Ativan is a brand name for the drug lorazepam, which belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines. Ativan is primarily used for the treatment of anxiety disorders and for the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety. Ativan is commonly prescribed to manage symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. It works by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps calm the brain and reduce feelings of anxiety.