Ativan consists of lorazepam, which belongs to benzodiazepine class. It is commonly used to treat anxiety and other related conditions by calming the central nervous system. Ativan works by affecting the brain's neurotransmitters to produce a calming effect on the nervous system. Its primary mechanism of action involves the enhancement of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity.