Lorazepam and ‘The White Lotus’ — what to know about the anxiety medication

Those that take a look at HBO’s “The White Lotus” are maybe aware of the lengthy southern draw of Matriarch Victoria, sweeping silk robes – and her affinity for Lorazepam.

Trying to find the anti-anxiety drugs enriches based on Google Developments after an episode of the hit present that had a tough use of their use, or quite, their abuse.

Victoria Ratliff, performed by actress Parker Posey, is seen on all hours of the day who throws a tablet or two away and quotes their use for worry when she is interrogated by her household.

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However when Ratliff instantly finds herself with out her treatment, she expresses the memorable quote: “I do not even have my Lorazepam. I’ve to drink myself asleep.”

(Left) Actress Parker Posey lives the season 3 -premiere with Van Hbo’s “The White Lotus” in Bangkok on February 14, 2025. (Chanakarn Laosarakham / AFP by way of Getty Photos / Istock)

What’s Lorazepam?

The drug, which is in a category of medicines referred to as benzodiazepines, works by slowing down exercise within the mind to make rest potential, based on MedlinePlus.

Lorazepam is used to alleviate anxiousness and insomnia brought on by momentary situational stress (or, within the case of Mrs. Ratliff, a disturbing household trip).

Lorazepam is used to alleviate worry and insomnia brought on by momentary situational stress. (Istock)

The drug is usually additionally utilized in hospital environments to assist sufferers chill out and go to sleep previous to the operation, based on Healthline.

It may also be used to deal with sure varieties of assaults.

Potential dangers and unintended effects

Some unintended effects of Lorazepam are dizziness, confusion, reminiscence issues and delayed respiratory, particularly together with different sedating substances, reminiscent of alcohol or opioids, based on Chelsie Rohrscheib, a neuroscience and sleep specialist at Weper in New York.

“This class of medicines is extraordinarily often, which signifies that a affected person who takes it could actually turn out to be dependent and experiences withdrawal signs as soon as it has been stopped,” she informed Fox Information Digital.

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Lorazepam was additionally discovered as a unfavorable affect on the temper and might improve the chance of a affected person on melancholy, Rohrscheib warned.

“There’s additionally medical proof that lengthy -term use of those medication is related to sure ailments, reminiscent of neurodegenerative problems, reminiscent of dementia,” she added.

Mixing lorazepam with different painful medication, together with opiates, can improve the chance of significant or life -threatening issues, consultants warn. (Istock)

Some research have proven that lengthy -term use of the treatment can result in reminiscence loss or problem in forming new reminiscences, along with limitations in drawback fixing, focus and a spotlight.

Lorazepam can improve the chance of significant or life -threatening respiratory issues, sedation or coma, together with sure medicines, based on MedlinePlus.

“This class of medicines is extraordinarily often, which signifies that a affected person who takes it could actually turn out to be dependent and experiences withdrawal signs as soon as it has stopped.”

Medicines that may work together with lorazepam embody cough medicines or ache medication that comprise opiates, reminiscent of codeine, hydrocodone, morphine, oxycodone or tramadol.

Though the characters in “The White Lotus” primarily appear to make use of Lorazepam as a sleep assist, you will need to word that their use on the display combined with alcohol might be fairly harmful.

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Within the present, alcohol flows from each selection, with Mrs. Ratliff who waves glasses of wine in nearly all its scenes.

Specialists advise you to take Lorazepam after ingesting alcohol, as a result of the mixture can result in respiratory issues or difficulties to get up.

The solid of HBO’s “The White Lotus” is depicted in Paramount Studios in Los Angeles on February 10, 2025. (Picture by Chris Delmas/AFP by way of Getty photos)

The drugs can’t be bought with out a prescription. Within the present, Mrs. Ratliff instantly stuffed her recipe for trip.

These desirous about taking Lorazepam should go to a medical skilled to find out whether or not it’s appropriate and secure and to acquire a recipe.

Safer Sleep Options

Sufferers affected by insomnia and different sleeping issues ought to attempt to apply way of life adjustments and cognitive behavioral remedy earlier than they’re positioned on Lorazepam, Rohrscheib suggested.

“Medical doctors can take into account options, reminiscent of freely accessible, non-Benzodiazepine medicines or dietary supplements that promote sleep, reminiscent of melatonin,” she mentioned Fox Information Digital.

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“Furthermore, it’s essential to exclude different sleep problems, reminiscent of sleep apnea, who can simulate insomnia, as a result of benzodiazepines could make sleep apnea worse.”

Individuals can enhance their relaxation high quality by taking a number of Good sleep hygiene Practices, Clémence Cavaillès, PhD, a researcher on the College of California San Francisco, beforehand informed Fox Information Digital.

In accordance with consultants, sustaining a constant sleeping schedule and creating a super sleeping setting can assist to alleviate insomnia. (Istock)

“They will begin sustaining a constant sleeping schedule, going to mattress and waking up daily on the identical time,” he mentioned.

“Creating a super sleeping setting – the bed room darkish, quiet and maintaining a cool temperature – additionally helps.”

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Cavaillès additionally advised avoiding screens and blue mild, in addition to stimulants reminiscent of caffeine and alcohol.

“Recording rest methods earlier than bedtime, reminiscent of deep respiratory or meditation, may also assist to organize the physique for sleep,” the researcher added.

Fox Information Digital reached for the maker of a Lorazepam treatment model to ask for feedback.