Description
Ativan (Lorazepam) 2 mg
Ativan is a brand name for lorazepam, a prescription benzodiazepine medicine. The product identified here is the 2 mg tablet strength. It is a central nervous system depressant with recognised anxiolytic, sedative, anticonvulsant and muscle-relaxant properties.
Active Ingredient and Medicine Class
The verified active ingredient is lorazepam. It belongs to the benzodiazepine class. DailyMed identifies Ativan tablets as containing lorazepam and lists the 2 mg tablet strength. Lorazepam is a controlled prescription medicine in the United States.
Established Medical Uses
Regulatory labelling for lorazepam tablets includes treatment of anxiety disorders or short-term relief of anxiety symptoms. Some prescribing information also includes use for insomnia due to anxiety or transient situational stress. Published clinical studies support lorazepam’s anxiolytic effect in patients with generalized anxiety disorder.
How It Works
Lorazepam enhances the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. This reduces excessive nervous system activity and produces calming, sedating and muscle-relaxant effects.
Important Safety Information
Important warnings for lorazepam include abuse, misuse, dependence and withdrawal reactions. The label carries a boxed warning about serious harm when combined with opioids, including profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. It should be used with particular caution in people with a history of substance use disorder, depression, breathing problems, liver or kidney impairment, or seizure disorders. Clinically significant interactions may occur with other central nervous system depressants, especially opioids and alcohol.
Possible Side Effects
Common adverse effects include drowsiness, sedation, dizziness, fatigue, weakness and unsteadiness. More serious reactions can include excessive sleepiness, confusion, impaired breathing, paradoxical agitation, memory problems, dependence and withdrawal symptoms after stopping treatment.
Scientific Evidence
In placebo-controlled clinical studies, lorazepam reduced anxiety symptoms in adults with moderate to severe anxiety and in patients with generalized anxiety disorder. The available evidence supports short-term anxiolytic efficacy, but also reflects the known limitations of benzodiazepines, including tolerance, dependence risk and sedation.
Medical Information Notice
This summary is for educational purposes only and is based on sources available at the time of review. It does not replace the official patient leaflet, prescribing information or assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.
Medical Sources
- DailyMed / U.S. National Library of Medicine — Ativan (lorazepam) tablets, official prescribing information
- L McCurdy et al. — Lorazepam, a new benzodiazepine derivative, in the treatment of anxiety: a double-blind clinical evaluation — American Journal of Psychiatry, 1979
