How Long Does Ativan Stay In Your System ?

If you're taking Ativan or lorazepam, it's important to know how long it stays in your system. This knowledge can help you avoid potential drug interactions and ensure you're taking the medication as directed. In this article, we'll explore the half-life of Ativan, the factors that influence how long it stays in the body, and the different types of drug tests that can detect it.

Ativan’s Half-Life and Metabolism

Ativan is a type of benzodiazepine drug that's commonly prescribed to treat anxiety. The half-life of a drug refers to the amount of time it takes for the body to eliminate half of a single dose from its system. Ativan has a half-life of about 12 hours, which means it can take up to 60 hours for the body to clear a dose of Ativan completely.

It's worth noting that Ativan is broken down into a metabolite by the liver. This metabolite has a half-life of about 18 hours, meaning it can stay in the body for up to 90 hours. Additionally, combining Ativan with other drugs can alter its half-life. For instance, the gout medicine Probenecid can increase the half-life of Ativan, while the asthma drug Theophylline can shorten it.

Factors that Influence Ativan’s Duration in Your System

There are several factors that can affect how long Ativan stays in the body, including:

Amount taken: Typically, the higher the dose of Ativan, the longer it may take to clear the body. This is because the liver needs more time to metabolize a larger amount of the drug.

Frequency of use: The more frequently someone uses Ativan, the longer it may take for their body to eliminate the drug.

Method of administration: While Ativan is usually taken as a tablet or liquid, it can also be injected. Although the drug has similar effects regardless of how it's taken, the body may process it differently.

Age: Older individuals may clear Ativan about 20% more slowly than younger people.

Ativan Drug Testing

Several types of drug tests can be used to detect the presence of Ativan. The duration that Ativan can be detected depends on the type of test.

Urine tests: Urine tests are the most common way to test for Ativan. Ativan can be detected in urine about two hours after use and can remain present for three to six days.

Blood tests: Ativan levels peak in the blood one to six hours after use and may remain detectable for several days.

Hair tests: Ativan may show up in hair tests, but typically at very low concentrations.

Saliva tests: Ativan can be detected in saliva about 15 minutes after use and may remain present for about eight hours.

False positives for Ativan are possible. A few prescription drugs are known to give false positives on Ativan and benzodiazepine drug tests, including the HIV drug efavirenz and the mood drug sertraline.

Ativan Abuse and Addiction

Ativan is a powerful drug that can lead to addiction and abuse. While it is prescribed to treat anxiety and other conditions, some people misuse it to achieve a feeling of calm or relaxation. This misuse can quickly lead to addiction.

• Signs of Ativan abuse and addiction can include:
• Taking higher doses of the drug than prescribed
• Continuing to use the drug even after the condition it was prescribed for has improved
• Using the drug without a prescription
• Spending a lot of time obtaining the drug or recovering from its effects
• Neglecting responsibilities at home, work or school due to drug use

Ativan withdrawal can also be difficult to manage and can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, nausea, and seizures. Because of the potential for addiction and withdrawal, it's important to take Ativan exactly as prescribed and to talk to a doctor if you are concerned about its use and where to buy ativan online .

Conclusion

Ativan is a benzodiazepine drug commonly prescribed for anxiety. Understanding how long Ativan stays in your system is essential to avoid potential drug interactions and ensure you're taking the medication as directed. Factors that affect how long Ativan stays in your system include the amount taken, frequency of use, method of administration, and age. Additionally, Ativan can be detected using several different types of drug tests, including urine, blood, hair, and saliva tests.