circumstances. If you are prescribed Lorazepam, you will be explicitly told not to drink alcohol during the course of your treatment.
Is Alcohol Addictive?
The short answer to “is alcohol addictive?” is “yes.” It can be, but it doesn’t have to be. Like drug addiction, alcohol addiction is highly personal. Like drug addiction, alcohol addiction can be treated.
If you have concerns about your alcohol intake and its effects (or if you’re concerned about someone else), seek professional help as quickly as possible.
What Can Happen if You Combine Lorazepam and Alcohol?
If you drink alcohol with Lorazepam, your heart rate and breathing will slow, and your ability to respond to stimuli will be reduced. This can result in drowsiness, confusion, and a general lack of coordination at a mild level; this includes the ability to coordinate speech. You may also feel cold (and have a low body temperature).
More severe indicators of an overdose of Lorazepam and alcohol include vomiting, clammy skin, and seizures. The most severe indicators of an overdose of Lorazepam and alcohol include respiratory arrest, loss of consciousness, coma, and death.
Treating a Lorazepam and Alcohol Overdose
If you have taken Lorazepam and alcohol yourself, seek medical help immediately, especially when alone. If you think someone else has drunk alcohol with Lorazepam, seek medical help immediately and take care of them as best as possible. This could well mean keeping them safe until an ambulance can reach you.
You may be given instructions by a medical professional. If not, remove any hazards (e.g., tight clothing or jewelry) and try to put them in the recovery position. If possible, cover them with a blanket.
If the Lorazepam and alcohol overdose was accidental, no further action might be required. If it is linked with alcohol addiction, it’s crucial to get help to deal with the root cause of the issue.