Lorazepam (Ativan) is a minor tranquilizer in the benzodiazepine class used for sedation. The best-known member of this group is diazepam (Valium). Lorazepam is one of the shortest-acting benzodiazepines, and for this reason our doctors at Bastian Voice Institute tend to use it to allay anxiety for some who undergo biopsy or laser treatments in the videoendoscopy procedure room.