Lorazepam is used to relieve anxiety. Lorazepam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It works by slowing activity in the brain to allow for relaxation. Lorazepam (Ativan) is thought that excessive activity of nerves in the brain may cause anxiety and other psychological disorders. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter, a chemical that nerves in the brain use to send messages to one another that reduces the activity of nerves in the brain. As with other benzodiazepines, lorazepam should be used with extreme caution in patients with pulmonary disease and in patients with respiratory insufficiency resulting from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), status asthmaticus, abnormal airway anatomy, cyanotic congenital heart disease, or pulmonary hypertension. Kratom, although a fairly new substance in the U.S., is just one of the many drugs that can have negative effects when mixed with alcohol. Inform your doctor if you take lorazepam (Ativan), oral diabetes medications, salicylates such as aspirin, a sulfa drug such as Bactrim and the others. How to use Ativan. Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking lorazepam and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Ativan is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety disorders or anxiety associated with depression. Learn about side effects, interactions and indications. INDICATIONS. Ativan (lorazepam) is indicated for the management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety or anxiety associated with depressive symptoms. Ativan official prescribing information for healthcare professionals. Includes: indications, dosage, adverse reactions, pharmacology and more. Lorazepam is the generic form of the brand-name drug Ativan, used to treat anxiety disorders and to relieve anxiety that's associated with depression.