Ativan (lorazepam) typically has a half-life of about 10 to 20 hours, with an average around 12 hours. Its effects usually peak within 1 to 2 hours after taking it and last around 6 to 8 hours for sedating effects. It can take about 5 to 6 half-lives, or roughly 50 to 100 hours (about 2 to 4 days), for Ativan to be eliminated from the body. However, some metabolites of Ativan may be detectable in the system for up to 6 to 9 days, and possibly longer in urine tests depending on dosage and frequency of use. The drug can be detected in saliva for about 8 hours, in blood for several days, and in hair for up to 30 days in rare cases.
In summary:
- Onset: 15 to 30 minutes
- Peak effects: Around 2 hours
- Duration of effects: 6 to 8 hours
- Half-life: 10 to 20 hours (average ~12 hours)
- Elimination time: 2 to 4 days for most of the drug, metabolites up to 6-9 days or longer detectable in tests
This means the active effects last less than a day, but traces can remain in the body for up to a week or more depending on testing method and individual factors.
