What class of medication is Lorazepam (Ativan) categorized under?

Lorazepam, known by its brand name Ativan, is classified as an antianxiety medication. This classification is based on its mechanism of action, which involves enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter in the brain that promotes relaxation and reduces excitability.

Antianxiety medications like Lorazepam are commonly used in the management of anxiety disorders, acute anxiety, and as a sedative before medical procedures. They help to decrease anxiety levels, induce sedation, and can also be beneficial in treating conditions such as insomnia or seizures.

The other classifications - antidepressants, antipsychotics, and stimulants - do not align with Lorazepam's pharmacological effects. Antidepressants are typically used for depression and certain anxiety disorders but work through different pathways. Antipsychotics target symptoms of psychosis and mood stabilization, while stimulants are primarily used to increase attention and decrease hyperactivity, as seen in conditions like ADHD. Thus, the correct categorization of Lorazepam is indeed as an antianxiety medication.