What is Lorazepam primarily used to treat?

Lorazepam is primarily used to treat severe anxiety, among other indications. This medication is classified as a benzodiazepine, which acts on the central nervous system to produce a calming effect. It is particularly effective in the management of anxiety disorders and offers short-term relief of symptoms associated with acute anxiety, such as panic attacks.

While it can also be used as an adjunct in seizure management, its primary indication is for the treatment of anxiety. Lorazepam is also sometimes used as a pre-anesthetic medication and for the management of agitation. Its effectiveness in treating anxiety stems from its ability to enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), thereby increasing inhibitory impulses in the brain and leading to a reduction in anxiety levels.

The other options listed—schizophrenia, seizures, and depression—do not align with Lorazepam’s primary therapeutic use. Schizophrenia is often treated with atypical antipsychotic medications, seizures may be managed with antiepileptic drugs specifically designed for seizure control, and depression typically requires antidepressants. Therefore, the primary indication for Lorazepam remains the management of severe anxiety.