Risks of Ativan Treatment
Like all drugs, Ativan carries some risks. Even when Ativan is taken as prescribed and under medical supervision in a hospital setting, risks can include:
- Oversedation
- Slowed breathing
- Movement difficulties
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Delirium
Delirium can be particularly tricky to manage when a person is being treated for AWS; delirium can be both an Ativan side effect as well as a symptom of AWS itself.
Because Ativan is a Schedule IV controlled substance, it also carries a risk of abuse, addiction and dependence. These risks are so pronounced that the FDA is implementing a new black box warning for all benzos to educate people about the risks of benzo addiction.
Related Topic: Benzo Addiction
Addiction
Because Ativan addiction is possible, addiction medicine specialists are careful when prescribing it for AWS treatment. For example, addiction doctors will often prescribe only a one-to-three-day supply of Ativan and will discontinue prescriptions after alcohol withdrawal is complete.
Related Topic: Alcohol Withdrawal