Lorazepam, sold under the brand name Ativan among others, is a benzodiazepine medication. It is used to treat anxiety disorders, trouble sleeping, active seizures including status epilepticus, alcohol withdrawal, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. It is also used during surgery to interfere with memory formation and to sedate those. Ativan is a benzodiazepine used for the management of anxiety disorders, insomnia, panic attacks, and alcohol withdrawal. Ativan is available in generic form. DRUG INTERACTIONS. The benzodiazepines, including Ativan (lorazepam), produce increased CNS-depressant effects when administered with other CNS depressants such as alcohol, barbiturates, antipsychotics, sedative/hypnotics, anxiolytics, antidepressants, narcotic analgesics, sedative antihistamines, anticonvulsants, and anesthetics. Lorazepam, brand name Ativan, is a prescription anti-anxiety drug used for the management of anxiety disorders and anxiety associated with depression; the treatment of insomnia, panic attacks, and seizures. Common side effects are weakness, dizziness, unsteadiness, and headache. Drug interactions, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety. Learn about the potential side effects of Ativan (lorazepam). Includes common and rare side effects information for consumers and healthcare professionals. Ativan can cause mild or serious side effects. The following list contains some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Ativan. This list doesn’t include all possible side effects. Find patient medical information for Ativan Oral on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings and user ratings. The symptoms of anxiety vary for each person, based on the specific anxiety disorder a person has. However, all anxiety disorders are linked together by common symptoms, including excessive, irrational fear and dread. 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. Ativan is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety disorders or anxiety associated with depression. Learn about side effects, interactions and indications.