The characters Parker and Timothy Posey, who boosted research into lorazepam
The use of lorazepam is a recurring theme in “The White Lotus”. Now, a new study suggests that the series generated, over 12 weeks, 1.6 million more Internet searches for the drug than expected.
Victoria Ratliff plays Parker Posey – a mother who takes the prescription medication to treat social anxiety and insomnia.
However, the character often combines the medicine with white wine, which leads her to behave visibly strangely, speak in a slurred manner and fall asleep during dinner.
A study conducted by the University of California (USA) and this Friday at JAMA Health Forum analyzed Internet searches for the drug that coincided with the airing of the series.
“It’s a really interesting phenomenon the way entertainment can reflect and influence human behavior“, he stressed Kevin Yangone of the authors, from the University of California, San Diego.
Researchers indicate that, in the period in which “The White Lotus” was released, the Increased interest was not observed for other benzodiazepines commonly prescribed drugs that were not mentioned in the series.
The team also noted a significant increase in searches related to purchasing lorazepam, which, according to another author, Eric Leas, “shows that there may be a group of people who really want to find out how to get this medication online.”
Lorazepam em “White Lotus”
Throughout the season, Victoria Ratliff offers her husband the medicineTimothy, who ends up stealing the pills and develops dependence on the drug in the midst of a personal financial crisiswhich the woman was unaware of.
Timothy also combined the medicine with alcohol“which we know is very dangerous,” highlighted Yang, who noted that for the treatment of anxiety, lorazepam “is generally prescribed for short-term use, as prolonged use can lead to tolerance and dependence, as well as misuse.”
Studies have shown that almost one in five people who receive a prescription for benzodiazepines “ends up misusing them”, highlighted Yang, cited in a statement from the University of California.
According to the researcher, the series emphasized the benefits of using lorazepam and not the potential risks, “such as dependence, respiratory depression and cognitive impairment”.
In fact, “it did not show any of the adverse effects that can result from excessive use or abrupt discontinuation.”
The entertainment industry and program producers should consider the potential impact that drug use can have on viewers’ behavior, the researcher noted.
Therefore, he recommended that they develop good practices in relation to this type of content, for example, including warnings at the beginning and end of each episode.
Additionally, it suggested that Internet search engines provide informative warnings when people search for how to obtain the medicine onlinefocusing on accurate, evidence-based information and supporting resources.
As for viewers, Yang encouraged them to take a “skeptical approach” when looking for information online. “At the end of the day, for issues like medication, it’s important to talk to your doctor,” he added.
