how long does it take for ativan to work

Ativan (lorazepam) typically starts to work within 20 to 30 minutes after oral administration, providing rapid relief for acute anxiety episodes. The medication reaches its peak effectiveness in about 1 to 2 hours, and its calming effects usually last for approximately 6 to 8 hours. The onset time may vary slightly depending on factors such as dosage, metabolism, and individual patient characteristics.