Millions of people take prescription medications to manage mental health or medical conditions. Some prescription drugs have the potential for abuse and addiction. It can be challenging to overcome prescription drug abuse. Many people require intensive treatment to quit and ongoing support to maintain their recoveries.
Ativan is a prescription medication used to treat anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and other conditions. It has the potential for misuse and addiction.
It is critical to seek treatment as soon as you recognize Ativan abuse or addiction. This article will explore how long it takes for the body to eliminate Ativan completely. You will learn:
- What Ativan is
- The effects and risks of Ativan abuse
- How long Ativan remains in the body
- How long Ativan might show up on a drug test
- Where to find Ativan abuse treatment programs
If you or someone you love struggles with Ativan abuse, you are not alone. Contact the specialists at Archstone Behavioral Health to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is Ativan?
Ativan is the brand name for a prescription medication called lorazepam. It belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Doctors may prescribe Ativan to help patients manage several conditions, including:
- Insomnia
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Anxiety disorder
- Seizures
Ativan has the potential for misuse and addiction. People who misuse Ativan may become physically dependent on it.
Examples of Ativan misuse include:
- Taking a larger dose of Ativan than prescribed
- Taking doses more frequently than prescribed
- Using Ativan for a longer period than prescribed
- Taking Ativan recreationally (without a prescription)
- Ingesting Ativan differently than prescribed
Doctors may recommend short-term Ativan use to reduce the risk of abuse and addiction. However, people may develop signs of addiction. This can occur, even when people use it as prescribed.
The Effects and Risks of Ativan Abuse
Ativan is among the most potent prescription benzodiazepines available. People can develop symptoms of addiction after using Ativan for even short periods. Addiction can develop, even among people without a history of addiction or other risk factors.
One of the most significant risks of Ativan abuse is the potential for addiction. People who develop Ativan addiction typically cannot simply choose to stop taking it. Most people require intensive treatment to overcome addiction.
Other side effects of Ativan abuse include:
- Loss of interest in hobbies, work, and other activities, headaches
- Legal issuesTremors
- Excessive sweating
- Losing consciousness or passing out
- Isolation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Hallucinations
- Dizziness
- Excessive sleepiness
People may do illegal or dangerous things to get more Ativan. They may engage in illicit or dishonest behaviors to get money or Ativan. Because their bodies depend on the drug to function, they often cannot stop taking it without significant medical and mental health treatment.
Ativan Half-Life and Metabolism
Ativan (lorazepam) has an average half-life of about 12 hours, though it can range anywhere from 10 to 20 hours depending on the person. The half-life is the amount of time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated from your bloodstream. So, even though the calming effects of Ativan might wear off after a few hours, it sticks around in your system much longer. Ativan is metabolized by the liver and excreted from the body by the kidneys through urine.
To fully clear Ativan from your body, it usually takes about 5 half-lives, which means most of the drug is gone after 2 to 4 days. However, traces may be detectable in drug tests for longer, depending on the type of test (more on that in another section).
How Long Does Ativan Stay in Your System?
Ativan works by slowing activity in the central nervous system (CNS). People may feel the effects of Ativan within 15 to 30 minutes of taking it. Its effects peak within about two hours after taking it.
The body begins metabolizing Ativan as soon as it reaches the bloodstream. However, the effects of the drugs can last many hours.
Ativan’s half-life is about 12 hours. The long half-life of Ativan results in long-lasting symptoms and slow metabolism. It typically takes about 12 hours for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body.
Several factors can affect how long Ativan remains in the body, including:
- Dose of Ativan
- How long a person has been abusing it
- Metabolism (people with a slower metabolism may take longer to eliminate Ativan)
- Age (older adults may metabolize Ativan more slowly)
- Weight and body composition (body mass can affect how quickly the body processes Ativan)
People with Ativan dependence may experience withdrawal symptoms after they quit using it. Common Ativan withdrawal symptoms include:
- Poor concentration
- Abdominal cramping
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Excessive sweating
- Confusion
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Anxiety
- Panic attaches
- Elevated heart rate
Ativan withdrawal symptoms may last much longer than the amount of time it takes the body to eliminate the drug completely. People may experience symptoms for two weeks or more.
Detox and addiction treatment programs offer evidence-based care to manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure safety throughout the detox process. Contact the Archstone Behavioral Health professionals to learn more about the detox and recovery process.
How Long Will Ativan Show Up on a Drug Test?
Healthcare professionals use a range of drug screening tests to identify the presence of Ativan and its metabolites in the body. Here is an overview of the detection times of several types of drug tests.
Urine tests
Urinalysis tests are the most common form of testing. This form of testing 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 higher doses of Ativan.
Saliva tests
Saliva testing may detect Ativan for around eight hours after a person’s last dose.
Hair tests
Hair testing has the longest detection window, but is uncommon. Hair follicle testing may detect Ativan up to 90 days after a person’s last dose.
Treatment for Ativan Addiction
If you or a loved one struggles with Ativan abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Find the support, treatment, and resources you need to overcome these conditions at Archstone Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team to learn more or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Lorazepam
- Science Direct: Lorazepam
- Oxford Academic: Lorazepam Detection with Urine Benzodiazepines Screening Tests: Not all Tests are Created Equal
- Science Direct: Windows of detection of lorazepam in urine, oral fluid and hair, with a special focus on drug-facilitated crimes
