How long does Lorazepam take to start working?
By
Dr Natalia Marceli Stephanes (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes PhD is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drugs Administration and Toxicity; Discovery of New Drugs; Cancer Treatment; Biochemical Analyzes and Hematological Analyzes. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes’ Highlights:
- Pharmacist at the Department of Health of Santa Catarina State, Brazil
- PhD with a focus on oncology treatment
- Years of experience in commercial pharmacy
- Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina
Professional Experience:
From her undergraduate studies to her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Pharmacy, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has participated in numerous scientific studies in the field of oncology and onco-hematology at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Her research has focused on understanding the molecular and biochemical bases of malignant neoplasms and investigating safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has also served as an assistant professor of haematology for undergraduate students at the Federal University of Santa Catarina. Additionally, she held the position of professor of Hospital Pharmacy at the Qualificar Technical School in Brazil, where she developed instructional materials for use in the Pharmacy Postgraduate Program at the Leonardo Da Vinci University Center.
In addition to her academic experiences, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes possesses a strong expertise in commercial pharmacy, with in-depth knowledge of medications, their routes of administration, desired effects, adverse effects, and toxicity.
Currently, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes works as a Pharmacist at the Health Department of Santa Catarina State, where her role entails providing pharmaceutical scientific consulting services to judges.
Education:
- 2016 Bachelor in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2018 Master in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2023 PhD in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
The main publications of Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes are:
Falchetti M ; Delgobo M, Zancanaro H, Almeida K, Das Neves RN, Dos Santos B, Stefanes NM, et al. Bishop Omics-based identification of an NRF2-related auranofin resistance signature in cancer: Insights into drug repurposing. Comput. Biol. Med [Internet]. 2023; 152:106347.
Feuser PM, Matos dos Santos PC, Cordeiro AP, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Maioral MF, Santos-Silva MC, et al. Antineoplastic activity of free 4-nitrochalcone and encapsulated in poly(thioether-ester) nanoparticles obtained by thiol-ene polymerization in two human leukemia cell lines (Jurkat and K562). J Drug Deliv Sci Technol [Internet]. 2022; 67:102924.
Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Perondi DM, Efe FL, Souza LFS, Sens L, et al. Synthesis of chalcones derived from 1-naphthylacetophenone and evaluation of their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in acute leukemia cell lines. Bioorg. Chem [Internet]. 2021; 116:105315.
Duarte BF, Vieira DSC, Lisboa ML, Stefanes NM, Grando LJ, Santos-Silva MC. Características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes portadores de carcinoma de células escamosas de boca. Arquivos Catarinenses de Medicina. 2021; 50(2): 232–245.
Machado V, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Santos-Silva MC, Biavatti MW. Anti-leukemic activity of semisynthetic derivatives of Lupeol. Nat. Prod. Res. 2021; 35(22):4494-4501.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Yunes RA, et al. A novel sulfonamide derivative as a strong and selective apoptotic agent against hematological malignancies. Chem. Pap. 2020; 74:2965–2976.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Cytotoxic mechanisms of primin, a natural quinone isolated from Eugenia hiemalis, on hematological cancer cell lines. Anticancer Drugs. 2020; 31(7):709-717.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Neufeldt PD, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Santos-Silva MC. Aldehyde biphenyl chalcones induce immunogenic apoptotic-like cell death and are promising new safe compounds against a wide range of hematologic cancers. Future Med. Chem. 2020; 12(8):673–688.
Perondi DM, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Maioral MF, Sens L, Pacheco LA, Cury NM, et al. A novel thiosemicarbazone as a promising effective and selective compound for acute leukemia. Anticancer Drugs. 2019; 30(8):p 828-837.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Argenta DF, Dotto MER, Santos-Silva MC, et al. PEO-chitosan nanofibers containing carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanoparticles loaded with pyrazoline for skin cancer treatment. Eur. Polym. J. 2019; 119:335-343.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Santos-Silva MC, Nunes RJ, Parize AL, et al. A new and efficient carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanocarrier for a pyrazoline with antileukemic activity. Mater. Sci. Eng. C [Internet]. 2019; 105:110051.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Miconidine acetate, a new selective and cytotoxic compound with synergic potential, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in leukemia cells. Invest. New Drugs. 2019; 37:912–922.
Srefanes NM, Toigo J, Maioral MF, Jacques AV, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Perondi DM, Ribeiro AAB, et al. Synthesis of novel pyrazoline derivatives and the evaluation of death mechanisms involved in their antileukemic activity. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2019; 27(2):375-382.
Maioral MF, Bodack CN, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Yunes RA, et al. Cytotoxic effect of a novel naphthylchalcone against multiple cancer cells focusing on hematologic malignancies. Biochim. 2017; 140:48-57.
You can view some of Dr Natália’s work below and links to her professional profile below.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Natalia-Stephanes
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliamarceli/
How long does Lorazepam take to start working?
Lorazepam has a fast onset of action and it starts working in about 20-30 minutes. The sedative and anxiolytic effects of the drug last for about 7-9 hours (1,2).
This is why it is recommended to take the medication an hour or two before your bedtime. This way, you will have a sound sleep and little to no hangover effects the following morning.
However, Lorazepam may take a few days to manage your anxiety. But it is important to make sure that you don’t misuse or overuse Lorazepam because of how it makes you feel (3).
Its calming and relaxing properties can cause addiction and it becomes extremely difficult to get out of it. This is why it’s best to use Lorazepam according to your doctor’s directions.
What factors can affect the time taken by Lorazepam to work?
Several factors can affect the time it takes for Lorazepam to work in the body. Firstly, individual variations play a significant role. Each person’s metabolism, body weight, and overall health can impact how quickly the medication is absorbed and distributed throughout the body (1).
Additionally, the dosage and form of Lorazepam may also influence the onset of action. For example, oral tablets may take longer to start working compared to intravenous administration.
Furthermore, the presence of other medications or substances in the body can interact with Lorazepam and alter its effects. Certain drugs can either speed up or slow down the metabolism of Lorazepam, affecting how quickly it takes effect.
Alcohol and other central nervous system depressants can intensify the sedative effects of Lorazepam, leading to increased drowsiness.
The purpose for which Lorazepam is being taken can also impact the time it takes to work. For anxiety or panic disorders, the effects may be noticed relatively quickly, providing a calming effect (4). However, for certain seizure conditions, it may take longer for Lorazepam to control the seizures effectively.
How to ensure the proper use of Lorazepam?
Ensuring the proper use of Lorazepam is essential for your safety and to achieve the desired therapeutic effects. Firstly, always take Lorazepam exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Follow the recommended dosage and dosing schedule carefully (1,2).
Do not increase or decrease the dose without your doctor’s approval, as it may lead to unwanted side effects or reduced effectiveness.
It’s crucial to avoid using Lorazepam for longer than prescribed or in larger amounts than directed. Lorazepam is a short-term treatment for anxiety or other conditions, and extended use may lead to dependence or withdrawal symptoms (1,2).
If you have concerns about continuing the medication or need it for an extended period, discuss this with your doctor to find the best approach for your specific situation.
Never share your Lorazepam with others, even if they have similar symptoms. The medication may not be suitable for everyone, and sharing it can be harmful or dangerous. Additionally, avoid consuming alcohol or other sedative substances while taking Lorazepam.
If you are considering stopping Lorazepam treatment, do not do so abruptly. Sudden discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms, such as increased anxiety, sleep disturbances, and agitation. Instead, talk to your healthcare provider about gradually tapering off the medication under their supervision.
It is also important to talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing uncommon or rare side effects of Ativan, such as an allergic reaction, breathing difficulty, unexplained weight gain or loss, fever with chills, etc.
What to do if Lorazepam does not help your health condition adequately?
If Lorazepam does not adequately help your health condition, it’s essential to communicate this to your healthcare provider.
Your doctor can reevaluate your treatment plan, consider adjusting the dosage of Lorazepam, or explore alternative medications that may be more effective for your specific condition.
It’s crucial not to change your medication or dosage without your doctor’s guidance, as sudden changes can lead to adverse effects or worsen your condition. Instead, work together with your healthcare provider to find the best solution for your individual needs.
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References
1.-
Ghiasi N, Bhansali RK, Marwaha R. Lorazepam. 2023 Jan 31. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30422485. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532890
2.-
PubChem [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US), National Center for Biotechnology Information; 2004-. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 3958, Lorazepam; [cited 2023 July 28]. Available from: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Lorazepam
3.-
Schmitz A. Benzodiazepine use, misuse, and abuse: A review. Ment Health Clin. 2016 May 6;6(3):120-126. doi: 10.9740/mhc.2016.05.120. PMID: 29955458; PMCID: PMC6007645. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6007645/
