The White Lotus and Lorazepam: A Dangerous Cocktail of Anxiety and Drama

The HBO series "The White Lotus" has earned a reputation for its biting satire and lavish drama, but recently, it’s sparked curiosity about a very real topic: lorazepam, the anti-anxiety medication heavily featured in the show.

Victoria Ratliff, the matriarch portrayed by Parker Posey, is seen popping lorazepam pills throughout her chaotic family vacation, citing her need to calm anxiety. When left without her trusted medication, she memorably declares, "I don't even have my lorazepam. I'm going to have to drink myself to sleep." The line may have been delivered with Posey’s signature flair, but the reality behind the drug is far less entertaining.

Lorazepam, part of the benzodiazepine family, works by slowing brain activity to promote relaxation, according to MedlinePlus. It’s prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and even pre-surgery relaxation. But its effects aren’t all soothing—side effects like dizziness, confusion, memory impairment, and slowed breathing can pose significant risks, especially when combined with alcohol, a substance Victoria indulges in liberally on screen.

Experts warn that benzodiazepines, including lorazepam, are highly habit-forming. Chelsie Rohrscheib, a neuroscientist and sleep specialist, explains that dependency can develop quickly, leading to withdrawal symptoms when the medication is discontinued. Long-term use has been linked to neurodegenerative disorders like dementia and can impair memory, focus, and problem-solving skills.

In "The White Lotus," characters often mix lorazepam with alcohol—a dangerous combination that can lead to breathing difficulties or even coma, according to MedlinePlus. While Victoria’s use may serve as a plot device, it highlights the potential risks of casual or uninformed drug use. Lorazepam cannot be purchased over the counter, and those interested in it should consult a medical professional to ensure safe usage.

For insomnia sufferers, Rohrscheib advises exploring lifestyle changes and cognitive behavioral therapy before resorting to medications like lorazepam. Alternatives include non-benzodiazepine medications, sleep-promoting supplements like melatonin, or addressing underlying conditions such as sleep apnea.

Improving sleep quality can also be achieved through good sleep hygiene practices—maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing environment, and avoiding stimulants like caffeine and alcohol. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation can be a bedtime game-changer.

While "The White Lotus" may dramatize the use of lorazepam as part of its narrative, the show inadvertently sparks a conversation about prescription drug safety. If Victoria Ratliff’s family vacation teaches us anything, it’s that sometimes the drama of life shouldn’t come with a side of risky medication misuse.