How The White Lotus Season 3 Sparked a Massive Surge in Google Searches for Lorazepam

A new study from the University of California, San Diego has uncovered something fascinating about how modern TV influences real-world behavior: the release of The White Lotus Season 3 appears to have triggered a massive spike in Google searches for the anti-anxiety medication lorazepam. The increase wasn’t small or subtle—it was measurable, dramatic, and highly specific to the drug prominently featured in the season’s storyline.

Researchers found that this one show generated approximately 1.6 million more lorazepam-related searches over a 12-week period than what would normally be expected. Even more concerning was the rise in queries that suggest attempts to find or buy the medication online. And while lorazepam saw this sudden burst in public curiosity, other benzodiazepines like alprazolam and clonazepam—which were not mentioned in the show—did not show the same trend.

This unexpected pattern gives us a closer look at how entertainment media can shape health-related behaviors, and it raises important questions about responsibility, perception, and how viewers interpret what they see on screen.

The Show’s Portrayal of Lorazepam

In Season 3 of The White Lotus, the character Victoria Ratliff takes lorazepam to manage her social anxiety and trouble sleeping. Her use of the drug is portrayed casually—she takes it during normal activities, often pairing it with white wine, something that can significantly amplify the drug’s sedative effects.

The show depicts her becoming visibly intoxicated: slurred speech, drowsiness, and even falling asleep at dinner. Over time, the storyline escalates when her husband Timothy begins using the medication himself, eventually becoming dependent while dealing with personal and financial stress. He also mixes the drug with alcohol, a combination that doctors consistently warn against due to the risks of respiratory suppression, blackouts, and dangerous impairment.

Notably, the show highlights the perceived benefits of lorazepam far more than its risks. While it touches on misuse, it does not clearly depict the potential medical consequences of excessive use, sudden withdrawal, or long-term dependence—despite the fact that benzodiazepines are typically recommended for short-term use only.

Studies show that nearly one in five people prescribed benzodiazepines eventually misuses them. Given this context, portraying their use without clearer representation of the downsides can create misleading impressions for viewers.

What the Study Found

The research team at UC San Diego, led by Kevin Yang, M.D. with senior author Eric Leas, Ph.D., M.P.H., examined U.S. Google search patterns shortly after the season’s release. The study was published in JAMA Health Forum, and it used a forecasting model to determine how search trends should have looked if the show had never aired.

Once Season 3 was released, however, real-world behavior deviated sharply from predicted patterns:

• General lorazepam searches increased by roughly 98.6%, translating to about 1.6 million additional searches.
• Searches specifically about acquiring lorazepam online increased by 63.6%, an estimated 30,000 extra searches.
• Other benzodiazepines showed no significant change, suggesting the show directly influenced interest in lorazepam, not anxiety meds in general.

While the data can’t confirm that more people bought or used the drug, the researchers point out that search behavior is often an early indicator of interest that can translate into real-world actions.

This makes the findings especially noteworthy for medication with dependence potential.

Why This Matters: Media’s Influence on Health Behavior

This isn’t the first time entertainment media has shaped medical curiosity. Past films and TV shows have caused spikes in online searches for everything from specific mental health conditions to cosmetic procedures. But what stands out here is the size and clarity of the effect and how tightly it aligns with the show’s narrative.

When a medication appears repeatedly on a popular television series—especially one with a devoted global audience—people take notice. The portrayal can make the drug seem relatable, accessible, or even harmless, especially if characters appear to use it casually without major consequences.

The concern is simple: viewers might mimic what they see, especially if they’re dealing with similar feelings of anxiety, stress, or insomnia. And because benzodiazepines can be addictive and dangerous when misused, even a short-term curiosity spike can have real-world implications.

The researchers emphasize that entertainment creators may need to consider more responsible portrayals, including:

• brief warnings before or after episodes,
• clearer depiction of risks, or
• consultation with medical experts during script development.

They also suggest that search engines could implement informational alerts when users look up how to buy controlled medications online, guiding them toward safe, evidence-based resources instead of unregulated online pharmacies.

Understanding Lorazepam: What Viewers Should Know

Since the study centers around lorazepam, it’s worth understanding what this medication is—and what it isn’t.

Lorazepam is part of the benzodiazepine family. Doctors prescribe it for:

• acute anxiety,
• panic attacks,
• insomnia,
• muscle spasms,
• seizures, or
• certain medical procedures.

It works by enhancing the effect of GABA, a neurotransmitter that slows brain activity. The calming effect is the reason it’s helpful for anxiety—but also why it can be risky.

Key safety facts about lorazepam:

• It’s meant for short-term use.
• Long-term use can lead to tolerance, requiring higher doses for the same effect.
• Patients can develop physical and psychological dependence.
• Stopping abruptly can cause withdrawal, including seizures.
• Combining it with alcohol increases the risk of respiratory depression, accidents, and even overdose.

These are not small risks, and they’re the reason benzodiazepines are closely regulated.

Why Do TV Shows Trigger Medication Curiosity?

Media psychology researchers have long noted that people respond strongly to stories that mirror their own experiences. Anxiety, insomnia, and stress are extremely common, so a storyline centered around easy access to a calming medication can resonate deeply.

Add to that:

• the show’s cultural popularity,
• the relatability of the characters,
• the emotional intensity of the season,
• and widespread social media reactions,

and it becomes clearer why viewers might turn to Google.

Some may simply be curious. Others may be exploring potential self-treatment options. Some may be seeking information because a character’s behavior mirrored their own struggles.

The problem: Google is a starting point, not a medical professional, and search results sometimes lead to unsafe sources, misleading information, or illegal online pharmacies.

A Call for Awareness

Ultimately, this study is not about judging viewers or blaming the show. It’s about recognizing patterns in how we engage with media and understanding how quickly fictional stories can influence real-world behavior.

The researchers encourage viewers to stay skeptical of on-screen portrayals of medication, remembering that entertainment is designed to tell a compelling story—not to educate or give medical advice. For medications like lorazepam, the safest step is always to talk to a qualified doctor.

Research Paper:
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2841233