Does Ativan work right away?

Both Ativan and Xanax work quickly, but Ativan may last slightly longer than Xanax. When it starts working: Both drugs start to work 15 to 30 minutes after you take them. How long it lasts: Both drugs have a peak effect within 1.5 hours of when you take them. However, Ativan may last slightly longer than Xanax.

How long does it take for Ativan to hit?

When taken orally, Ativan is absorbed slowly and considered to have an intermediate action of onset (between 15 and 30 minutes for most people) compared to other benzodiazepines. An oral dose of Ativan will reach its peak effects within about two hours for most individuals.