How Long Does Valium Last? Effects, Duration, and What to Expect

Valium, also called diazepam, is a commonly prescribed medication for anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, seizures, and muscle spasms. If you are taking it and experiencing some side effects, you might wonder, How long does valium last? While this medicine is well-known for its calming effects, its duration goes beyond the initial relief. So, if you are using Valium, knowing how long it stays in the system is crucial to ensure its safe use. This blog will help you with this! Take a look! 

How Long Does Valium Last?

Valium (diazepam) is a long-acting benzodiazepine, this means, its effects will last for a longer period that is around 4-6 hours. However, its residual effects like relaxation and drowsiness can continue to impact for a prolonged period. The two main reasons for its longer duration are:

• Fat-soluble: As it is fat-soluble, it can rapidly leave the bloodstream and get stored in fat tissues, extending its metabolism and excretion process.

• Active metabolites: As its metabolites are active, they can continue to show their effects even when the body is metabolizing them to eliminate them. 

How Long Does Valium Take to Work?

As Valium (diazepam) is a fast-acting benzodiazepine, it shows its effects within a few minutes of its use. However, the exact duration varies depending on the form of dosage you are taking. According to the National Library of Medicine, here is the Valium onset time based on different administration methods:

Important Safety Tips:

• Avoid excessive use to prevent serious side effects like impaired movements, shortness of breath, drowsiness, and confusion.

• Long-term use can be habit-forming, leading to a higher risk of Alzheimer's.

• Can lead to severe or life-threatening side effects if taken with other medications like sleeping pills, sedatives, tranquilizers, and alcohol.

How Long Does Valium Stay in Your System?

Though the visible effects of Valium subsides within some hours, it can stay in the system for a longer period. So, if you are soon undergoing a drug test for some medical or legal reasons, it's crucial to understand its detection window to avoid false test results and legal consequences.

So, how long does Valium take to get eliminated from the body? The Valium half-life (how long the body takes to eliminate the half percent of the dose) is around 48 hours, meaning it takes this much time to get excreted from the body. This duration can vary based on different drug tests:

Valium Detection Window in Different Drug Tests

Here’s the detection window of Valium in different drug tests:

These are the estimated detection time frames of Valium based on the amount of time of its last intake. The exact value can vary depending on several factors.

Factors Affecting the Detection Window Of Valium

These factors can affect the excretion of Valium from the system:

• Drug Dose: Larger doses need much time to get metabolized and eliminated from the system.

• Frequency of Use: Frequent use for a prolonged time can lead to a longer time to process and fully remove the drug and its metabolites.

• Method of Use: Oral intake might take longer to get metabolized and excreted compared to injections based on the dosage.

• Age: Elderly patients tend to slowly excrete the drug compared to younger ones.

• Metabolism: Individuals with a slower metabolism might process the medicine more slowly than ones with a faster metabolism.

• Liver Function: As the liver helps with drug metabolization, impaired liver function may increase its stay in the system.

• Other Health Issues: People with chronic diseases or obesity may take a longer time to metabolize and eliminate the drug.

Tips To Get Rid of Valium From Your System

If you are struggling with the side effects of Valium or soon facing a drug test, you can consider these tips to speed up its processing and excretion:

• Stop Valium Use: This is the first step, but make sure to speak with your doctor who can help with the gradual lowering of the dose to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

• Stay Hydrated: Make sure to drink a lot of water to get rid of toxins via urine.

• Exercise Regularly: Practice physical activities regularly to boost metabolism which will help with faster breakdown of the drug.

• Consume a Healthy Diet: Add foods rich in antioxidants, lean proteins, and fiber to support your liver function.

• Get Adequate Rest: Aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep to assist your body to efficiently process and eliminate the drug.

• Avoid Alcohol and Other Medicines: These substances can slow down metabolism, making it challenging for the body to excrete Valium.

• Improve Liver Health: As the liver helps with the metabolization of the drug, consume liver-friendly foods such as citrus fruits and leafy greens to promote liver health.

Remember that healthy habits and patience are key!

Valium Withdrawal Symptoms

When quitting Valium, you can face some challenges with withdrawal symptoms which arise as the body is trying to adjust without the medicine. The symptoms can vary based on the severity levels and last for several weeks and months.

Common withdrawal symptoms of Valium are:

• Sweating

• Fast heartbeat

• Stomach cramps

• Nausea or vomiting

• Hand tremor

• Agitation

• Headaches

• Muscle pain and spasms

• Rebound anxiety

• Tremors or twitching

Severe Withdrawal Symptoms:

• Hallucinations

• Numbness or tingling sensation in the arms and legs,

• Depersonalization

• Derealization

• Heightened sensations

• Sensitivities to light and sound

• Psychosis (a loss of touch with reality)

• Delirium (mental confusion)

• Convulsions or seizures (can be life-threatening)

Note: If you notice any symptoms that last longer, consult a doctor immediately.

Symptoms of Overdose

Taking Valium in more than the prescribed dose or using it with alcohol or other medicines like central nervous system depressants can lead to overdose risk with symptoms like:

• Deep sleep

• Dizziness

• Blue lips

• Difficulty breathing

• Mental confusion

• Blurry vision

• Lack of coordination

• Weakness

• Unresponsiveness

If you or someone around you experience any of these symptoms, call 911 (an emergency number) or 800-222-1222 (to reach out to the Poison Center).

Valium Addiction And its Treatment

If consumed frequently and excessively, Valium can lead to addiction risk which can lead to several issues, including:

• A more focus on getting Valium

• Isolation from friends and family members

• Craving for Valium

• Continue to take it despite it causing issues

• Neglecting professional and personal duties

• Losing interest in work that one previously enjoyed

Though addiction recovery can be tough, it is possible with these treatment plans:

• Medical Detox: Licensed medical professionals help with the safe detoxification of the body from Valium. They assist to ease withdrawal symptoms and prepare for long-term recovery.

• Inpatient Treatment: You live in a rehab center to get extensive care recovery without distractions through individual and group therapy, peer support meetings, and counseling.

• Outpatient treatment: You receive your treatment sessions for recovery within 1 day or overnight and go back to your everyday routine. 

Final Thoughts

So, how long does Valium last? Well, as we learn in this article, valium's effects can last for 4-6 hours, however, it can stay in the system for several weeks or months. The exact duration can vary based on factors like metabolism, drug dose, frequency of use, administration method, and overall health. Make sure to follow the prescribed dose to avoid overdose and addiction risk. Also, seek medical guidance if you want to quit it to prevent the impact of withdrawal symptoms.

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