How It Works

The way Ativan works is the first thing to know about Ativan.

• The drug lorazepam is sold under the trade name Ativan, which has sedative, anticonvulsant, and anxiety-relieving properties.
• However, they believe that Ativan's (lorazepam) effects are caused by its capacity to form a strong bond with the GABA-benzodiazepine receptor complex, which increases the affinity for GABA (a neurotransmitter that blocks impulses between nerve cells in the brain). Anxiety, mood problems, seizure disorders, and pain have all been connected to low GABA levels.
• The group of drugs known as benzodiazepines includes Ativan.