Indian woman looking concerned

Benzodiazepines are among the most commonly prescribed medications, helping millions of individuals manage anxiety, insomnia, and seizure disorders. However, they are also associated with physical and psychological dependence, overdose, and death. Being able to identify the medication properly and ensure you are taking the right dose can help prevent these risks from occurring. 

Ativan is a type of benzodiazepine that can be used in adults and children 12 years and up. In 2023, 1,426,549 Arizonans were prescribed benzodiazepines like Ativan. While effective, Ativan is a controlled substance due to its risk of misuse. It also has a serious risk of injury or death if used in combination with opioids, which is why it’s important to identify the medication correctly. 

Wolf Creek Recovery recognizes the importance of identifying medications like Ativan. This prevents accidental ingestion, avoids overdose and adverse reactions, ensures proper use, and even allows individuals to detect counterfeit or contaminated substances. Fake or counterfeit Ativan is sometimes sold on the black market and may contain harmful substances such as fentanyl. Let’s learn more about Ativan identification so that you can keep yourself and others safe. 

Ativan Identification

Identifying substances like Ativan is crucial to ensure safety and proper use. First, knowing exactly what a medication is helps prevent accidental misuse or overdose. Ativan can have powerful sedative effects and lead to serious consequences if taken incorrectly. Second, accurate identification allows healthcare providers to offer appropriate advice about dosing, potential interactions, and possible side effects. Third, being able to tell whether a pill is genuinely Ativan or a counterfeit version can protect people from harmful substances that might be disguised as prescription medications. Finally, ensuring that only the person prescribed Ativan takes it helps reduce risk of misuse within the community. 

What Ativan Looks Like

Ativan is most commonly found in small, round, white tablets, though this can vary depending on the dosage and manufacturer. Lorazepam can also be administered intravenously (IV) or as an intramuscular (IM) injection. 

Brand-name Ativan tablets are imprinted with words or numbers to help identify them. Generic versions are chemically identical to the brand-name Ativan. However, they may be oval or round, come in various shades of white or off-white, and feature unique imprints with the maker and strength. No matter the variation, legitimate versions of Ativan have clear markings and often a scoring line for splitting the dose. 

How to Identify Ativan

Identifying Ativan typically involves examining the tablet’s size, shape, color, and imprint. Brand-name Ativan tablets are usually white and round, with dosage strengths ranging from 0.5 mg to 2 mg. Extended-release capsules are also available in strengths of 1 mg, 2 mg, and 3 mg. Each strength may have specific lettering or numbering imprints (e.g., “ATIVAN” plus  a strength indicator), though these can vary depending on the manufacturer. Generic versions might have different shapes or imprints. 

When verifying if a pill is actually Ativan, a reliable method is to use a pill identification resource (such as an online database) or consult a pharmacist directly. Pharmacists are able to compare the imprint, shape, and color of the pill against official records to ensure a match. Because counterfeit medications do exist, it’s important to only use Ativan that has come from a legitimate prescription and pharmacy. 

Lonely senior man getting ready to take medicine

Ativan Mixed With Other Substances 

One of the reasons why it’s so important to identify Ativan correctly is because it can interact with other substances in a negative way. Ativan is a benzodiazepine, meaning it works by depressing the central nervous system (CNS) to create a sense of calm and relaxation. Combining this medication with other substances that also suppress the CNS can amplify its sedative effects. This can cause excessive drowsiness, dizziness, and in extreme cases, respiratory depression or overdose. 

Beyond CNS depressants, interactions with other medications can occur as well. For instance, some antidepressants, antihistamines (like over-the-counter sleep aids), and herbal supplements (like kava or valerian), can heighten sedation or trigger unexpected side effects. In addition, medications that alter how the liver metabolizes Ativan, such as certain antibiotics and antifungals, can change the concentration of the medication in the bloodstream, impacting its efficiency and side effects. 

It’s important to speak with a qualified medical professional before mixing Ativan with any other substance—even seemingly harmless over-the-counter medications or supplements. They can guide you on the dosing, potential interactions, and how you can minimize risks. If you or someone you know experiences severe side effects after taking Ativan—particularly trouble breathing or extreme drowsiness—seek medical help immediately. 

Popular Street Names for Ativan

While Ativan may sometimes be referred to casually or illicitly by various slang terms, there is no single, universally recognized street name for it. Slang often shifts by region or social group and people may refer to it as “benzos,” a general term for all benzodiazepines. In certain areas, Ativan might also be called “ativs” or “tranqs,” but these names are not as widespread or standardized as terms associated with other substances (for example, Xanax sometimes being called “bars.”)

That being said, if you hear references to these terms, it’s possible that the person is referring to Ativan: 

  • Blues 
  • Candy
  • Chill Pills
  • Downers
  • Planks
  • Sleeping Pills 
  • Totem Poles
  • Tranqs
  • Z-Bar
  • Zanies

What to Do if You Find Ativan

If you find Ativan that doesn’t belong to you, the safest course of action is to ensure that no one else can accidentally or intentionally misuse it. It can be dangerous to take a medication that does not belong to you—this is dangerous and also illegal. 

The best way to dispose of unused or found medication is to use a local drug take-back program, which many pharmacies, hospitals, or law enforcement agencies offer. If a take-back option is unavailable, follow the FDA’s guidelines for disposal, which may include mixing the substance with something unappealing, such as used coffee grounds or cat litter, sealing it in a bag or container, and discarding it in the trash. 

Here in Yavapai County, there are several options for medication disposal. Police stations in Chino Valley, Prescott, Prescott Valley, and Verde Valley all accept medication drop-offs. Other drug drop box locations include the Yavapai Sheriff’s Office, Yavapai College, Walgreens (located at 2880 N. Centre Court, Prescott), and Camp Verde Marshal’s Office. Call ahead to make sure that the location accepts drug drop-offs and that the form of medication you are disposing of is accepted (e.g., some locations only accept pills, not liquids). 

Psychologist meeting with client

Treatment Options for Ativan Misuse in Prescott, AZ

Treating Ativan use disorder typically involves a combination of behavioral therapies, supportive services, and medical supervision tailored to the individual’s needs. Because abrupt cessation of benzodiazepines can lead to serious withdrawal symptoms (including anxiety, tremors, or seizures), medically supervised tapering is usually the first step. Under a doctor’s guidance, the dosage is gradually reduced to minimize discomfort and reduce risks. 

Once a safe tapering plan is in place, individuals often benefit from inpatient or outpatient rehab for Ativan addiction. In these settings, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help individuals understand the root causes of their substance use and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Additional support, such as group therapy and 12-step programs, provide a sense of community and accountability. Individuals can participate in these programs for months or years, and even step up and become a mentor themselves one day. 

In some cases, clinicians may recommend adjunct medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms or underlying issues like anxiety or depression. Long-term aftercare planning is also essential for sustaining recovery. Aftercare may include continued therapy, support group attendance, and routine checkups with healthcare providers. Each person’s path to recovery can look different, so seeking medical attention and getting an individualized treatment plan is key to achieving and maintaining sobriety. 

Wolf Creek Recovery can support you in your journey to health and recovery. Clients receive an individualized treatment plan that addresses their unique needs and includes recommendations for therapy such as CBT and DBT. We also make time for fun and relaxation through our outdoor therapy program, which brings individuals outside for sports, camping, hiking, and more. With staff in recovery as well, you will never feel alone in your struggles. To start your recovery, contact Wolf Creek Recovery at 833-732-8202. Build a life you love. 

FAQs About Ativan Identification

What does Ativan look like? 

Ativan most commonly comes in oral tablets that are round and white in color, with markings on each side to indicate the maker and dosage. 

Can Ativan be mixed with other substances? 

Mixing Ativan with other substances, even seemingly harmless over-the-counter ones, can be dangerous. Always speak with a doctor or pharmacist before taking another substance with Ativan. 

What are some of the slang terms for Ativan? 

There are no universal slang terms for Ativan specifically, though some people refer to this medication (and other benzos) as candy, chill pills, tranqs, and z-bars. 

If I find an Ativan pill that’s not mine, what do I do with it? 

If you find Ativan that does not belong to you, discard it according to FDA guidelines. You can also bring it to a drug take-back program in your area.