What is the brand name for Lorazepam?
The brand name for Lorazepam is Ativan.
PTCE Top 200 · #100
Lorazepam
Ativan
Lorazepam is the generic name for the brand-name drug Ativan. It is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety, status epilepticus. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Lorazepam ranks #100 and is one of the most frequently tested cns/psych medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Lorazepam |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Ativan |
| Drug class | Benzodiazepine |
| Class group | CNS/Psych |
| Common use | anxiety, status epilepticus |
| DEA schedule | C-IV |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Lorazepam used for?
Benzodiazepine used for short‑term relief of anxiety symptoms; also used for pre‑procedure sedation and status epilepticus (injectable forms).
What drug class is Lorazepam?
Lorazepam is a Benzodiazepine in the CNS/Psych group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Lorazepam
- arrow_rightDrowsiness
- arrow_rightDizziness
- arrow_rightWeakness
- arrow_rightUnsteadiness (ataxia)
- arrow_rightConfusion
- arrow_rightFatigue
Major interactions
- arrow_rightOpioids and other CNS depressants (alcohol, sedatives) ↑ profound sedation/respiratory depression
- arrow_rightValproate or probenecid can ↓ lorazepam clearance → ↑ sedation
- arrow_rightAbrupt discontinuation after prolonged use can cause withdrawal/seizures—taper
Is Lorazepam a controlled substance?
Yes. Lorazepam is a C-IV controlled substance under federal law.
warning Boxed warning
WARNING: RISKS FROM CONCOMITANT USE WITH OPIOIDS — profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death; reserve combined use for patients with inadequate alternatives.
How to remember Lorazepam (PTCE mnemonic)
ATIvan = 'AT-EASE' — LORA-ZEPAM is intermediate C-IV benzo. Safer in liver dz (no CYP); status epilepticus, alcohol withdrawal; flumazenil reverses.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
Lorazepam (Ativan) is a Schedule IV benzodiazepine (-zepam). Note the high-alert LASA cluster: lorazepam, alprazolam, and clonazepam.
Lorazepam FAQ
What is Lorazepam used for?
Lorazepam is used to treat anxiety, status epilepticus. Benzodiazepine used for short‑term relief of anxiety symptoms; also used for pre‑procedure sedation and status epilepticus (injectable forms).
What drug class is Lorazepam?
Lorazepam is a Benzodiazepine (CNS/Psych group).
Is Lorazepam a controlled substance?
Yes. Lorazepam is a C-IV controlled substance under federal law.
Related drugs in the CNS/Psych group
Drill Lorazepam the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).