Ativan, the brand name for lorazepam, is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. It is commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, and sometimes seizures. Ativan is primarily prescribed to manage anxiety disorders or for short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety. It is also used to treat insomnia, status epilepticus (a severe type of seizure), and as a premedication for anesthesia.