Is lorazepam a controlled substance? (2024)

Lorazepam is a generic medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of anxiety symptoms. As a benzodiazepine, lorazepam has serious risks, including drug abuse, drug dependence, and fatal overdoses. Due to these risks, lorazepam is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Let’s explore more about lorazepam and what makes it a controlled substance.

What is lorazepam?

Lorazepam is a prescription medication prescribed to treat anxiety disorders and temporary symptoms of anxiety. It is also prescribed off-label for alcohol withdrawal syndrome, panic disorder, insomnia, agitation, and vertigo. Often referred to by its brand name, Ativan, lorazepam belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. It works by boosting the effects of a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which produces a relaxing and calming effect. While benzodiazepines are effective treatment options for anxiety, they should be taken with caution as they have the potential to be abused or cause drug dependence. Because of these risks, lorazepam is a Schedule IV controlled substance in the United States.

Is lorazepam a controlled substance?

While lorazepam isn’t a narcotic, it is still considered a federally controlled substance. The DEA classifies controlled substances into one of five schedules. The schedule of a controlled substance depends on the drug’s use and potential for abuse and dependence. Schedule I drugs have the highest potential for abuse and physical dependence, while Schedule V drugs represent the least potential. However, Schedule V controlled substances still have a greater risk of abuse than noncontrolled substances.

Most benzodiazepines, including lorazepam, are Schedule IV drugs. According to the DEA, Schedule IV drugs have a low potential for abuse and a low risk of dependence. Nevertheless, there is still a risk of dependence and tolerance with higher doses and long-term use of lorazepam. Benzodiazepine misuse is a growing public health issue that has resulted in increasing rates of overdose deaths and emergency room visits in recent years. To minimize these risks, healthcare providers typically prescribe lorazepam at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed.

What does that mean for me?

With its classification as a controlled substance, lorazepam prescriptions have specific requirements and limits on the quantity prescribed or refills available. These laws vary depending on the state, but in general, Schedule IV prescriptions cannot be refilled more than five times in a six-month period. In South Carolina, prescriptions for Schedule IV drugs, such as lorazepam, are limited to a 30-day supply. However, in Rhode Island, Schedule IV drugs may be dispensed for up to a 90-day supply.

Because of its potential for abuse and dependence, it’s important to take lorazepam exactly as prescribed. It’s also important to store lorazepam in a safe place where others, especially children, cannot access it, as children may be at higher risk of side effects from the drug. In addition, selling or giving away lorazepam is illegal and can cause serious harm to others. If you or a caregiver recognize any signs of lorazepam abuse, reach out to a healthcare professional right away for medical advice. Signs of lorazepam addiction or abuse may include:

• Poor judgment or thinking
• Asking others for their lorazepam pills
• Mixing lorazepam with alcohol or other sedating drugs
• Mood changes
• Doctor shopping
• Spending considerable time getting the drug, taking it, and recovering from its effects
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when lorazepam isn’t in your system
• Poor performance at work, school, or home due to lorazepam’s effects

What can I take instead of lorazepam?

While all benzodiazepines are controlled substances, there are other drugs used to treat anxiety that aren’t controlled substances. Xanax (alprazolam), Lexapro (escitalopram), Zoloft (sertraline), and Buspar (buspirone) are some examples.

Benzodiazepines have fast-acting effects, but they are typically only prescribed by healthcare professionals as short-term treatments for anxiety. This is in part because of their potential for abuse and dependence. Other drug classes, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), may be effective for anxiety and are not classified as controlled substances. However, they come with risks, which may take longer to feel their full effects.

If you have anxiety and are looking to avoid controlled substances, such as lorazepam, talk with your healthcare provider about your treatment options. There are several lorazepam alternatives available. However, your provider will likely need to thoroughly evaluate which options are safe for you.

Finding effective and safe treatment for anxiety can be tricky. Some medications are better for short-term relief of anxiety, while others work better for those with chronic (long-term) anxiety. While lorazepam is an effective option for temporary, fast-acting treatment of anxiety, it comes with risks of drug abuse and dependence, which is why it’s classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance.