Claim: Ativan is on a U.N. agency's list of the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system.

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 , as well as for surgery to interfere with memory formation and to sedate those who are being mechanically ventilated . While it can be used for severe agitation , midazolam is usually preferred . It is also used , along with other treatments , for acute coronary syndrome due to cocaine use . It can be given by mouth or as an injection into a muscle or vein . When given by injection onset of effects is between one and thirty minutes and effects last for up to a day .   Common side effects include weakness , sleepiness , low blood pressure , and a decreased effort to breathe . When given intravenously the person should be closely monitored . Among those who are depressed there may be an increased risk of suicide . With long-term use larger doses may be required for the same effect . Physical dependence and psychological dependence may also occur . If stopped suddenly after long-term use , benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome may occur . Older people more often develop adverse effects . In this age group lorazepam is associated with falls and hip fractures . Due to these concerns , lorazepam use is generally only recommended for up to two to four weeks .   Lorazepam was initially patented in 1963 and went on sale in the United States in 1977 . It is on the World Health Organization 's List of Essential Medicines , the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system . It is available as a generic medication . The wholesale cost in the developing world of a typical dose by mouth is between US$ 0.02 and US$ 0.16 as of 2014 . In the United States as of 2015 a typical month supply is less than US$ 25 . In the United States in 2011 , 28 million prescriptions for lorazepam were filled making it the second most prescribed benzodiazepine after alprazolam .