Those watching HBO’s “The White Lotus” may be familiar with Victoria’s long southern drawl, her cleansing silk roves, and her affinity for Lorazepam.
According to Google’s trends, the search for anti-anxiety drugs followed an episode of hit shows, and introduced its emphasis on its use, or, more precisely, abuse.
Actress Parker Posey, Victoria Ratliffe is seen throwing pills back all day.
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But when Ratriff suddenly finds herself without drugs, she utters a memorable quote: “I don’t even have Lorazepam. I have to drink myself to sleep.”
(Left) Actress Parker Posey will be taking part in the season 3 premiere of HBO’s “The White Lotus” held in Bangkok on February 14th, 2025. (Chanakarn Laosarakham via Getty Images/Istock/AFP)
What is Lorazepam?
According to MedlinePlus, drugs in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines work by allowing relaxation by slowing down activity in the brain.
Lorazepam is used to relieve anxiety and anxiety caused by temporary situational stress (or, in the case of Mrs. Latriff, stressful family vacation).
Lorazepam is used to relieve anxiety and anxiety caused by temporary situational stress. (istock)
According to Healthline, the medication can also be used in hospital settings to help patients relax and fall asleep before surgery.
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 issues, and particularly slow breathing, according to Chelsea Rollshave, a neuroscientist and sleep expert at Wesper in New York.
“This class of drugs is very habit-forming. This means that patients taking it may experience withdrawal symptoms after being abolished as dependent,” she told Fox News Digital.
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Lorazepam has also been found to have a negative effect on mood and may increase the risk of depression in patients, Rohrscheib warned.
“There is also clinical evidence that long-term use of these drugs is associated with certain diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders, such as dementia,” she added.
Mixing lorazepam with other pain-relieving medications, including opiates, can increase the risk of serious or life-threatening problems, experts warn. (istock)
Several studies have shown that long-term use of drugs can cause memory loss or difficulty in forming new memories, along with problems solving, focus and attention.
According to MedlinePlus, lorazepam, when combined with certain medications, can increase the risk of serious or life-threatening breathing problems, sedation, or coma.
“This class of drugs is very habit-forming. This means that patients taking them can become dependent and experience withdrawal symptoms if they are discontinued.”
Drugs that may interact with lorazepam include cough or painkillers, including opiates such as codeine, hydrocodone, morphine, oxycodone, and tramadol.
Although the characters in “The White Lotus” appear to use Lorazepam primarily as a sleep aid, it is important to note that on-screen use mixed with alcohol can be extremely dangerous.
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All kinds of alcohol is played at the show. Mrs. Latriff washes away her wine glasses in almost every scene.
Experts advise against taking lorazepam after drinking alcohol. This is because combinations can lead to breathing problems and difficulty in waking up.
The cast of HBO’s “The White Lotus” was portrayed at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles on February 10th, 2025. (Photo by Chris Delmas/AFP by Getty Images)
Medicines cannot be purchased at the counter. On the show, Mrs. Latriff refilled her prescription just before the holidays.
Anyone interested in taking Lorazepam should see a medical professional to determine whether it is appropriate and safe and obtain a prescription.
Safer sleep options
Patients suffering from insomnia and other sleep problems should undergo lifestyle changes and cognitive behavioral therapy before being placed in lorazepam, Rohrscheib advised.
“Doctors may consider alternatives such as over-the-counter sleep-promoting, non-benzodiazepines, or sleep-promoting supplements, such as melatonin,” she told Fox News Digital.
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“In addition, it is important to rule out other sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, which can mimic insomnia, as benzodiazepines can exacerbate sleep apnea.”
People can improve the quality of their rest by adopting several Good sleep hygiene Practice, Dr. Clémence Cavaillez, a researcher at the University of California, San Francisco, previously spoke to Fox News Digital.
According to experts, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and creating an ideal sleep environment can help alleviate insomnia. (istock)
“They can start by maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and waking up at the same time every day,” he said.
“Creating an ideal sleeping environment — keeping your bedroom in a dark, quiet and cooler temperature — also helps.”
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Regular exercise and exposure Nature sunlight It also improves sleep quality.
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Cavailles also suggested not only stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol, but also avoid screens and blue light.
“Incorporating relaxation techniques before bedtime, such as deep breathing and meditation, can also help you prepare your body for sleep,” the researchers added.
Fox News Digital reached out to the manufacturer of the brand Lorazepam drugs requesting comment.
