# Lorazepam (Ativan)

Source: https://ourhealthnetwork.com/drugs/lorazepam
Data: FDA Orange Book and OpenFDA, refreshed periodically

## What is Lorazepam?

Lorazepam (brand name: Ativan) is a benzodiazepine. It is prescribed to treat substance withdrawal syndrome, anxiety disorders, depressive disorder. Across the United States, 152,000 doctors prescribe Lorazepam to approximately 1.3 million Medicare patients, making it one of the 50 most prescribed drugs in America.

## Brand names

Ativan

## Indications

Lorazepam is prescribed for several conditions including substance withdrawal syndrome, anxiety disorders, depressive disorder, among others.

## Conditions treated

- [Substance Withdrawal Syndrome](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/substance-withdrawal-syndrome)
- [Anxiety Disorders](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/anxiety-disorders)
- [Depressive Disorder](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/depressive-disorder)
- [Status Epilepticus](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/status-epilepticus)
- [Psychotic Disorders](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/psychotic-disorders)
- [Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/sleep-initiation-and-maintenance-disorders)
- [Vomiting](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/vomiting)
- [Catatonia](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/catatonia)
- [Epilepsies](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/epilepsies)
- [Partial Epilepsy](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/partial-epilepsy)

## Mechanism of action

slowing activity in the brain to allow for relaxation

## Drug classification

- Established Pharmacologic Class: Benzodiazepine
- Route of administration: ORAL

## Common side effects

drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, unsteadiness, memory problems

## Sources and disclaimers

- FDA Orange Book and OpenFDA dataset
- This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

## Related

- [All drugs](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/drugs)
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- [Methodology](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/methodology)