Season three of “The White Lotus” has a new scene-stealer beyond its messy rich people: lorazepam.

In the TV series, this anti-anxiety medication is front and center thanks to loony Southern mom Victoria Ratliff (played by Parker Posey), who treats it more like a breath mint than a prescription drug.

While the show is a satire, it raises real questions about how lorazepam works and whether it’s safe to be taking the drug regularly.

Lorazepam should only be used for an intense episode of anxiety, according to Jason Kellogg, MD, a psychiatrist and chief of staff at Newport Bay Hospital. It should be prescribed for short-term use, ideally less than a month.

While lorazepam can ease anxiety quickly, it comes with side effects such as drowsiness, lethargy, and slurred or slow speech.

High doses and long-term use of lorazepam may increase the risk of developing physical dependence on the drug.

“With repeated use, individuals may develop tolerance and require higher doses to achieve the same effects,” Kellogg told Verywell.

Some people can also develop benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction, a condition where withdrawal symptoms persist for months or years.

How Does Lorazepam Work?

Sold under the brand name Ativan, lorazepam belongs to a class of anti-anxiety medication called benzodiazepine.

Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that slows brain activity. By increasing GABA’s calming effects, lorazepam reduces anxiety, relaxes muscles, and promotes sedation.

“It works quickly and is relatively short-acting, making it useful for acute symptoms such as panic attacks or severe anxiety,” Josef Witt-Doerring, MD, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Drexel University College of Medicine, told Verywell.

Can You Take Lorazepam With Alcohol?

In “The White Lotus,” Victoria is often seen with a glass of wine at dinner after taking lorazepam. However, combining lorazepam with alcohol is dangerous. It can lead to excessive sedation, dangerously slow breathing, blackouts, and overdose.

“Both substances depress the central nervous system,” Kellogg said. “Because alcohol and benzodiazepines both increase GABA activity, their combined effects can be unpredictable and life-threatening.”

It’s safest to hold off on alcohol until about 24 hours after taking lorazepam, Witt-Doerring explained.

Are There Safer Alternatives?

Lorazepam may offer quick anxiety relief, but for a long-term solution, you may need medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) for anxiety management, Kellogg said.

“Cognitive behavioral therapy, in addition to medication, has been shown to provide the most benefits,” he added.

If you simply need a good night’s sleep or something to combat jet lag while you’re on vacation, melatonin supplements may help. “Take it 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime rather than right at bedtime.”