Lorazepam affects you in two main ways:
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How long it takes to work: Lorazepam starts working relatively quickly, within 20 to 30 minutes after you take it.
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How long the effects last: The effects of lorazepam, particularly the sedative effect, can last for 4 to 6 hours in most people.
Here's a breakdown of lorazepam's duration:
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Feeling the effects: 20-30 minutes
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Peak effects: Up to 2 hours
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Full sedative effect: 6-8 hours (most people)
It's important to note that lorazepam can stay in your system for longer than it produces noticeable effects. While the medication itself might be eliminated within a day, some metabolites (breakdown products) may linger for up to a week and be detectable in a drug test.
Here are some resources for additional information:
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NHS - About lorazepam: [about lorazepam nhs ON nhs.uk]