Skip to main content

How long does it take for Ativan to work?

Medically reviewed by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD. Last updated on July 26, 2024.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

The amount of time it takes for Ativan (lorazepam) to work depends on the formulation you are taking. For the oral tablets and liquid, it starts to work within 30 minutes. The intravenous (IV) formulation takes about 1-3 minutes to work, and the intramuscular version takes 15-30 minutes to start working.

Do not take more Ativan if you feel like it is not working for you. Keep in mind that it can take hours to notice the full effects. Speak to your healthcare provider if you are concerned with how well Ativan is working.

References

Ghiasi, N., et. al. 2024. Lorazepam. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Accessed July 26, 2024 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532890/

National Health Service. Updated February 2023. About lorazepam. Accessed July 26, 2024 at https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/lorazepam/about-lorazepam/

Read next

Not being able to sleep (also called insomnia) is one of the most common side effects reported by people taking Cymbalta. In some people, this side effect improves after a couple of weeks of taking Cymbalta, but difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep can persist in others. Here are some ways you can improve sleep while taking Cymbalta:

  • Take your dose of Cymbalta in the morning. Cymbalta may be given once a day or twice a day but for those people experiencing insomnia, it should be taken just once a day in the morning
  • Swallow Cymbalta capsules whole; do not crush, chew, or open up the capsules and sprinkle them on food because this may cause Cymbalta to be absorbed more quickly than intended, increasing the risk of side effects such as insomnia...
Continue reading

One dose of Xanax can last anywhere from 31 hours to 134.5 hours (5.6 days) in the body, depending on factors related to the individual who took it. However, the calming, relaxing, and sedative effects of Xanax usually wear off within about eight to twelve hours. Continue reading

Venlafaxine withdrawal symptoms typically last up to 3 to 4 weeks, but may persist even longer. You should avoid abruptly stopping venlafaxine treatment unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider. Gradually reducing the dose over 4 weeks can help to prevent severe withdrawal symptoms in most people. Continue reading

Related medical questions

Drug information

Related support groups

Medical Disclaimer