Ativan is a prescription drug used to treat anxiety disorder symptoms. Ativan can be used alone or with other drugs. Doctors also prescribe it to treat severe agitation, trouble sleeping (insomnia), active seizures, including status epilepticus, and alcohol withdrawal. This drug is also given before surgery to make the patient sleep. Ativan belongs to the drugs class antianxiety agents, anxiolytics, benzodiazepines, and anticonvulsants.