Millions of people in the United States take prescription drugs to manage medical or mental health conditions. Some of the most commonly prescribed medications have the potential for abuse and addiction. One of these drugs is a medication called Ativan.
Ativan is an addictive benzodiazepine drug used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions. People who abuse Ativan may become physically dependent on it. People with Ativan addiction typically require intensive treatment and ongoing support to recover and prevent relapse.
This article will explore how long Ativan remains in your system once you stop taking it. You will learn:
- How Ativan works
- The dangers of Ativan abuse
- How long Ativan remains in your body
- The amount of time Ativan can be detected on a drug test
- What withdrawal symptoms to expect as Ativan is eliminated from the body
- Where to find addiction treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love struggles with Ativan abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the specialists at The Living Room to explore our treatment and support programs. You may reach out with questions, to verify your insurance, or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is Ativan?
Ativan is a prescription medication belonging to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Doctors may prescribe Ativan to help patients manage several conditions, including:
- Anxiety disorder
- Seizures
- Insomnia
- Alcohol withdrawal
Ativan has an increased risk of misuse and addiction. People who misuse Ativan may become physically dependent on it. Examples of Ativan misuse include:
- Taking a larger dose than prescribed
- Taking doses more frequently than prescribed
- Using Ativan for a longer period than prescribed
- Taking Ativan recreationally (without a prescription)
Doctors may limit Ativan prescriptions for short-term use to reduce the risk of addiction. However, people may develop signs of addiction, even when using it as prescribed.
The Dangers of Ativan Abuse
Ativan is one of the most powerful prescription benzodiazepines available. People may become addicted to Ativan after just a short period, even if they do not have a history of substance abuse or other risk factors.
Addiction is one of the most significant risks of abusing Ativan. People who become addicted to Ativan cannot simply choose to stop taking it. They must take it for their bodies to function.
Other side effects of Ativan abuse include:
- Headaches
- Tremors
- Sweating
- Loss of interest in hobbies, work, and other activities
- Dizziness
- Legal issues
- Loss of appetite
- Isolation
- Hallucinations
- Nausea and vomiting
- Excessive sleepiness
- Losing consciousness or passing out
People who abuse Ativan may do dangerous or illegal things to get more Ativan. They may become sneaky or dishonest. They may neglect their relationships and responsibilities.
People who develop Ativan dependence typically require significant treatment and support to stop using this potent drug safely.
How Long Does Ativan Stay in Your System?
Ativan works by reducing central nervous system (CNS) activity. People may feel its effects within 15 to 30 minutes of taking it. The drug’s effects peak around two hours after someone ingests it.
The body begins metabolizing it as soon as it reaches the bloodstream, but the effects of the drugs can last a long time. The half-life of Ativan is about 12 hours. This means it takes about 12 hours to metabolize half of the medication.
However, several factors can affect how long Ativan remains in the body. These factors include:
- Metabolism (those with slower metabolisms may take longer to eliminate Ativan)
- Weight and body composition (body mass can affect how quickly the body processes Ativan)
- Age (older people may metabolize Ativan more slowly)
- Dose of Ativan
- How long a person has been abusing it
People may experience withdrawal symptoms after quitting Ativan. Common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Excessive sweating
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Abdominal cramping
- Anxiety
- Panic attaches
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Elevated heart rate
- Confusion
- Poor concentration
A person’s withdrawal symptoms may last much longer than the amount of time it takes the body to eliminate the drug. In some cases, people may experience symptoms for two weeks or more. Many people require ongoing support to manage cravings and reduce the risk of relapse for weeks after detox is complete.
How Long Can Drug Tests Detect Ativan?
Medical professionals can use a range of drug screening tests to identify the presence of Ativan and its metabolites in different bodily systems. Here is an overview of how long Ativan can be detected on a drug test.
Urine tests
Urinalysis tests may detect Ativan in urine for up to six days after your last dose.
Blood tests
Blood testing may detect Ativan for up to three days after your last dose. The detection window may be even longer for people who use large doses of Ativan.
Saliva tests
Saliva testing may detect Ativan for about eight hours after a person’s last dose.
Hair tests
Hair testing has the longest detection window, with the ability to detect Ativan for up to 90 days after a person’s last dose.
If you are concerned about Ativan showing up on a drug test, it may be a sign that you could benefit from addiction treatment. Getting treatment for Ativan addiction can help you safely stop abusing this medication and reduce your risk of relapse.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone you love requires treatment for Ativan abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Effective, holistic treatment is available at The Living Room. Contact our intake team to learn about our programs or schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Lorazepam (Ativan)
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Lorazepam
- NIH: Metabolites of lorazepam: Relevance of past findings to present day use of LC-MS/MS in analytical toxicology
- Oxford Academic: Metabolism of lorazepam
- Oxford Academic: Lorazepam Detection with Urine Benzodiazepines Screening Tests: Not all Tests are Created Equal