How Long Does Ativan (Lorazepam) Remain in Your System?

Ativan (lorazepam) is a benzodiazepine sedative administered for treating anxiety disorders. Combining it with other depressants or alcohol has risks, including possible fatal respiratory depression. Understanding the duration of lorazepam in your system is vital if you have been prescribed this medication.

Duration of Ativan in the Body:

• Urine: Up to six days
• Blood: Up to three days
• Saliva: Up to 8 hours
• Hair: 30 days or longer

Time Taken for Ativan to Show Effects:

Ativan, as a benzodiazepine, is known for its sedative and hypnotic properties. When taken as a tablet or liquid concentrate, it generally takes effect within two hours. If it is injected, Ativan starts working within 15 minutes, and these effects typically last for six to eight hours.

Longevity of Ativan's Effects:

Ativan possesses a relatively long half-life of 12 hours, indicating that the concentration of Ativan in the body reduces by half every 12 hours. Primarily metabolized by the liver and eliminated by the kidneys through urine, Ativan may remain in the body for up to nine days after the last use.

Factors Influencing Detection Time:

Factors that can influence the duration of Ativan in a person's system include:

• Age: Older individuals tend to clear medications more slowly than younger people.
• Kidney function: Kidney concerns are linked to prolonged drug half-life.
• Height and weight: Taller and heavier individuals typically clear drugs more rapidly than shorter and/or lighter individuals.
• Dosage and frequency of use: Higher doses of Ativan take longer to metabolize.
• Use of other substances: Using other drugs concurrently can affect the rate at which each is processed and eliminated from the body.

Precautions:

• Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Ativan.
• Abstain from taking street drugs, as they may contain substances that can suppress breathing.
• Be aware that Ativan passes into your milk if you are breastfeeding.
• Discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
• Avoid Ativan if you are depressed or have suicidal thoughts.
• Older people may experience more effects of Ativan, such as drowsiness.
• Refrain from smoking cigarettes or using tobacco products.
• Discuss any medications, supplements, vitamins, and herbal products you take with your care provider.

Seeking Help for Discontinuing Ativan:

Even when taken precisely as prescribed, physical dependence on Ativan can still occur. Abruptly stopping Ativan can be dangerous and even life-threatening due to the increased risk of seizures during the withdrawal process. Therefore, being monitored by a medical professional as you undergo withdrawal is essential.

In most cases, you can detoxify from the drug on an outpatient basis. There are no medications approved to treat Ativan dependence, but the standard approach is to gradually reduce the amount of the drug used over time to prevent severe withdrawal symptoms. Your physician will monitor your progress as you slowly taper off the drug.

They may also recommend other treatments, such as psychotherapy. If you need assistance with your treatment, ask your provider to refer you to a psychiatrist or another mental health professional who specializes in addiction recovery.