What is Lorazepam, an Anti-anxiety Drug Talked About in The White Lotus? Know Its Horrific Side Effects

Season Three of the hit HBO series The White Lotus has generated interest in a particular character, Victoria Ratliff, who is all the time anxious and shows up to the resort with a huge pill container of lorazepam—a medication she name-checks and pops like candy throughout the show. Known by its generic name Ativan, the drug is a benzodiazepine that treats anxiety or panic disorder. However, according to experts, it is not for long-term use, as lorazepam has many complications and side effects that can cause havoc with your body.

According to experts, lorazepam—a short-acting medication—can get your body addicted to it, but its effect also wears off fairly quickly. If you stop taking it suddenly, you may develop a dangerous withdrawal from the medication, which results in high blood pressure and life-threatening seizures. Doctors prescribe lorazepam to be taken only on a panic-inducing event, like if you are “claustrophobic.



”. Related News | Common Medicines That Increase The Risk of Dementia, According to ExpertsImpact Of Chronic Stress On Your Mental Health; Understanding The Warning SignsWhat is lorazepam? According to experts, lorazepam is in a class of medications known as benzodiazepines, which act as sedatives and hypnotics, according to the US Drug Enforcement Administration or DEA. Other medications within this group include Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin.

Lorazepam interacts with an area in your brain known as the GABAA channel, which slows activity in the brain and helps people relax—resulting in muscle relaxation, sedation, and a decrease in seizure activity. It also helps promote uninterrupted sleep. Related News | Woman's Anxiety Was A Brain Tumour; Signs You Should Not MissDoctors say lorazepam is most commonly used in very short-term situations for the treatment of things like anxiety, panic attacks, and even alcohol withdrawal.

However, doctors say it should not be taken for more than two to four weeks. What are the side effects of lorazepam? While it is super helpful in reducing anxiety and panic attacks, experts say lorazepam comes with a handful of side effects, a few of which include: Sedation Dizziness Weakness Unsteadiness Passing out and becoming unconscious Amnesia and confusion Seizures Blurred vision Depression Long-term usage can also lead to both psychological and physiological dependence and life-threatening withdrawal in chronic use. A few of these include: Allergic reactions like skin rash, itching, hives, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

CNS depression, which includes slow or shallow breathing, breathlessness, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, and difficulty staying awake.Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, and feelings of depression.What can interact with lorazepam? According to experts, never take this medication with any of the following: Narcotic medications for cough Sodium oxybateAlcohol Antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold Certain drugs for anxiety or sleep Certain medications for depression, like amitriptyline, fluoxetine, and sertraline Certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, and primidone General anesthetics like lidocaine, pramoxine, and tetracaine Medications that relax muscles for surgery.