TV Drama Fuels Spike in Searches for Anti-Anxiety Drug Lorazepam

In the months following the release of the third season of the popular TV drama 'The White Lotus' in February 2025, researchers have observed a significant spike in internet searches related to the anti-anxiety medication lorazepam. The show frequently featured a character, Victoria Ratliff, reaching for her prescription of the drug, known by its brand name Ativan.

Researchers at the University of California San Diego analyzed Google search data and found that searches for lorazepam were nearly twice as high as expected over the 12 weeks after the show's premiere, equating to around 1.6 million additional searches. There was also a 64% increase in searches about how to obtain the drug, reflecting about 30,000 extra queries.

This surge in interest is particularly concerning, according to experts, as there has been a rise in the illicit production and sale of benzodiazepines like lorazepam through unregulated online pharmacies. These illegally produced 'benzos' are often dosed incorrectly or may even contain dangerous synthetic opioids, putting users at risk of overdose or death.

The researchers warn that 'The White Lotus' did not adequately convey the risks of suddenly stopping lorazepam, which can cause panic attacks, agitation, and seizures. The show also failed to highlight the dangers of mixing benzodiazepines with alcohol, which can lead to severe respiratory depression and coma.

While the entertainment industry is encouraged to develop 'best practices' for depicting prescription medications, experts suggest that the most effective solutions will come through enforcement against illicit drug manufacturers and improved education for healthcare providers to prevent inappropriate prescribing of these potentially harmful substances.