Dangers of Mixing Lorazepam and Alcohol

Lorazepam interacts negatively with alcohol; if you drink while on this drug, your heart rate can slow down, you might have trouble breathing. Therefore, drinking while on this drug can be risky and possibly life-threatening.

The effects of mixing lorazepam and alcohol can be extremely dangerous. If the abuse of alcohol and lorazepam has impacted you or someone you know, there are resources to get help. Our admissions navigators are available 24/7 at and can provide you with the information you need to get help. Please call today.

What Are The Effects of Mixing Lorazepam with Alcohol?

Lorazepam is a class of benzodiazepine used to relieve anxiety and is commonly known as Xanax, Klonopin, and Ativan. It is also used to control symptoms of alcohol withdrawal in those who have developed a dependence. There are strict restrictions on alcohol consumption when prescribed these types of medication, and for good reason. The consequences of mixing Xanax, Klonopin or Ativan and alcohol are dangerous and can be deadly. The side effects of mixing anxiety medication and alcohol are:

The combination of 2 depressants cause:

• Extreme drowsiness.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Dizziness.
• Slowed heart rate.
• Slurred speech.
• Vomiting.
• Low body temperature.
• Clammy skin.
• Impaired coordination and memory.
• Blackouts.
• Unusual behavior.
• Delusions and/or mania.
• Dangerous mood swings.
• Suicidal ideation.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Respiratory arrest.
• Seizures.
• Increased risk of overdose.
• Coma.
• Death.

Lorazepam and alcohol both release Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA). The liver, which is responsible for filtering out GABA struggles to filter both drugs and alcohol out at the same time, which means the risk of accidental overdose is heightened. Accidental overdoses can lead to coma and death if not treated immediately.

The best way to avoid an overdose is to abstain from alcohol when taking lorazepam-based medications. Mixing the two is risky and can lead to irreversible consequences. 

Am I Addicted to Lorazepam and Alcohol?

Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine. This class of drugs is often prescribed for anxiety; however, some patients are at high risk for physical and psychological addiction to this drug. Lorazepam gives users a buzz similar to what most people experience when they drink alcohol. In addition, some users build up tolerance to the drug and must take higher doses to relieve their symptoms.  The following symptoms may indicate misuse of the drug:

• Desire to take more, or taking more, of the drug than prescribed
• Feeling physically unwell when not taking the drug.
• Inability to avoid alcohol while on lorazepam.

Dangers of Mixing Alcohol with Other Benzodiazepines

• Alprazolam
• Ambien
• Ativan
• Chlordiazepoxide
• Clonazepam
• Diazepam
• Klonopin
• Librium
• Valium
• Xanax

Treatment for Addiction to Lorazepam and Alcohol

It’s dangerous to quit lorazepam without medical supervision, especially if you’re mixing the drug with alcohol. Abruptly stopping your lorazepam use can lead to dangerous physical and psychological symptoms, ranging from nausea and fatigue to hallucinations and suicidal thoughts. The safest treatment for this type of addiction involves gradually withdrawing from lorazepam. While withdrawing from lorazepam, users may have to take another benzodiazepine drug such as diazepam to keep themselves stable. This type of detoxification must be done under the care of a doctor.

The effects of mixing lorazepam and alcohol can be deadly, but help is available. If you’re struggling with addiction to these two drugs, consider calling us to get help. With appropriate help, you can take back your life and live fully and healthily again.

Ready to Seek Help?

If you are finding yourself overwhelmed with where and how to begin your recovery, call us 24/7 to discuss your treatment options. We understand that the effects of mixing lorazepam and alcohol have impacted your life, but we’re here to help and want to see you get back to living a happier and healthier life of sobriety.

Consider reaching out to our 24/7 hotline at to discuss your situation with a compassionate navigator who can help you determine your next steps.