Lorazepam & ‘The White Lotus:’ The Show’s Over, the Searches Aren’t

The latest season of “The White Lotus” may be over, but discussions surrounding its nail-biting finale live on. And, without divulging any spoilers, it’s safe to say that one character, or rather, one medication, has become a breakout star: lorazepam.

For those unfamiliar, lorazepam, also known by the brand name Ativan, is a prescription medication used to treat anxiety. The TV show has brought the drug’s potential for dependence and addiction into sharp focus, mirroring the real-life struggles many face.

It’s no surprise that search engines are flooded with questions like “what is lorazepam used for,” “lorazepam side effects,” and “how much lorazepam can you take.” HBO Max’s Thai vacation has inadvertently become a public service announcement about the potential dangers of benzodiazepine misuse.

Here, we’ll answer some of these frequently asked questions about lorazepam, talk about the show’s influence on the topic, and provide resources for how to get help if you or someone you know has lost control of their prescription drug use.

What Is Lorazepam?

Lorazepam belongs to a class of sedative-hypnotic drugs called benzodiazepines, which are sometimes called “benzos” for short. It is primarily prescribed for the short-term relief of anxiety symptoms.

Benzodiazepines are central nervous system (CNS) depressants that work by calming down an otherwise over-excited nervous system, producing drowsiness, sedation, and a calming effect.

Lorazepam Quick Facts

Lorazepam should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. Like any prescription medication, lorazepam can lead to side effects. When it is misused, these side effects can be serious.

Here’s some of the most important information to know about lorazepam:

• Common side effects include sedation (drowsiness, sleepiness), dizziness, weakness, and unsteadiness.
• Mixing benzodiazepines with opioids or another CNS depressant like alcohol can heighten these effects. This combination can cause slowed or stopped breathing and an increased risk of overdose.
• Regular use may lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction.
• Regular use may also result in withdrawal symptoms, if a person suddenly stops or cuts back their dose. The withdrawal syndrome associated with lorazepam and other benzos can be severe and even life-threatening. Medical detox is generally recommended for anyone attempting to discontinue lorazepam use.

What Is Prescription Drug Misuse?

Benzodiazepines like lorazepam are among the most commonly misused medications, along with prescription painkillers and stimulants. The National Institute for Drug Abuse defines misuse as:

• Taking a medication other than how it’s prescribed (e.g., taking more of it or taking it more often).
• Taking someone else’s prescription, even if it’s for a legitimate medical reason like pain.
• Taking a medication to get “high.”

Prescription drug misuse is also sometimes referred to as “nonmedical use.” Misuse of prescription drugs like lorazepam can increase the risk of addiction and fatal overdose.

The White Lotus & Lorazepam

The show’s popularity and influence are undeniable. Memes and social media posts are rife with people humorously (and sometimes alarmingly) sharing their Google search histories related to lorazepam.

“There are two types of people in the world: people who had to google ‘lorazepam’ while watching White Lotus and people who didn’t,” one reads.

“Ask your doctor if lorazepam is right for you,” says another.

Sites like Etsy are selling “where’s my lorazepam?” tees, “live, laugh, lorazepam” needlepoint art and cocktail napkins, and a bevy of other White-Lotus-related merch.

And while most of this is all in good fun, “The White Lotus” realistically portrays just how quickly someone can become dependent on lorazepam, leading to habitual misuse. This includes glimpses of the drug’s side effects and withdrawal symptoms.

Cue Victoria: “I don’t even have my lorazepam. I’m going to have to drink myself to sleep!”

The show also demonstrates how misusing benzos can worsen mental health disorders. For example, we see Victoria’s anxiety skyrocket as her pills go missing and the fabric of her so-called perfect life begins to fray, and we see Timothy’s thoughts of suicide intensify as he slips further down the hole of dependence on the drug.

Get Help for Lorazepam Addiction at AdCare

Funny memes and needlepoint art aside, prescription drug addiction is a serious medical condition. It’s also treatable. If you or a loved one is struggling with lorazepam misuse or addiction, professional treatment can help.

Our inpatient drug rehab in Rhode Island specializes in the treatment of drug addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. We also offer personalized treatment plans with different levels of rehab designed to meet the individual needs of each patient.

Don’t let lorazepam or any other substance control your life. Or, as Victoria would say, “Don’t live an uncomfortable life.”

Contact us today at to learn more about our addiction treatment programs and take the first step toward a healthier, happier you.