Also known as Valium, Diazepam is a benzodiazepine or central nervous system depressant that’s used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures (fits.
Diazepam is also sometimes used to reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as sweating and insomnia. Valium comes as tablets in various milligram (mg) strengths, including 2 mg, 5mg, and 10 mg; liquid; injection (Diazemuls); and rectal solution or enema. Many people who take this drug wonder, “how long does Diazepam last?” Knowing the answer is important not only to better understand this drug as a medication but also to understand how the duration of its side effects impacts addiction. Our drug rehab in Philadelphia shares more on the longevity of a Diazepam high and how long this substance can be detected in your system.
How Diazepam (Valium) Works
Diazepam works by increasing the levels of an inhibitory neurotransmitter called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA is referred to as an inhibitory neurotransmitter because it blocks impulses between nerve cells in the brain, reducing hyperactivity associated with conditions like anxiety, mood disorders, epilepsy, insomnia, and chronic pain. Although benzodiazepines like Diazepam were introduced to replace addictive drugs like barbiturates, they also have a high potential for abuse. Valium and other benzos not only relax the mind and body but also produce a sedative effect that may be pleasurable. When taken for long periods, this drug can cause physical dependence and addiction. In that case, those addicted to this drug should seek out IOP drug treatment because benzo withdrawals and other side effects may be difficult to recover from without assistance.
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How Long Do the Side Effects of Diazepam Last?
The duration of Diazepam side effects depends on the person’s tolerance to the drug and how much they’ve taken. How long Diazepam effects last also depends on the kind of tablet taken. Valium has a very short onset of action, meaning that Diazepam effects kick in within 15 minutes and usually reach their peak after about an hour. And while Diazepam effects only last about 5 hours, the drug itself is long-acting, meaning that it can stay in your system for much longer.
Some other adverse Diazepam effects on the body include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Difficulty urinating
- Changes in sex drive or ability
- Frequent urination
- Loss of control over motor movement
- Uncontrollable shaking
- Slurred speech
- Slowed breathing and heart rate
While Diazepam is a relatively safe medication when taken as prescribed and directed by a doctor, it’s often mixed with alcohol and other drugs like opiates to increase its side effects. Mixing benzos and alcohol or any other sedatives or depressants can cause severe central nervous system depression, slowing your breathing and heart rate to the point where it’s life-threatening. When a person takes an intoxicating dose of Diazepam, they can overdose, which can cause death via respiratory depression.
How Long Does Diazepam Stay In Your System?
How long Diazepam lasts in someone’s system depends on the drug’s half-life and the dose the person took. Valium’s or Diazepam’s half-life is 48 hours, meaning that it takes about 48 hours for half of the original dose taken to be eliminated from the body. After another 48 hours or so, the leftover amount of the drug is halved or eliminated again, and so on. When Valium is processed by the body, it’s broken down into metabolites, which may be detectable even after the drug’s effects have worn off. The metabolites of these drugs may have longer half-lives than the drugs themselves. For instance, Nordiazepam has a half-life of up to 100 hours. Additionally, taking multiple doses of Diazepam may slightly prolong its half-life or the time it takes for it to leave the system.
Generally speaking, Valium or Diazepam lasts 7 to 9 days in your system. Diazepam detection times may also vary depending on how it’s detected or the drug test used:
- Urine: Diazepam can be detected in urine between one and six weeks after it’s taken.
- Blood: Diazepam can be detected in blood between 6 and 48 hours after it’s taken. Blood tests for detecting Diazepam are less common, however, because of the shorter detection window.
- Saliva: Diazepam can be detected in saliva anywhere from 1 to 10 days after it’s taken. Saliva tests have a longer detection window, but they can also be difficult to conduct because benzos can cause dry mouth or hypersalivation.
- Hair: Similar to other drugs, Diazepam can be detected in hair for up to 90 days or three months after it’s taken.
There are certain factors that may affect the detection time of Diazepam, such as age, metabolism, weight, percentage of body fat, activity level, and hydration. Certain health conditions, such as liver or kidney damage, can also impact how long Valium stays in your system. Taking larger doses or taking repeated doses during a short period may also affect the drug’s longevity in the body.
If you or a loved one is showing signs of Benzo addiction, speak to the prescribing doctor right away. The doctor may adjust the medication doses and offer more advice. Additionally, Banyan Treatment Centers Philadelphia also provides benzo addiction treatment that involves individual and group therapy to aid in your recovery. To learn how we can help, call us now at 888-280-4763.
