The Truth About the Anti-Anxiety Drug Parker Posey’s White Lotus Character Relies On

In HBO’s White Lotus, Victoria Ratliff, played by Parker Posey, is rarely seen without her trusted bottle of Lorazepam, an anti-anxiety medication. Known by its brand name Ativan, Lorazepam is a powerful benzodiazepine that has earned a reputation for helping millions combat anxiety, panic attacks, and social unease. But like any medication, it comes with its risks, especially when not used under proper guidance.

Lorazepam works by calming the central nervous system and is typically prescribed for short-term use to manage anxiety symptoms. However, the portrayal of Lorazepam in White Lotus raises concerns. While it’s clear that the drug can offer relief, the show blurs the line between effective treatment and casual use. Posey’s character, Victoria, frequently uses the drug to cope with her social anxiety—whether it’s to manage her fear of family embarrassment or the stress of her husband’s career. At one point, she even dismisses its addictive potential, saying, “They’re not addictive. I just take them when I need it. You make fun of me, but they work. Not a big deal.”

The truth, however, is more complicated. Lorazepam, like other benzodiazepines, can be habit-forming if taken too often or in large doses. While it can offer temporary relief, it’s typically prescribed for short periods—usually no more than a month. Prolonged use can lead to dependence, especially when patients take the drug without regular check-ins with their healthcare provider.

Dr. Holly Schiff, a licensed clinical psychologist, points out that White Lotus has a tendency to glamorize Lorazepam’s casual use. “While it can be helpful for those dealing with acute anxiety under a doctor’s supervision, the potential for misuse and dependence is very high,” she explains.

Approximately 50 million American adults suffer from anxiety disorders, and many turn to medication for relief. But when medications like Lorazepam are portrayed as a quick fix, viewers might get the impression that it’s a harmless solution to everyday stress—something that can be casually relied upon. For example, Victoria’s husband, under stress at work, takes a Lorazepam tablet without a prescription, leading to a dangerous normalization of self-medication.

Dr. Carole Lieberman, a Beverly Hills-based psychiatrist, emphasizes that while medications like Lorazepam may seem helpful in the short term, they aren’t a substitute for long-term solutions like therapy. “Anxiety is better treated with talk therapy that gets to the root of what is making the person anxious,” she says. “Lorazepam should only be used in rare cases of acute anxiety, and even then, there’s a risk of addiction.”

Furthermore, combining Lorazepam with other substances, especially alcohol or opiates, can be deadly. The drug slows down heart rate and breathing, and can impair thinking and balance, increasing the risk of overdose. Benzodiazepines are involved in around 17% of drug overdose deaths, with Lorazepam alone accounting for a significant portion of those.

While White Lotus accurately portrays the immediate effects of Lorazepam—calming a character’s anxiety—it fails to show the long-term dangers of misuse. Dr. Schiff warns that viewers should understand the importance of using such medications responsibly and under proper medical supervision. “Relying on medications like this without proper oversight is not a healthy or sustainable coping mechanism,” she explains. “It should always be part of a comprehensive treatment plan, including therapy, lifestyle changes, and other coping strategies.”

So while Lorazepam may offer temporary relief, it’s essential to understand its risks and the importance of using it responsibly. If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, seeking professional help and a holistic treatment approach is always the best course of action.