Internet searches for Lorazepam Skyrocket After The White Lotus's Release, Experts Warn of Risks
The popular TV show The White Lotus has sparked a surge in internet searches for the anti-anxiety medication Lorazepam, also known as Ativan, according to researchers. Data analysis from Google reveals that searches for the drug increased dramatically after the third series of the show was released, with almost twice as many searches relating to Lorazepam over a 12-week period compared to what would normally be expected.
The name-dropping of Lorazepam on The White Lotus has fueled interest in the drug and how to access it, but experts warn that this could lead to serious health consequences. Dr. Olivia Maynard from the University of Bristol described the data as striking, saying that the show is causing people to explore purchasing benzodiazepines online.
The dangers of benzodiazepines are particularly concerning given the rise in prescribing of these medications and the increase in illicit online pharmacies selling them without prescriptions. The researchers found that some illicit "benzodiazepines" sold online contain synthetic opioids, which can lead to overdose or even death if taken.
The White Lotus did not portray the risks associated with suddenly stopping Lorazepam or drinking alcohol while taking benzodiazepines, which can cause panic attacks, agitation, and seizures. Experts warn that entertainment shows should develop "best practice" approaches to how prescription medications are shown, including using health information panels to sate curiosity.
Professor Harry Sumnall from Liverpool John Moores University said that signposting to further advice and support is sometimes included at the end of shows, but other approaches can be more effective. He emphasized the importance of enforcement action against illicit manufacturers and unregulated providers, as well as prescriber education, in addressing the issue.
The researchers' findings raise concerns about the impact of TV shows on public health and highlight the need for greater awareness and regulation of prescription medications. As one expert noted, "where access to medicines is concerned, I think the greatest impacts will be seen through enforcement action and prescriber education."
The popular TV show The White Lotus has sparked a surge in internet searches for the anti-anxiety medication Lorazepam, also known as Ativan, according to researchers. Data analysis from Google reveals that searches for the drug increased dramatically after the third series of the show was released, with almost twice as many searches relating to Lorazepam over a 12-week period compared to what would normally be expected.
The name-dropping of Lorazepam on The White Lotus has fueled interest in the drug and how to access it, but experts warn that this could lead to serious health consequences. Dr. Olivia Maynard from the University of Bristol described the data as striking, saying that the show is causing people to explore purchasing benzodiazepines online.
The dangers of benzodiazepines are particularly concerning given the rise in prescribing of these medications and the increase in illicit online pharmacies selling them without prescriptions. The researchers found that some illicit "benzodiazepines" sold online contain synthetic opioids, which can lead to overdose or even death if taken.
The White Lotus did not portray the risks associated with suddenly stopping Lorazepam or drinking alcohol while taking benzodiazepines, which can cause panic attacks, agitation, and seizures. Experts warn that entertainment shows should develop "best practice" approaches to how prescription medications are shown, including using health information panels to sate curiosity.
Professor Harry Sumnall from Liverpool John Moores University said that signposting to further advice and support is sometimes included at the end of shows, but other approaches can be more effective. He emphasized the importance of enforcement action against illicit manufacturers and unregulated providers, as well as prescriber education, in addressing the issue.
The researchers' findings raise concerns about the impact of TV shows on public health and highlight the need for greater awareness and regulation of prescription medications. As one expert noted, "where access to medicines is concerned, I think the greatest impacts will be seen through enforcement action and prescriber education."
! I'm not surprised though - The White Lotus has been making a lot of waves lately & people are super curious about the medication used in the show. But experts are right, it's a big deal 
. Benzodiazepines can be deadly if taken wrong or mixed with other substances. Shows should at least give a heads up on the risks associated with certain meds 
. I wish they would've done that this time around too - it would've been way better for viewers who might've been inspired to look into Lorazepam after watching. It's also crazy how people are trying to get their hands on these meds online without a prescription 
. We need to make sure there's more awareness & regulation around these things ASAP 
. We need to be more responsible with our info, you feel? And yeah, those illicit pharmacies are straight up sketchy 
. The experts are right, we need to focus on enforcement action and prescriber education, not just relying on health info panels at the end of shows 
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. It was never a big deal back then, but now it's like people are thinking they can just Google their way out of their problems 
.
. And can we please get those illicit pharmacies shut down? That's just not cool 
.
The way this show is portrayed could be a concern, I guess. It's not like they're showing people how to use it properly or anything, just kinda name-dropping it and making people curious about getting it online... That can lead to some serious health issues, especially with all the dodgy pharmacies out there selling fake meds that can actually kill you. 
And it's true, some of these shows could be doing more to educate viewers on the risks and how to use meds safely. I mean, having a "best practice" approach would be a good start... It's just something to think about when watching shows like this, maybe take it with a grain of salt and not get too carried away 
.
I was checking my search history and saw like 10 times more searches for Lorazepam than usual. it's crazy how popular that show is getting people hooked on prescription meds. 
Like, what if someone with anxiety sees that and thinks they can just pop a pill and be fine? 
it's like, nope, meds have risks too, folks! 
experts are right, TV shows should be more careful about showing prescription meds on screen. maybe some health info panels or something? 
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It's like the show is having a weird side effect – people getting curious about prescription meds without even thinking about the risks 
. We need better regulation and education on this stuff, not just more shows saying "be careful" without actually showing us how to be careful 
. We need real change and enforcement action against those selling fake meds online 
. And let's not forget prescriber education, it's key to keeping us safe #PublicHealthFirst #MedSafety
Like what's wrong with people? Don't they know it's not a good idea to self-medicate without talking to a doc first?? 
! 
I'm all for enforcement action against those bad online pharmacies too... just don't wanna see anyone get hurt 
. Get help from a real doctor or therapist. And can we please have some better representation of the risks involved in benzodiazepines? I mean, it's not like they just magically disappear after the show ends 
. We need more education and regulation, not just a warning to "enforce action" 
. It's kinda irresponsible, if you ask me. Like, shouldn't they have some health info panels at the end or something? 
I'm not saying The White Lotus should've been more responsible with its portrayal of Lorazepam, but we need to be cautious about what we're consuming online and in our daily lives. It's like, just because you see it on Netflix doesn't mean it's a good idea to try it out 
. It's all about finding a balance between freedom of choice and public safety 
. And TV shows should take responsibility for how they portray sensitive topics like this 
In light of this, it's crucial that entertainment shows prioritize responsible representation and provide accessible resources for viewers seeking information on prescription medications. 
Furthermore, robust enforcement against illicit online pharmacies and targeted prescriber education are essential in mitigating the risks associated with benzodiazepine misuse. 
its not cool that they're lookin at it as a solution 4 anxiety probs lol. And honestly, like experts r warnin about serious health consqs cuz of all the benzodiazepines out there 
. It'd b awesome if shows did more than just name-drop medication tho