Lorazepam and Alcohol: What Happens When You Mix Them?

How Lorazepam Affects the CNS

Lorazepam belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines work by increasing the action of a chemical produced naturally in the brain called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which reduces neural excitability throughout the nervous system. As a benzodiazepine, lorazepam produces sedative or hypnotic effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, decreased memory, and impaired coordination. These sedative effects increase the risk of adverse reactions when consumed with alcohol.

Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Lorazepam?

No. Unless instructed otherwise by your prescribing physician, you should never consume alcoholic beverages while taking lorazepam. In fact, all prescription labels for benzodiazepines such as lorazepam warn against the abuse of benzodiazepines with alcohol or other substances.[1] Misuse of benzodiazepines most often involves alcohol or other psychoactive substances and is frequently associated with significant morbidity and mortality, including respiratory depression, overdose, and death.

What Occurs When You Consume Lorazepam and Alcohol Together?

Concomitant administration of lorazepam (a benzodiazepine) and alcohol results in synergistic enhancement of CNS (central nervous system) depression. CNS depressants are defined as drugs that slow down the functioning of the brain and its supporting structures. CNS depressant effects include drowsiness, dizziness, heavy sedation, slurred speech, confusion, poor judgment, loss of coordination, delayed reaction times, blackouts (memory gaps for events during intoxication), low blood pressure, bradycardia (slow heart beat), shallow respirations, loss of consciousness, and increased risk of overdose.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) identifies lorazepam as one of several medications that can interact adversely with alcohol.[2] Adverse interactions between alcohol and benzodiazepines such as lorazepam may include drowsiness or dizziness, depressed or arrested respiration, diminished coordination or behavior, memory disturbances, and increased risk of overdose.

Why Does Consumption of Lorazepam and Alcohol Increase Risk of Overdose?

Both alcohol and lorazepam act as CNS depressants.[3] Consequently, when administered together, they produce additive effects on the brain’s ability to regulate essential bodily functions (e.g., breathing). Furthermore, when combined with other sedatives (such as opioids), the degree of CNS depression can become dangerous within minutes.[4] For example, when an individual consumes excessive amounts of alcohol and then takes an additional dose of lorazepam to enhance sedative effects, the cumulative effect can lead rapidly to respiratory depression, characterized by shallow breathing that results in insufficient removal of carbon dioxide from the bloodstream, and ultimately to hypoxic encephalopathy, a type of brain damage resulting from inadequate oxygen delivery to brain cells.[5]

Waiting Period Between Lorazepam and Alcohol Intake: How Long to Wait Before Drinking?

While there is no universally “safe” length of time between lorazepam intake and subsequent alcohol consumption, it is essential to recognize that lorazepam can remain active in the body for extended periods. Lorazepam has a mean elimination half-life of about 12 hours in some studies, though it can continue to exert pharmacologic effects for 24 hours or longer [6]. Additionally, factors influencing the extent and duration of lorazepam’s activity in the body include dose size, age, presence of comorbidities (e.g., pre-existing medical conditions), liver disease, history of chronic alcohol use, concurrent use of other sedatives, and sensitivity to sedatives.

Therefore, it is impossible to recommend a specific waiting time between lorazepam intake and subsequent alcohol consumption. Your best course of action is to consult your prescribing physician or pharmacist regarding safe practices prior to consuming any alcoholic beverage while taking lorazepam.[7]

Precautions Against Abusing Lorazepam and Alcohol

Some indicators that you might be struggling with abusing lorazepam or alcohol include:

• You drink while on lorazepam even though you are warned against doing so by your doctor.
• You take more lorazepam than directed by your doctor.
• You experience blackouts or memory lapses after drinking.
• You feel compelled to continue drinking while taking lorazepam.
• You hide your drinking habits from family members or loved ones.
• You consume opioids, benzodiazepines, or alcohol simultaneously.
• You experience withdrawal symptoms when attempting to abstain from drinking or lorazepam.

Abuse of lorazepam is often linked to abuse of alcohol. Similarly, abuse of alcohol may encourage abuse of benzodiazepines. Research demonstrates evidence-based treatment can effectively address co-occurring mental health issues, substance use disorders (including alcohol use disorder), and establish new behaviors necessary to promote recovery.

Treating Co-Occurring Mental Health Issues and Substance Use Disorders at Alpas Virginia

At Alpas Wellness Northern Virginia, we provide compassionate, individualized treatment for people struggling with alcohol use, benzodiazepine use, other substance use disorders, and co-occurring mental health concerns. If lorazepam use, alcohol use, cravings, withdrawal symptoms, or related mental health concerns have become difficult to manage, you can contact our admissions team for an initial assessment and help determine an appropriate next step in care.