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lorazepam (Ativan)
Lorazepam enhances the inhibitory effects of GABA at GABA-A receptors in the central nervous system, reducing neuronal excitability.
Lorazepam enhances the inhibitory effects of GABA at GABA-A receptors in the central nervous system, reducing neuronal excitability. Used for Anxiety disorders, Insomnia, Acute seizures and seizure prophylaxis.
At a glance
| Generic name | lorazepam (Ativan) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) |
| 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, insomnia, seizure management, and alcohol withdrawal.
Approved indications
- Anxiety disorders
- Insomnia
- Acute seizures and seizure prophylaxis
- Alcohol withdrawal syndrome
- Preoperative sedation
Common side effects
- Sedation/drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Ataxia/coordination impairment
- Dependence/withdrawal risk
- Respiratory depression
- Memory impairment
Key clinical trials
- A Platform Protocol to Investigate Post-Transplant Cyclophosphamide-Based Graft-Versus-Host Disease Prophylaxis in Patients With Hematologic Malignancies Undergoing Mismatched Unrelated Donor Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation (PHASE2)
- Therapies for Down Syndrome Regression Disorder (PHASE2)
- Lorazepam for Delirium Prevention in Critically Ill Patients With High Anttila-Index (PHASE4)
- Haloperidol and Lorazepam for Delirium in Patients With Advanced Cancer (PHASE2)
- Sunitinib or Cediranib for Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma (PHASE2)
- 5-Azacytidine and/or Nivolumab in Resectable HPV-Associated HNSCC (PHASE2)
- Haloperidol and Lorazepam in Controlling Symptoms of Persistent Agitated Delirium in Patients With Advanced Cancer Undergoing Palliative Care (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Blood Concentration in Lorazepam and Treatment in Adult Catatonia
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 |