Ativan (generic name: lorazepam) is a medication that belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs, which are commonly prescribed to manage anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, and other conditions related to an overactive nervous system. It works by calming the brain and nerves, making it effective in reducing the symptoms of anxiety, agitation, and panic.

How Ativan Works:

Ativan functions by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps to slow down the activity of nerve cells in the brain, leading to a calming effect on the central nervous system. By increasing the effects of GABA, Ativan can help reduce anxiety and induce relaxation, which is why it's often prescribed for conditions involving anxiety or severe stress.