The Truth About Lorazepam

If you’ve ever struggled with anxiety, insomnia, or panic attacks, chances are you’ve heard of—or maybe even taken—lorazepam. It has apparently become more visible publicly because of references to it in "White Lotus" (see the article about it here).More commonly known as Ativan, it’s one of the most prescribed medications for calming an overactive nervous system. It works fast, helps with sleep, and can feel like a lifesaver during moments of intense stress.

But while most people know about the short-term effects of lorazepam, there’s a lot that doesn’t get talked about—especially when it comes to what this medication can do to your body over time.

Let’s break it down.

What Most People Know About Lorazepam

Doctors often prescribe lorazepam for anxiety, seizures, alcohol withdrawal, and even muscle spasms. It works by enhancing the effects of GABA—a neurotransmitter that slows down brain activity—leading to feelings of calm and relaxation.

Because of this, people tend to associate lorazepam with:

✔ Feeling calmer and less anxious

✔ Sleeping better (at least temporarily)

✔ Relaxed muscles

✔ Quick relief from panic attacks

But there’s a catch. The longer you take it, the more your body adapts, which can lead to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms if you stop suddenly. Some of the well-known side effects include:

- Feeling drowsy or dizzy (which can make driving dangerous)

- Trouble with memory and focus

- Physical dependence (your body starts needing it to function normally)

- Slower breathing (which is why it’s risky for people with lung issues)

- Higher risk of falls—especially in older adults

This is where most conversations about lorazepam stop. But what if I told you there’s even more happening under the surface that isn’t talked about enough?

What You Don’t Know About Lorazepam

Beyond the common side effects, lorazepam actually affects your nutrients, bones, muscles, and balance in ways that can have serious long-term consequences.

1. It Drains Your Body of Essential Nutrients

Most people don’t realize that lorazepam can deplete some really important nutrients your body needs to function properly. Research has shown that benzodiazepines (like lorazepam) can lower levels of:

🔹 Magnesium – This mineral is crucial for muscle function and relaxation. Low levels can lead to muscle cramps, weakness, and even increased anxiety—ironically, the very thing you might be taking lorazepam for.

🔹 B Vitamins (B6, B12, Folate) – These help keep your nervous system healthy. A deficiency can contribute to brain fog, mood swings, and even neuropathy (nerve pain).

🔹 Vitamin D & Calcium – These are essential for strong bones, and lorazepam can interfere with how your body absorbs them. That brings us to the next issue…

2. It Can Thin Your Bones & Lead to Fractures

Long-term benzodiazepine use has been linked to osteoporosis (weakened bones) and a higher risk of fractures. Since lorazepam affects vitamin D and calcium absorption, your bones may not get the nutrients they need to stay strong【16】.

For older adults, this is a huge deal. Many people taking lorazepam already have an increased risk of falling—add in weaker bones, and a simple trip could turn into a broken hip or wrist.

3. It Slows Down Your Neuromuscular System

This one is big. Since lorazepam relaxes muscles, it also affects how well they contract and respond. Over time, this can lead to:

⚡ Weaker muscles – Your body isn’t engaging them the way it should.

⚡ Slower reaction times – Making everyday movements feel sluggish.

⚡ Poor balance & coordination – Which increases the risk of falls and injuries.

Studies show that 30% of falls result in some type of injury, and 5% lead to a serious fracture. So if you’re noticing more clumsiness or feeling unsteady, your medication could be playing a role.

So, What Now?

I’m not saying lorazepam is evil, but most medications turn your body into an even more complicated chemistry experiment than we already make them by what we eat, drink, breathe, and absorb during the day. But if you’ve been on it for a while, or you’re considering taking it, it’s important to know what’s happening beneath the surface.

Some things to think about:

✅ Talk to your doctor (preferably a more naturally-minded one) about how long you should stay on it.

✅ Consider getting your magnesium, B vitamins, and vitamin D levels checked.

✅ Focus on nutrition and strength training to counteract the muscle and bone effects.

✅ If balance is an issue, try Tai Chi or other exercises proven to reduce fall risk.

The key takeaway? Medications can be helpful, but they always come with trade-offs. The more you know, the more you can take charge of your health.

(Side note: As with all drugs and their relationship with prescribing practitioners, you should always do your homework on "kickbacks". More on this in another blog. Regarding Lorazepam in particular, it is noteworthy that this drug has been involved with physician kickbacks, incentives to prescribe, at least once. You can read the full article on this here.)