Question:
I need to know what ativan does to you if you are and alcoholic

   — mresendez11 (posted on November 29, 2007)

November 29, 2007

   — fluphystuph

November 29, 2007
You should not take ativan if you plan to drink alcohol. Doctors will sometimes perscribe ativan to help someone deal with symptoms of alcohol detoxification. If you are trying to stop drinking, I suggest doing it in an impatient setting. Then you can be medically monitored, and there would be lots of support for you during this difficult time. I wish you the best.
   — marlo

November 29, 2007
Hi, I am A Reg Nurse in a very busy emergency. We give ativan to alcoholics who come in and are in withdrawl. Severe alcoholics usually seize when they are detoxing. Ativan is a barbituate therfore it is important to not take it if you are planning to drink, because as the previous reply said, it does decrease your respiratory drive, but more importantly can cause permanent irreversible liver damage! Good luck with your pursuit of a dry life!
   — cannonman

November 29, 2007
"lorazepam should not be administered to intoxicated patients" Lorazepam is the generic name of Ativan. It is in the category of drugs known as Benzodiazepines. Valium is one of these. While these drugs have largely replaced barbituates in use, thier interactions with alcohol can be severe. Ativan is indeed given in emergency rooms to reduce seizures in alcoholics, but this is a closely monitored situation and is a similar condition to the tradeoff between giving baby aspirin to a gastric bypass patient for heart issues. The good outweighs the bad. It would be best for you to discuss this with your Dr. before consuming any. Best wishes, Chris
   — CChappell

November 29, 2007
Melissa, there are plenty of web sites that might be able to help you with side affects of ativan. Ativan is a very powerful drug and you should do your own research before you decide to take such a drug. They used ativan on my brother in law as he lay dying of a serious cancer, and I also had a friend that used it for the same reason. Both people had horrible side affects and had anger issues under the medication and strange reactions. Be careful. Take care. Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

December 2, 2007
Did you already have weight loss surgery and now your addiction is alcohol instead of food? I wish you the best in your recovery. I have heard of several people this has happened to. Saying prayers and swinging chickens for you.
   — KRWaters