Overdosing on Ativan can be deadly, so knowing the signs, symptoms, and how to find to treatment could save a life or reduce potential harm. Feb 18, - The use of benzodiazepines, such as Xanax and Valium, is on the rise, and whether Xanax, Valium, Ativan, Klonopin or other drugs in this class -- in a "The risk of overdose and death from benzodiazepines themselves is. Feb 19, - Deaths from overdoses of widely used sedatives such as Xanax, Valium and Ativan have surged in recent years. "And the overdose death rate increased more than four times from to " 3 reasons why Americans.