Those who look “The White Lotus” of HBO can be familiar with the long extraction of the southern Matriarch, sweeping silk tunics, and their affinity for Lorazepam.
You are looking for anxiety medication, according to Google Trends, after an episode of the successful program that greatly presented its use, or, more accurately, its abuse.
Victoria Ratliff, played by actress Parker Posey, is seen throwing a pill or two at all hours a day.
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She cites her use for anxiety when her family questions it.
But when Ratliff is suddenly without his medicine, he pronounces the memorable appointment: “I don’t even have my lorazepam. I will have to drink to sleep.”
Actress Parker Posey shows in the premiere of season 3 of “The White Lotus” of HBO in Bangkok on February 14, 2025. (Chanakarn Laosarakham/AFP through Getty Images; Istock)
What is Lorazepam?
The drug, which is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines, works when slowing down the activity in the brain to allow relaxation, according to Medlineplus.
Lorazepam is used to relieve anxiety, as well as the insomnia caused by temporal situational stress (or, in the case of Mrs. Ratliff, a stressful family vacation).
Lorazepam is used to relieve anxiety, as well as the insomnia caused by temporal situational stress. (Istock)
The medicine is also sometimes used in hospital environments to help patients relax and fall asleep before surgery, according to Healthline.
It can also be used to treat certain types of seizures.
Potential risks and side effects
Some side effects of Lorazepam include dizziness, confusion, memory problems and slow breathing, especially when combined with other sedative substances, such as alcohol or opioids, according to Chelsie Rohrscheib, a specialist in neuroscientist and dream in Wesper in New York.
“This kind of drugs is extremely habits forming, which means that a patient who takes it can become dependent and experience withdrawal symptoms once it is suspended,” he told Fox News Digital.
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It has also been found that Lorazepam negatively impacts mood and can increase the risk of depression of a patient, said Rohrscheib.
“There is also clinical evidence that the long -term use of these medications is associated with certain diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders, such as dementia,” he added.
Mixing Lorazepam with other medications to relieve pain, including opiates, could increase the risk of serious or potentially mortal problems, experts warn. (Istock)
Some studies have shown that the long -term use of the drug can cause memory loss or difficulty in forming new memories, along with the impediments in problem solving, focus and attention.
Lorazepam may increase the risk of serious or potentially mortal respiratory problems, sedation or coma if combined with certain medications, according to Medlineplus.
“This kind of drug is extremely habits forming, which means that a patient who takes it can become dependent and experience withdrawal symptoms once it is suspended.”
The medications that can interact with Lorazepam include drug medications or pain that contain opiates, such as codeine, hydrocodone, morphine, oxycodone or tramadol.
While the characters of “The White Lotus” seem to use Lorazepam predominantly as a help to sleep, it is important to take into account that their use on the screen mixed with alcohol can be quite dangerous.
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In the show, the alcohol of each variety is flowing, with Mrs. Ratliff with wine glasses in almost all its scenes.
Experts advise not to drink Lorazepam after drinking alcohol, since the combination can lead to respiratory problems or difficulties to arouse.
The cast of “The White Lotus” of HBO is shown in Paramount Studios in Los Angeles on February 10, 2025. (Chris Delmas/AFP through Getty Images)
The medicine cannot be purchased at the counter. In the program, Mrs. Ratiff filled her recipe immediately before the holidays.
Those interested in taking Lorazepam should see a medical professional to determine if it is adequate and safe and to get a recipe.
Safer sleep alternatives
Patients suffering from insomnia and other sleep problems should try to make changes in lifestyle and cognitive behavioral therapy before being placed in Lorazepam, Rohrscheib advised.
“Doctors can consider alternatives, such as medications or non -benzodiapin and non -benzodiazepine supplements that promote sleep, such as melatonin,” he told Fox News Digital.
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“In addition, it is essential to discard other sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, which can imitate insomnia, since benzodiazepines can make sleep apnea worse.”
People can improve their quality of rest by adopting several Good sleep hygiene Practices, Clémence Cavailès, Ph.D., a researcher at the University of California in San Francisco, previously told Fox News Digital.
Maintaining a constant sleep schedule and creating an ideal sleep environment can help relieve insomnia, according to experts. (Istock)
“They can start maintaining a constant sleep schedule, bed and wake up at the same time every day,” he said.
“Create an ideal sleep atmosphere, keep the room dark, calm and a fresh temperature, it also helps.”
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Regular exercise and exposure to Natural sunlight You can also improve sleep quality.
Cavailès also suggested avoiding screens and blue light, as well as stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol.
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“Incorporating relaxation techniques before bedtime, such as deep breathing or meditation, can also help prepare the body to sleep,” added the researcher.
Fox News Digital contacted the manufacturer of a medication of the Lorazepam brand requesting comments.
