Medical experts have issued an urgent health warning after HBO's hit drama The White Lotus triggered a massive surge in online searches for the anxiety medication lorazepam, with characters dangerously mixing the drug with alcohol.
The Concerning Spike in Drug Searches
Research from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine revealed that Google searches for lorazepam spiked by 1.6 million during the 12 weeks surrounding the show's February release. The analysis found searches included how and where to obtain the drug online.
Dr Kevin Yang from UC San Diego expressed concern, stating: "For the treatment of anxiety, lorazepam is typically prescribed for the short term because long-term use can lead to tolerance and dependence as well as misuse."
Dangerous Portrayal on Screen
In the show's third season, character Victoria Ratliff, played by Parker Posey, regularly takes lorazepam for social anxiety and sleep problems, often combining it with white wine. Her husband Timothy, portrayed by Jason Isaacs, also drinks while taking the medication and develops a dependence.
Mixing lorazepam with alcohol can be life-threatening, potentially putting people into a coma according to medical professionals. Dr Yang emphasised: "Not only would he take it, but he would also combine it with alcohol, which we know is very dangerous."
The research team noted that while lorazepam searches dramatically increased, queries for similar benzodiazepines like alprazolam and clonazepam remained at expected levels.
Broader Concerns About Medication Misuse
Dr Yang highlighted that studies show nearly one in five people prescribed benzodiazepines eventually misuse them. These medications work by slowing down brain and nervous system activity.
The doctor expressed particular concern that the television portrayal emphasised lorazepam's benefits without showing potential risks including dependence, respiratory depression and cognitive impairment.
American Addiction Centres data reveals the scale of the issue: in 2019 alone, American pharmacists filled 92 million benzodiazepine prescriptions, with 20% - over 18 million - being for lorazepam.
According to addiction experts, 4.8 million individuals aged 12 and older misused prescription benzodiazepines in 2020.
Medical Professionals Urge Caution
Dr Eric Leas, assistant professor at UC San Diego, noted the search patterns suggest "there might be a subset of people that are actually wanting to figure out how to obtain that medication online." It remains illegal to obtain lorazepam without a prescription.
Dr Yang strongly recommends that anyone considering medication should consult a doctor first, advising viewers to "take everything that is portrayed in the media, whether that's on TV, film or in music, with a grain of salt."
The medical team suggests search engines should provide warnings when people search for information about the drug and that entertainment producers should consider the impact of depicted drug use on viewer behaviour.
The season three finale of The White Lotus attracted 6.2 million viewers in April, making it one of HBO's most-watched series. HBO did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the research findings.
