Ativan® (
lorazepam) is a prescription medication that is licensed to treat
anxiety. An injectable form of the medicine is also available. The injectable form of Ativan is used for decreasing nervous tension and anxiety before surgery, as well as for treating severe
seizures (known medically as
status epilepticus). Ativan is part of a group of medications called benzodiazepines.
Most people experience feelings of anxiety before an important event, such as a big exam, business presentation, or first date.
Anxiety disorders, however, are illnesses that load people's lives with overwhelming anxiety and fear that are chronic and unremitting. These feelings can grow progressively worse.
Depending on the type of anxiety, a person can experience several possible
anxiety symptoms, including:
- Feeling shaky, jittery, or nervous
- Feeling tense, fearful, or apprehensive
- Avoiding certain places or activities because of fear
- A pounding or racing heart
- Trouble catching your breath when nervous
- Unjustified sweating or trembling
- A knot in your stomach
- A lump in your throat
- Finding yourself pacing
- Being afraid to close your eyes at night for fear that you may die in your sleep
- Fear of losing control or going crazy
- Fear of dying.
Ativan is approved to treat anxiety disorders. It is also approved for short-term relief of anxiety symptoms associated with
depression. Ativan is not for "everyday anxiety" and is recommended only for short-term use (two to four weeks or less).
