Which medication is commonly used as a sedative before surgery?

Ativan, also known by its generic name lorazepam, is commonly used as a sedative and anxiolytic medication before surgical procedures. Its primary function is to help reduce anxiety and create a calm state in patients, making it easier for them to undergo surgery. Ativan belongs to a class of medications known as benzodiazepines, which are effective in promoting sedation by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain.

In contrast, Tylenol (acetaminophen) is primarily used for pain relief and fever reduction, Zoloft (sertraline) is an antidepressant used to treat mood disorders, and Lipitor (atorvastatin) is a cholesterol-lowering medication. None of these medications serve the specific purpose of providing sedation prior to surgical interventions, which is why Ativan is the appropriate choice in this context.