Many people taking Ativan
® (
lorazepam) may wonder, "How does it work?" To get a better understanding, it's important to know that the drug is part of a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. These drugs have several effects on the body, including:
- Reducing anxiety
- Causing sleepiness
- Relaxing muscles
- Stopping seizures
- Impairing short-term memory.
All medicines in this category can have these effects to some degree, depending on the specific benzodiazepine that is being taken. They work in the brain by enhancing the effects of
gamma-aminobutyric acid (
GABA), a chemical that is naturally calming. GABA can slow down or stop certain nerve signals in the brain. This is why Ativan and other benzodiazepines are known as mild tranquilizers, sedatives, or central nervous system depressants (CNS depressants).
As a result, Ativan can help treat the symptoms of the following conditions:
(For more information, click Ativan. This article provides a complete overview of Ativan, including information on its uses, general precautions, and potential side effects.)
