Is it safe to take Ativan and then tramadol if I allow three hours between doses?

Wildcat is spot on.

The point is if the same Dr. prescribed both the benzo and the tramadol, he/she is most likely aware of the potential interaction between these two medications, and must have evaluated that the benefit outweighs the risk and would not put you in harms way.
Now, if both medications were prescribed by different Drs. and they are not informed you are taking one med or the other then definitely follow Wildcat's advice.

All the best, masso

Hi, Danny and connie!
Ativan has a long half life of about 12 hours meaning that after 12 hours about 50% of the drug is still in your system, after another 12 hours 25% would remain, etc.
About 50% of your tramadol dose would remain in your system after 7 hours, etc.
https://www.drugs.com/interactions-check.php?drug_list=1488-899,2221-17957
Because there's a major chance of an interaction I'd say you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist for professional advice before taking the combination.
Best regards,
Wildcat