For example, if you’re undergoing exposure therapy for social anxiety, your therapist might walk through an anxiety-inducing scenario with you, such as a birthday party. Therapy helps with anxiety, and can be an effective alternative to Xanax or a complement to Xanax or another medication. Oral Ativan takes a little longer than Xanax to kick in, up to 2 hours. Xanax lasts a bit longer too, up to 11 hours...