Tolerance To Ativan: How Long Does It Take To Develop?

Ativan, also known by the generic name lorazepam, is a benzodiazepine and anxiolytic that affects your central nervous system (CNS). Lorazepam is FDA-approved to treat mental health conditions like anxiety disorders, anxiety symptoms, panic attacks, and panic disorders. It is also sometimes used alongside antidepressants. On the other hand, lorazepam is sometimes used to control seizures due to epilepsy, as it is an anticonvulsant and has sedative effects.

The medication works by enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is a chemical your brain naturally releases in times of distress. However, the use of benzodiazepines can quickly lead to the development of tolerance for the medication. Specifically, tolerance to benzos can build as quickly as within a few days to weeks.

Factors That Lead To Ativan Tolerance

Ativan tolerance can build up quickly, and there are several additional factors that can contribute to developing a tolerance.

High Doses Of Lorazepam

One factor that can lead to Ativan tolerance is taking the medication in high doses. It’s always best to take prescription drugs in low doses as they provide you relief. If you take lorazepam in higher doses from the start, your brain and body will be able to adjust to the concentration quickly leading to a much higher tolerance.

Other risks of taking unsafe doses of lorazepam include development of addiction to the drug, as well as overdose.

GABA Receptors

Ativan works by enhancing the excitability of GABA in your brain. As a neurotransmitter, GABA has specific receptors it attaches to in your brain. When you use lorazepam, these benzodiazepine receptors can become used to the increased GABA effects, leading to a higher tolerance and the need for larger doses.

Taking Ativan Over A Long Period Of Time

Even though you can develop a tolerance to Ativan with short-term use, long-term treatment with the medication only exacerbates this issue. As your brain is continuously exposed to the drug with long-term use, it can continue to build up a tolerance, leading you to need to take higher and higher doses.

Short Half-Life Of Benzodiazepines

Another issue with benzodiazepines that can lend to developing a tolerance is the fact that it has a short half-life. The half-life of a medication is how long it takes for half the dosage to be metabolized. In other words, the half-life of a drug can determine how long you feel its side effects. Considering the fact that benzos have a fairly short half-life, you may feel inclined to take more frequent doses, which can lead to a higher tolerance over time.

Risks Of Ativan Tolerance

In addition to the frustration Ativan tolerance can cause, it can also contribute to a few health risks.

Physical Dependence

First, as your tolerance to Ativan continues to increase and you take higher doses of the medication, your body may eventually develop drug dependence. Physical dependence on Ativan and other benzodiazepines is common with long-term use and can make it difficult to stop taking the drugs.

Tolerance To Anticonvulsant Effects

Another health issue that can occur with benzodiazepine tolerance is tolerance to the effects of the medication. Specifically, you may find that the anticonvulsant properties of Ativan are reduced once your tolerance is high. This can be dangerous if the drug is being taken for conditions like epilepsy. If this is an issue you encounter, be sure to follow up with your doctor.

High Ativan Tolerance May Lead To Addiction And Withdrawal

When someone builds up a tolerance to Ativan, they face a higher risk of developing physical dependence on the medication. This problem isn’t unique to Ativan – it can happen with any benzodiazepine drug, including diazepam (Valium), clonazepam (Klonopin), alprazolam (Xanax), triazolam (Halcion), and chlordiazepoxide. Once a person becomes physically dependent on benzodiazepines, they’re much more likely to develop an addiction and experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop.

Physical dependence creates a dangerous cycle that often leads to addiction. When someone tries to quit or reduce their Ativan use, they experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, tremors, and sweating. To avoid these painful symptoms, many people continue taking the drug, which deepens their dependence. The situation becomes even more dangerous when people mix Ativan with other substances, especially opioids. This combination can cause life-threatening effects including slowed breathing, severe mental impairment, dangerously low blood pressure, and extreme drowsiness that can lead to coma or death.

Treatment Programs For Benzodiazepine Abuse

Benzodiazepine addiction is a serious medical condition that can be life-threatening without proper care. Getting help from healthcare professionals who understand how these medications affect the brain and body is essential for safe recovery. Many people also benefit from working with psychiatrists who specialize in addiction medicine and can address any underlying mental health conditions.

Detox from benzodiazepines can be dangerous and should never be attempted alone. Withdrawal symptoms can include seizures and other severe complications, which is why finding a qualified treatment center is so important for safely stopping these medications. Professional treatment centers have medical staff who can monitor patients and provide medications to ease withdrawal symptoms.

Treatment programs are available to meet the needs of different people and communities. Facilities offer options for various demographics, including non-religious programs, women-only centers, LGBTQ-friendly facilities, Spanish-speaking treatment centers, Christian-based programs, and many other specialized programs.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff