{"id":628840,"date":"2024-07-03T14:06:10","date_gmt":"2024-07-03T18:06:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=628840"},"modified":"2024-10-25T09:52:10","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T13:52:10","slug":"is-lorazepam-a-controlled-substance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/is-lorazepam-a-controlled-substance\/","title":{"rendered":"Is lorazepam a controlled substance?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lorazepam is a generic medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (<\/span>FDA<\/span><\/a>) to treat anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of anxiety symptoms. As a benzodiazepine, lorazepam has serious risks, including drug abuse, drug dependence, and fatal overdoses. Due to these risks, lorazepam is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (<\/span>DEA<\/span><\/a>). Let’s explore more about lorazepam and what makes it a controlled substance. <\/span><\/p>\n

What is lorazepam?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Lorazepam<\/span><\/a> is a prescription medication prescribed to treat anxiety disorders and temporary symptoms of anxiety. It is also prescribed <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a> for alcohol withdrawal syndrome, panic disorder, <\/span>insomnia<\/span><\/a>, agitation, and vertigo. Often referred to by its brand name, <\/span>Ativan<\/span><\/a>, lorazepam belongs to a class of drugs called <\/span>benzodiazepines<\/span><\/a>. It works by boosting the effects of a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which produces a relaxing and calming effect. While benzodiazepines are effective <\/span>treatment options for anxiety<\/span><\/a>, they should be taken with caution as they have the potential to be abused or cause drug dependence. Because of these risks, lorazepam is a Schedule IV controlled substance in the United States. <\/span><\/p>\n

Is lorazepam a controlled substance?<\/span><\/h2>\n

While lorazepam isn’t a narcotic, it is still considered a federally <\/span>controlled substance<\/span><\/a>. The DEA classifies controlled substances into one of five schedules. The schedule of a controlled substance depends on the drug’s use and potential for abuse and dependence. Schedule I drugs have the highest potential for abuse and physical dependence, while Schedule V drugs represent the least potential. However, Schedule V controlled substances still have a greater risk of abuse than noncontrolled substances. <\/span><\/p>\n

Most benzodiazepines, including lorazepam, are Schedule IV drugs. According to the DEA, Schedule IV drugs have a low potential for abuse and a low risk of dependence. Nevertheless, there is still a risk of dependence and tolerance with higher doses and long-term use of lorazepam. Benzodiazepine misuse is a <\/span>growing public health issue<\/span><\/a> that has resulted in increasing rates of overdose deaths and emergency room visits in recent years. To minimize these risks, healthcare providers typically <\/span>prescribe lorazepam<\/span><\/a> at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed. <\/span><\/p>\n

What does that mean for me?<\/span><\/h2>\n

With its classification as a controlled substance, lorazepam prescriptions have specific requirements and limits on the quantity prescribed or refills available. These laws vary depending on the state, but in general, Schedule IV prescriptions <\/span>cannot be refilled more than five times<\/span><\/a> in a six-month period. In <\/span>South Carolina<\/span><\/a>, prescriptions for Schedule IV drugs, such as lorazepam, are limited to a 30-day supply. However, in Rhode Island, Schedule IV drugs may be dispensed for up to a 90-day supply.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because of its potential for abuse and dependence, it’s important to take lorazepam exactly as prescribed. It’s also important to store lorazepam in a safe place where others, especially children, cannot access it, as children may be at <\/span>higher risk<\/span><\/a> of side effects from the drug. In addition, selling or giving away lorazepam is illegal and can cause serious harm to others. If you or a caregiver recognize any signs of lorazepam abuse, reach out to a healthcare professional right away for medical advice. Signs of lorazepam addiction or abuse <\/span>may include<\/span><\/a>: <\/span><\/p>\n