The 2 mg dose of lorazepam (Ativan) is used for the treatment of severe anxiety, anxiety-related insomnia, and status epilepticus. As a strong central nervous system depressant, it works by increasing the calming chemical GABA in the brain.

Lorazepam is a controlled substance with a high potential for dependence and abuse, so it is typically prescribed only for short-term use:

Common uses for lorazepam 2 mg tablets

Anxiety disorders: Used for the short-term management of anxiety disorders, including severe anxiety symptoms and anxiety that occurs with depression. A typical initial dose for adults with anxiety is 2–3 mg per day, taken in divided doses.
Insomnia: Prescribed for the short-term treatment of sleeplessness caused by anxiety or temporary stress. For this purpose, a single dose of 2–4 mg is often taken at bedtime.
Agitation and delirium: It can be used to provide rapid sedation for severely agitated patients, such as those in an intensive care unit (ICU) or emergency department. It is sometimes used for delirium, especially delirium related to alcohol withdrawal.
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome: Lorazepam is one of the most frequently used medications for managing alcohol withdrawal. It helps to control symptoms like agitation and seizures.
Nausea and vomiting: It is sometimes used off-label as an adjunct treatment for nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy or vertigo