Ativan (lorazepam) typically begins working within 20 to 60 minutes after you take it by mouth, with its full effect usually felt within 1–2 hours.
The exact onset can vary depending on:
1. Form of Ativan
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Oral tablets: Relief often starts within 30–45 minutes.
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Sublingual tablets (under the tongue): May work a bit faster because they enter the bloodstream directly.
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Injectable form: Works within minutes, but is only used in hospitals or emergency care.
2. Your Stomach Contents
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Taking Ativan on an empty stomach can make it act faster.
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Taking it after a large meal may delay absorption slightly.
3. Individual Factors
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Age, metabolism speed, body weight, and sensitivity to benzodiazepines can all affect how fast it works.
Typical Duration: Ativan’s effects generally last 6–8 hours, making it useful for both acute anxiety episodes and short-term insomnia relief.