How long does Lorien take to work? Understanding Onset and Duration

October 8, 2025 •

2 min read

The speed at which lorazepam, known by brand names including Lorien and Ativan, begins to work is highly dependent on the administration method. While an intravenous injection can provide rapid relief within minutes, the more common oral forms typically take effect within half an hour or more.

Quick Summary

Lorien (lorazepam) onset varies by route: minutes for IV, 5–10 for sublingual, and 30+ minutes for oral. Peak effects occur later, with duration around 6–8 hours, influenced by factors like food and metabolism.

Key Points

Oral Onset: Oral lorazepam (Lorien/Ativan) typically starts working in 15–30 minutes, with peak effects at 1–2 hours.
Sublingual Onset: Placing a tablet under the tongue (sublingual) leads to a faster onset of 5–10 minutes.
IV Onset: Intravenous injection, used for emergencies, takes effect within 1–3 minutes.
Intermediate Duration: Lorazepam is an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine, with effects lasting approximately 6–8 hours.
Influencing Factors: Onset can be affected by food in the stomach, age, and liver function.
Dosage Warning: Never increase your dosage if you feel the medication isn't working; consult your doctor instead.
Compared to Xanax: Lorazepam works more slowly than Xanax (alprazolam) but provides longer-lasting relief.

Onset and Peak Effect by Administration Method

The time it takes for lorazepam to work depends on the method of administration.

Oral Tablet (e.g., Lorien, Ativan)

Onset: Effects may begin within 15 to 30 minutes.
Peak Effect: Maximum effect is typically reached within 1 to 2 hours.
Duration: A single dose generally lasts for 6 to 8 hours.

Sublingual Tablet

Onset: Sublingual administration can result in effects within 5 to 10 minutes.
Peak Effect: Peak effects occur around 60 to 90 minutes.
Duration: The duration is also approximately 6 to 8 hours.

Intravenous (IV) Injection

Onset: IV injection, used for severe conditions, provides effects within 1 to 3 minutes.
Peak Effect: Peak effects are typically reached after 30 to 40 minutes.
Duration: Effects last for several hours.

Factors Influencing How Quickly Lorazepam Works

Individual responses to lorazepam can vary based on several factors, emphasizing the need to follow healthcare provider instructions.

Stomach Contents: Taking an oral dose on an empty stomach can speed up onset, while food can slow absorption.
Age: Older adults may experience slower onset and prolonged effects due to slower metabolism.
Liver and Kidney Health: Impaired organ function can affect drug processing. Lorazepam is generally safer for those with liver issues as it doesn't produce active metabolites.
Dosage: Higher doses may result in a more pronounced and faster effect, but also increase side effect risk.

How Lorazepam Compares to Other Benzodiazepines

Lorazepam's onset and duration profile is different from other benzodiazepines like alprazolam and diazepam.


Medication (Oral)	Onset of Action	Peak Effect	Duration of Action
Lorazepam (Ativan)	15–30 minutes	1–2 hours	6–8 hours
Alprazolam (Xanax)	30–60 minutes	1–2 hours	4–6 hours
Diazepam (Valium)	30–60 minutes	1–2 hours	Long-acting due to active metabolites

Lorazepam has a comparable onset to Xanax and Valium but offers a longer duration than Xanax. Diazepam has an even longer duration due to its active metabolites.

What to Do If You Feel It Isn't Working

If you don't feel the effects within the expected timeframe, do not take an extra dose. Instead:

Wait: Allow up to two hours for oral tablets to reach full effect.
Check Factors: Consider if food might be delaying the onset.
Consult Your Doctor: If the medication consistently seems ineffective, speak with your healthcare provider to discuss options.
Avoid Alcohol and Stimulants: These can interfere with lorazepam's effects.
Do Not Stop Suddenly: Abruptly stopping lorazepam after several weeks can cause serious withdrawal symptoms.

Conclusion

Lorien (lorazepam) is a fast-acting benzodiazepine whose onset varies by administration method. IV injection provides rapid relief within minutes, oral tablets work within 15–30 minutes, and sublingual forms are slightly faster. Individual factors also play a role. Lorazepam is an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine with effects lasting around 6–8 hours. Always consult a healthcare provider with concerns or before changing your dosage. For more information, see the MedlinePlus Lorazepam page.

Frequently Asked Questions

The fastest way to feel the effects of lorazepam is via intravenous (IV) injection, which is typically reserved for emergency medical situations like status epilepticus and works within 1–3 minutes.

Yes, taking oral lorazepam with food can slow down the absorption process, which may delay the onset of its effects. Taking it on an empty stomach can result in faster absorption.

The effects of a single dose of oral or sublingual lorazepam typically last for approximately 6–8 hours.

If you feel the medication is not working, do not increase your dose. First, wait to see if the full effect develops over 1–2 hours. If it remains ineffective, contact your doctor for advice.

Yes, older adults may have a slower metabolism and clearance of lorazepam, leading to a slower onset and potentially prolonged sedative effects. Due to increased sensitivity, they are typically prescribed lower doses.

There is no difference in speed between Ativan and Lorien because they are both brand names for the same medication, lorazepam. The speed of effect depends on the route of administration, not the brand.

Sublingual lorazepam works more quickly than the oral tablet. Sublingual administration can begin to take effect in 5–10 minutes, while oral tablets typically require 15–30 minutes.