Can You Take Lorazepam with Alcohol?
Last reviewed: · Source: US FDA drug label database
Never mix lorazepam and alcohol — both depress the CNS and together can cause respiratory failure and death.
Is it safe to take Lorazepam with Alcohol?
Lorazepam is a short-acting benzodiazepine used for anxiety and acute agitation. Like all benzodiazepines, it is extremely dangerous when combined with alcohol. Both enhance GABA receptor activity, and their combined effect can suppress breathing to a fatal degree. Lorazepam's relatively rapid onset and high potency make this combination particularly risky.
How do Lorazepam and Alcohol interact?
Lorazepam binds with high affinity to GABA-A receptors, enhancing chloride conductance and CNS inhibition. Alcohol acts on the same receptor at a different site with additive effect. Together, CNS and respiratory depression are synergistic and potentially fatal.
Data sourced from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug label database: FDA lorazepam drug label — black box warning alcohol; OpenFDA drug label data.
Who should be careful?
Everyone taking lorazepam. Extreme caution for the elderly, those with respiratory conditions, and those taking other sedating medications.
What if I've already taken Lorazepam and Alcohol?
Call 999 if the person is very drowsy, unresponsive, or breathing poorly. Recovery position if unconscious but breathing.
Not sure if this combination is safe for your specific situation?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink on lorazepam?
No. This is one of the most dangerous benzodiazepine-alcohol combinations. It can cause respiratory failure and death.
How long after lorazepam can I drink?
Lorazepam has a half-life of 10-20 hours. Wait at least 24-48 hours after a dose before drinking any alcohol.
Is lorazepam and alcohol dangerous in small amounts?
Even small amounts of alcohol can significantly enhance lorazepam's CNS depressant effects. There is no safe amount of alcohol with lorazepam.
What happens if you drink on Ativan?
Severe sedation, loss of coordination, very slow breathing, unconsciousness, and potentially death. The risks multiply with larger amounts of either substance.