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Due to the prevalence of benzodiazepine abuse. Acute overdose is characterized by severe sedation, compromised mental function, and decreased reflexes and postural stability. Benzodiazepines are generally considered safe, although an acute overdose can cause respiratory depression, leading to coma or even death (Benzodiazepine Overdose - Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment | BMJ Best Practice, n.d.).

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Benzodiazepines can induce sensations of relaxation and exhilaration when used in excessive dosages. Greater drug dosages will be required to create the same emotions as tolerance develops. The development of tolerance leads to addiction and finally results in withdrawal symptoms that will appear when use is stopped (Is Lorazepam Addictive?, 2021).

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-Drowsiness

-Dizziness

-Tiredness

-Weakness

-Diarrhea

-Nausea

-Changes in appetite
-Blurred vision

-Shuffling walk

-Persistent, fine tremors or inability to sit still

-Fever

-severe skin rash

-Yellowing of skin or eyes

-Irregular heartbeat
(Lorazepam: MedlinePlus Drug Information, n.d.).

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Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that connects to the brain to reduce anxiety symptoms by slowing down the central nervous system. These drugs function similarly to other medicines for mental health by affecting neurotransmitters and chemical messengers in the brain. Benzos slow down the central nervous system since they make the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) work better. This has a relaxing, tranquil effect that reduces anxiety (MHA Screening, 2022).

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Benzodiazepine overdose - Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best Practice. (n.d.). https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000222

Is Lorazepam Addictive? (2021, December 28). Garden State Treatment Center. https://www.gardenstatetreatmentcenter.com/is-lorazepam-addictive/

MHA Screening. (2022, April 21). Benzodiazepines. https://screening.mhanational.org/content/benzodiazepines/?layout=actions_neutral

Lorazepam Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - WebMD. (n.d.). https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-8892-5244/lorazepam-oral/lorazepam-oral/details

Lorazepam: MedlinePlus Drug Information. (n.d.). Retrieved November 4, 2022, from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682053.html

Wikipedia contributors. (2022, October 23). Lorazepam. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorazepam

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(Lorazepam Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - WebMD, n.d.)

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Aside from treating anxiety brought on by alcohol withdrawal, lorazepam is also used to treat epilepsy, irritable bowel syndrome, insomnia, nausea brought on by cancer treatment, and nausea and vomiting (Lorazepam: MedlinePlus Drug Information, n.d.).

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The oral dosage forms of lorazepam include tablets and liquid concentrates. It can be consumed with or without meals and is often taken two to three times per day. The liquid lorazepam concentration comes with an appropriately designated dropper for dosing.

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“Lorazepam is used to relieve anxiety. Lorazepam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It works by slowing activity in the brain to allow for relaxation” (Lorazepam: MedlinePlus Drug Information, n.d.).

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Today, I met with a woman who came into the shelter for the first time seeking a safe place to stay. She disclosed that she left her husband to go to the shelter abruptly with nothing but the clothes on her back. She realized that she had left her medication at home and was worried about the outcome of not taking the drug. While talking to her, she said that her husband regularly abuses alcohol, and she had been suffering from domestic violence in her marriage. She giggles and remarks that while they both had their addictions, at least her particular substance was prescribed. She explains that she discreetly saw her family doctor approximately a year ago. He cautiously gave her a prescription for lorazepam (also known as Ativan) twice daily to treat her anxiety. He informed her of the addictive side effects that the drug may have, and due to that, she has always made sure not to take more than what has been prescribed, but she did not think anything of it because her mother used to take the same medication for similar reasons. The woman repeatedly refers to the drug as her “happy pill” and claims that it helps her stay calm during work and her hectic environment at home. She says that on her way to the shelter, she tried to stop at a pharmacy to get a new prescription for the drug, but they were unable to do so, and she is deeply concerned about the withdrawal of the drug. She said that at some point in the year, she had tried to stop but could not cope with her anxiety levels, which gave her some realization that she might have reached an addiction to the drug.