From the Research
Yes, withdrawal from Ativan (lorazepam) can potentially cause urinary retention in some individuals. Ativan is a benzodiazepine medication that affects the central nervous system, and when someone who has been taking it regularly stops or reduces their dose, they may experience various withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal effects occur because the body has adapted to the presence of the medication, and its sudden absence disrupts normal nervous system functioning.
Key Points to Consider
- Urinary retention during benzodiazepine withdrawal happens because these medications normally suppress certain autonomic nervous system functions, and when withdrawn, there can be a rebound hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system, which may affect bladder function.
- This autonomic instability can lead to difficulty urinating or complete urinary retention.
- If you are experiencing urinary retention while withdrawing from Ativan, it's essential to seek medical attention immediately as this can be a serious condition requiring intervention.
- Benzodiazepine withdrawal should always be managed under medical supervision with a gradual tapering schedule to minimize withdrawal symptoms, typically reducing the dose by 10-25% every 1-2 weeks depending on individual factors and response.
Relevant Evidence
The study by 1 highlights that urinary retention has been described with the use of drugs with anticholinergic activity, opioids, and anaesthetics, alpha-adrenoceptor agonists, benzodiazepines, NSAIDs, detrusor relaxants, and calcium channel antagonists.
Management and Prevention
It is crucial to manage benzodiazepine withdrawal under medical supervision to prevent complications such as urinary retention. The study by 2 provides an overview of the common causes of urinary retention, as well as emergency department evaluation, treatment, and disposition of patients with acute retention.
Quality of Life
The addition of an anticholinergic to an α-blocker in men with storage and voiding LUTS is an effective practice in reducing both categories of symptoms, as shown in the study by 3. However, this is not directly related to Ativan withdrawal.
Recommendation
Benzodiazepine withdrawal should be managed with caution, and medical supervision is necessary to minimize the risk of urinary retention and other withdrawal symptoms. If urinary retention occurs, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. The most recent and highest quality study 2 supports the importance of proper management and supervision during benzodiazepine withdrawal.