Is Ativan derived from something in nature or is it a synthesized
compound created in the lab?

Lorazepam (Ativan) is a benzodiazepine used to relieve anxiety.
 
According to a presentation at the Ohio State University College of
Pharmacy website, the benzodiazepine Lorazepam (Ativan ) is chemically
synthesized ? it contains no natural products.

Benzodiazepines: - Lorazepam (Ativan)

Source: 
Ohio State University College of Pharmacy: Presentation (page 2) 
http://www.pharmacy.ohio-state.edu/programs/pcol/courses/ph200/ph200_anti_anxiety.pdf



From the NIAID Chemical Structure Database:

Ativan

Chemical Name:
7-Chloro-5-(2-chlorophenyl)-1,3-dihydro-3-hydroxy-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

Molecular Formula: C15 H10 Cl2 N2 O2 

NIAID Chemical Structure Database
http://apps1.niaid.nih.gov/struct_search/an/AN_many.asp?txtANChemAlt=ATIVAN&ANChemAltCrit=ext


Ativan Information
http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/label/2001/18140s027lbl.pdf

Ativan FAQ
http://www.druginfonet.com/index.php?pageID=faq/faqativa.htm



Search criteria:
Ativan 
Lorazepam
Benzodiazepines
Chemically synthesized

I hope this helps!

Best regards,
Bobbie7

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Request for Answer Clarification by purrsian-ga on 10 May 2004 13:37 PDT

Bobbie,

I have one question.  On one of the links it was mentioned that ativan
activated a GABA receptor, which, I belive, already had a GABA
molecule attached to it.  It is that the natural GABA circulating in
our bodies is not properly attached, or does the ativan increase its
efficacy?  Would using GABA from a tablet form basically effect the
same response as ativan?

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Clarification of Answer by bobbie7-ga on 10 May 2004 14:18 PDT

Dear Purrsian,

I'd be glad to help you, but information regarding GABA receptors and
Ativan is out of my area of expertise. In order to receive the
attention it deserves, I suggest that you post this request as a new
question, giving additional researchers the opportunity to provide an
expert answer to your query.

Sincerely,
Bobbie7.

About receptor systems in the brain:
http://www.amershamhealth.com/medcyclopaedia/Volume%20I/RECEPTOR%20SYSTEM.asp

The GABAa/Benzodiazepine receptor complex:
http://www.uic.edu/classes/phar/phar402/The%20GABA-Receptor-Benzodiazepine%20Receptor-Chloride%20Ion%20channel%20Complex6.htm

:-) As2O3