{"id":58264,"date":"2023-05-05T09:30:02","date_gmt":"2023-05-05T13:30:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=58264"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:44:31","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:44:31","slug":"ativan-and-alcohol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/ativan-and-alcohol\/","title":{"rendered":"Is it safe to mix Ativan and alcohol?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ativan is a brand-name prescription drug used to treat anxiety and insomnia. It is commonly prescribed for the short-term <\/span>relief of anxiety symptoms<\/span><\/a>. However, the use of Ativan often comes with side effects like drowsiness, fatigue, and problems with coordination, which can overlap with the effects of alcohol.  <\/span><\/p>\n

If you have been prescribed Ativan, you might be wondering whether it’s safe to take Ativan with alcohol. You might also be concerned about the risk of dependence or an overdose. Whether it’s an occasional drink or long-term, heavy alcohol use, mixing Ativan and alcohol is not safe and could lead to serious side effects, such as respiratory depression, coma, or even death. <\/span><\/p>\n

Continue reading to learn more about the effects of taking Ativan with alcohol and how to avoid the potential consequences of mixing Ativan and alcohol. <\/span><\/p>\n

How Ativan affects the body<\/span><\/h2>\n

Ativan is a potent <\/span>benzodiazepine<\/span><\/a>, a class of drugs that includes <\/span>Valium<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>diazepam<\/span><\/a>), <\/span>Xanax<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>alprazolam<\/span><\/a>), and <\/span>Klonopin<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>clonazepam<\/span><\/a>). These medications work by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter or chemical in the brain that slows down nerve activity. The increased activity and effects of GABA lead to central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects, such as sedation and a sense of calm.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ativan is usually taken one to three times per day, depending on what it’s being prescribed for. For example, Ativan is typically taken at bedtime for people experiencing insomnia. If Ativan is prescribed as an anxiety medication, it might be taken two to three times per day to relieve symptoms. <\/span><\/p>\n

Other benzodiazepines and substances that have CNS depressant effects, including alcohol, can cause similar effects as those of Ativan. Therefore, Ativan should be avoided or used with extreme caution while taking similar medications or consuming substances that have similar effects. <\/span><\/p>\n

Can you take Ativan with alcohol?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Mixing Ativan and alcohol can lead to dangerous consequences. Although Ativan is sometimes used to treat symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, it is not recommended to consume Ativan and alcohol at the same time. Both Ativan and alcohol can slow down the CNS, leading to similar side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n

When Ativan and alcohol are consumed together, <\/span>their effects are amplified<\/span><\/a>. The side effects of mixing Ativan and alcohol may include: <\/span><\/p>\n