Lorazepam Searches Surge After The White Lotus

Experts warn of dangerous online market for the anti-anxiety medication after TV show's portrayal

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:29am

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A minimalist design in the style of Keith Haring where the outline of a pill bottle or capsule is defined entirely by vibrant neon lines against a deep, dark background, emphasizing the shape and electricity of the medication.The dramatic portrayal of a prescription drug on a popular TV show sparks a surge in online searches, raising concerns about the influence of media on public health.San Diego Today

A new study found that Google searches for the anti-anxiety medication lorazepam nearly doubled in the 12 weeks following the release of the latest season of the TV show The White Lotus, which featured a character frequently taking the drug. Researchers are concerned this could lead to increased purchases of illegitimate and potentially dangerous versions of the medication from online pharmacies.

Why it matters

The sudden spike in lorazepam searches directly linked to the TV show's portrayal raises serious public health concerns, as many illicit benzodiazepines sold online are improperly dosed, inconsistently produced, or even laced with dangerous substances like synthetic opioids that can cause fatal overdoses. Experts argue the entertainment industry should adopt guidelines for depicting prescription medications to educate viewers on the risks.

The details

Researchers at the University of California San Diego noticed Google searches for lorazepam, sold under the brand name Ativan, nearly doubled in the 12 weeks after the third season of The White Lotus premiered on February 16, 2025. This amounted to roughly 1.6 million additional searches, with a 64% spike in queries about how to obtain the drug. In contrast, searches for other benzodiazepines like alprazolam or clonazepam, which weren't mentioned in the show, remained unchanged, suggesting a direct link between the TV portrayal and the sudden interest in lorazepam.

  • The White Lotus season 3 premiered on February 16, 2025.
  • Google searches for lorazepam nearly doubled in the 12 weeks following the show's release.

The players

University of California San Diego

The researchers who noticed the spike in lorazepam searches after The White Lotus season 3 premiered.

Dr. Olivia Maynard

A professor at the University of Bristol who called the findings 'striking' and warned of the dangers of the online market for benzodiazepines.

Harry Sumnall

A professor of substance use at Liverpool John Moores University who agrees that addressing the issue through stricter enforcement against illicit manufacturers and better prescriber education is crucial.

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What they’re saying

“The sudden spike in lorazepam searches directly linked to the TV show's portrayal raises serious public health concerns, as many illicit benzodiazepines sold online are improperly dosed, inconsistently produced, or even laced with dangerous substances like synthetic opioids that can cause fatal overdoses.”

— Dr. Olivia Maynard, Professor, University of Bristol

“Addressing the issue through stricter enforcement against illicit manufacturers and better prescriber education is crucial.”

— Harry Sumnall, Professor of Substance Use, Liverpool John Moores University

What’s next

The researchers argue that the entertainment industry should adopt 'best practice' guidelines for depicting prescription medications, possibly including health information panels to educate curious viewers.

The takeaway

This case highlights the potential unintended consequences of how prescription medications are portrayed in popular media, and the need for greater collaboration between the entertainment industry, regulators, and healthcare providers to address the public health risks.