Ativan is a white powder that is almost insoluble in water. Ativan tablets are taken orally and contain 0.5mg, 1mg, or 2mg of Lorazepam. Certain inactive ingredients in the drug are lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose. It is a benzodiazepine medication, a Schedule IV drug in the USA, and hence has a lower risk of abuse. It can be taken by mouth or injected into a vein or muscle. Its duration of action is from 12-24 hours; the elimination half-life is of 10-20 hours.