What is Ativan?

Avitan is the brand name for lorazepam. It’s most commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, but can also be used for people experiencing nausea, muscle spasms, and difficulty sleeping.

Ativan belongs to the drug class known as benzodiazepines, which create a calming effect by slowing brain activity.

Note: Ativan is not a narcotic. In general, benzodiazepines cause sedative effects, whereas narcotics reduce the perception of pain. They do, however, have similar side effects, including addictive qualities if taken irresponsibly or for long-term use. It is a controlled substance due to its addiction potential.

Ativan is a prescription drug and is available in its generic form (lorazepam) at a lower cost. It is not available for purchase over the counter without a prescription.

What is Ativan used for?

Ativan is primarily used to treat anxiety disorder, but it works for other medical conditions and symptoms including:

Nausea from cancer treatment or alcohol withdrawal

Muscle spasms

Insomnia and sleeping difficulties, usually related to stress and anxiety

Status epilepticus (severe seizures)

Sedation before surgery or a procedure

When someone is experiencing general anxiety disorder (GAD), anxiety symptoms can include:

Restlessness

Muscle tension

Irritability

Poor sleep

Difficulty concentrating

Panic attacks

What does Ativan do for anxiety?

Ativan is a central nervous system depressant. Its active ingredient, lorazepam, reduces the activity of nerves in the brain responsible for anxiety, tensions, seizures, and other symptoms. To do so, it enhances the effects of a neurotransmitter in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which in turn decreases the activity of specific brain nerves that may cause anxiety.

Does Ativan help you sleep?

Ativan is a prescription sleep aid, too, due to its calming effects. However, some doctors may be hesitant to prescribe benzodiazepines purely for sleep and insomnia They can reduce the time spent in deep sleep—an essential sleep stage for feeling rested the next morning. Additionally, abruptly stopping a benzodiazepine may cause a patient to rebound into a sleeping problem that’s potentially worse than it was before taking the medication.

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