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Ativan®
Ativan (lorazepam) enhances the inhibitory effects of GABA at GABA-A receptors in the central nervous system, reducing neuronal excitability.
Ativan (lorazepam) enhances the inhibitory effects of GABA at GABA-A receptors in the central nervous system, reducing neuronal excitability. Used for Anxiety disorders, Acute agitation, Seizure disorders.
At a glance
| Generic name | Ativan® |
|---|---|
| Also known as | lorazepam |
| Sponsor | University of South Florida |
| Drug class | Benzodiazepine |
| Target | GABA-A receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry/Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that binds to GABA-A receptors and potentiates the effect of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, leading to increased chloride ion influx and neuronal hyperpolarization. This results in sedation, anxiolysis, muscle relaxation, and anticonvulsant effects. The drug is commonly used for acute anxiety, agitation, seizures, and procedural sedation.
Approved indications
- Anxiety disorders
- Acute agitation
- Seizure disorders
- Procedural sedation
- Alcohol withdrawal
Common side effects
- Sedation/drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Weakness/fatigue
- Ataxia
- Dependence/tolerance
- Respiratory depression
Key clinical trials
- Use of VR for Diagnostic Hysteroscopy (NA)
- Clonidine to Prevent Delirium After Electroconvulsive Therapy. (PHASE4)
- Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (ALLOSCT) in Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (RDEB) (EARLY_PHASE1)
- ADASUVE-Lorazepam Drug-Drug Interaction (PHASE4)
- Lorazepam, Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, and Haloperidol Gel in Healthy Volunteers (NA)
- Dexmedetomidine (Precedex®) for Severe Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS) and Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium (AWD) (PHASE4)
- Nitrous Oxide for Pain Management During In-office Transcervical Sterilization (NA)
- Randomized Trial of the Effectiveness of Topical "ABH Gel" vs. Placebo in Cancer Patients With Nausea (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Ativan® CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Ativan® updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of South Florida portfolio CI