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Lorazepam (drug)
Lorazepam enhances the inhibitory effects of GABA at the GABA-A receptor, reducing neuronal excitability and producing sedative, anxiolytic, and anticonvulsant effects.
Lorazepam enhances the inhibitory effects of GABA at the GABA-A receptor, reducing neuronal excitability and producing sedative, anxiolytic, and anticonvulsant effects. Used for Anxiety disorders, Insomnia, Seizure disorders (acute management).
At a glance
| Generic name | Lorazepam (drug) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Ativan |
| Sponsor | University of Manitoba |
| 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 in the central nervous system, potentiating the effect of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. This increases chloride ion influx into neurons, hyperpolarizing the cell membrane and reducing the likelihood of neuronal firing. The result is depression of CNS activity manifesting as anxiolysis, sedation, muscle relaxation, and anticonvulsant properties.
Approved indications
- Anxiety disorders
- Insomnia
- Acute agitation
- Seizure disorders
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Preoperative sedation
Common side effects
- Sedation/drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Weakness/fatigue
- Ataxia
- Dependence/withdrawal risk
- Respiratory depression
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)
- Effect of Ketanserin, Olanzapine, and Lorazepam After LSD Administration on the Acute Response to LSD in Healthy Subjects (PHASE1)
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:
- Lorazepam (drug) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Lorazepam (drug) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Manitoba portfolio CI