What is Ativan®?
Ativan® is the brand name of a type of medication; its generic name is lorazepam. It is typically prescribed for the treatment of anxiety. However, it has other uses as well. For example, Ativan® may also be used for treating such things as insomnia, pediatric seizures, and alcohol withdrawal. Some doctors prescribe it as a muscle relaxant, and it may even be used to make chemotherapy patients more comfortable. This drug belongs to a group of drugs that are referred to as benzodiazepines. Drugs in this group are used to target depression, panic, sleep difficulties, and problems related to muscles. When a person takes Ativan®, the drug targets a neurotransmitter in the brain that is called gamma-aminobutyric acid. It increases the work of gamma-aminobutyric acid, which leads to the inhibition of the person’s nervous system. The result is a reduction in both mental and physical excitement. Doctors may be hesitant to prescribe Ativan® for long periods of use because it can cause withdrawa
