Exact Answer: At Least After 12 Hours
Ativan is a drug that is used to treat anxiety disorders. It is a benzodiazepine medication. Being an antidepressant it can be used to treat sleep troubles, severe agitation, panic attacks, alcohol withdrawal, and so on. Ativan should be taken in the correct quantity as told by the doctors.
It can be taken every day or when needed. It is a rescue medication that can be given intramuscularly as an injection or through the veins, that is intravenous. Too much Ativan can depress respiration. So it should be taken only under doctors’ supervision. Consuming alcohol after Ativan should be avoided.
How Long After Ativan Can I Drink?
| How long after Ativan can I drink? | Reason |
| After 12 hours | The drug will be out of your system but only limited consumption of alcohol is allowed. |
| After 1 or 2 days | Comparatively safer and is not too dangerous |
| Avoid alcohol consumption while under medication | Advised by all the doctors |
After Ativan medication, one should wait for at least 12 hours before consuming alcohol. Many doctors may even advise you to wait for 1 or 2 days before consuming alcohol after Ativan medication. Ativan is a prescription drug and its generic name is Lorazepam. It is a sedative medication that is used to treat anxiety and is used by many people for different needs. Ativan is a Central Nervous System depressant that produces a calming effect.
It works by enhancing a neurotransmitter called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a natural chemical in your body that lowers tension and anxiety. Ativan medication is safe as long as you take it under the direction of your doctor. Taking too much Ativan can induce symptoms like nightmares, loss of strength, slurred speech, trouble walking and it may even lead to suicidal thoughts.
So make sure to inform your doctor right away if you have any mental or mood changes or depressions or hallucinations. While under Ativan medication do not take any other drugs or vitamin supplements without discussing with your doctor. Ativan should not be taken while you are pregnant. If you prefer stopping Ativan medication please do not stop it without your doctor’s knowledge.
Ativan can be addictive and so to stop taking the medication you have to reduce the quantity gradually and the number of times you take it. If you think that the medication is not working, do not increase the quantity and instead consult your doctor and follow the changes in medication given by your doctor properly.
Why Should You Wait For At Least 12 Hours To Drink After Ativan?
Consuming alcohol while under any medications can lead to serious problems. It is better to avoid alcohol while under Ativan medication. Alcohol has serious reactions with Ativan. The Ativan lasts in your system for more than 12 hours and so most doctors advise you not to consume alcohol for 1 or 2 days after taking Ativan. Consuming too much alcohol while under medications is also dangerous.
When alcohol mixes with the Ativan in your system, it slows down your heart and breathing rate. You will feel severe discomfort while breathing. Therefore, doctors tell that alcohol and Ativan should never be taken together. Drinking alcohol after 12 hours of Ativan is allowed only after you get approval from your doctor. Even after approval, you are not allowed to have excessive alcohol.
Ativan is available as tablets, oral solutions, and also as injections. Usually, for adults, the initial dose of Ativan for anxiety is 2 milligrams to 3 milligrams per day. The daily dosage may vary for each person from 1 milligram to 10 milligrams per day. For insomnia, the initial dosage is 2 milligrams to 4 milligrams per day. Similarly, the quantity varies for sedation and other problems. Your doctor will guide you about the quantity intake based on your problems.
The side effects are drowsiness, dizziness, ataxia, hypertension, drug addiction, respiratory depression, memory impairment, depression, and so on. Taking CNS depressants like sleeping pills and consuming alcohol should be avoided. Taking any medications without a doctor’s concern can affect your health and mind in many ways.
Conclusion
Alcohol consumption should be limited while under Ativan medication and it is not specifically for Ativan only but also all other drugs and antidepressants. Tea and coffee consumption should also be reduced as they contain caffeine while under medications. Smoking cigarettes will also decrease the effects of medications.
One must also avoid other physical activities such as playing outdoor, driving, running, and a lot of exercising while taking Ativan. For the treatment to be effective, one should follow the advice given by the doctors or health advisors properly. This could prevent you from any side effects and also any other serious problems.