The Risks of Mixing Ativan and Alcohol
As with any antidepressant, taking alcohol at the same time as the drug can be a very risky combination - and one which can result in a number of adverse side-effects. Ativan works by increasing the serotonin production in the brain, producing a feeling of well-being and positivity throughout the body.
On the other hand, alcohol is a depressant - which actually, despite popular belief, results in a lowering of the production of serotonin and a general slowdown in the rate at which electronic signals are transferred from the brain to the rest of the body.
By now, you could probably see that this is turning into a conspicuous story. Ativan and alcohol are having conflicting effects on the body, and no doubt the brain is getting slightly confused.
Medical Opinions on Ativan and Alcohol
As you might expect, the medical community is well and truly against the mixture of Ativan and alcohol – for the above reasons. For many years, it has been widely known that consuming alcohol whilst taking an anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication has caused conflicts within the body, and has even resulted in hospitalisation, some cases severe overdose.
The tendency for people to overdose on Ativan whilst taking alcohol is greatly increased for obvious reasons. First of all, people may not be entirely aware of the exact dose that they are taking - and might accidentally take too much, or not enough. Secondly, the effects of Ativan are enhanced whilst taking alcohol, therefore even at a regular dose, undesired side-effects may result.
Can You Still Drink Alcohol At All?
One of the most common questions when it comes to Ativan and alcohol is – “will I have to give up alcohol completely when I am on the drug”. This is a fair enough question, as for many people – alcohol is simply a way to enjoy life more.
The answer is that yes, you can still drink alcohol whilst you are taking Ativan - but only in very moderate quantities. If you were a heavy drinker before, restrict yourself to one or two glasses per day. Whilst this is already exceeding the recommended limit, it may be the case that you need to get some help with an alcohol issue as well.
Of course, if you are just a social drinker, you shouldn't encounter many problems when it comes to Ativan and alcohol. If you are in any doubt, consult your doctor for professional advice.