It is for good reason that Valium is known as a ‘long-acting benzo.’ Its effects can last rather long, sometimes beyond 12 hours. The effects of Valium peak about 1-2 hours after ingestion, and one may experience the drug's effects for about 4-6 hours after ingestion, but the drug remains in the system for much longer than that. This is because Valium breaks down into substances known as metabolites, such as:
- Desmethyldiazepam- which has a half-life of 30-100 hours
- Temazepam- which has a half-life of 5-20 hours
- Oxazepam-which has a half-life of 3-21 hours
Valium may last longer in older patients due to their weaker metabolism, as opposed to children, in whom the half-life of Valium is about 18 hours.
What Is Valium?
Valium, also known as Diazepam, belongs to a class of drugs called Benzodiazepine (Benzos). It is a widely prescribed drug that is used to treat anxiety disorders and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It can be used in conjunction with other medications to treat insomnia, seizures, restless leg syndrome, muscle spasms or stiffness. It is also administered to patients as a sedative prior to surgeries.
Valium is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance, which means that it has high potential of misuse and addiction. Even when Valium is taken via prescription, it’s possible to become addicted, especially if it’s taken for a long period of time. This is why doctors usually prescribe the drug for no longer than 4 months at a time.
How Long Does Valium Stay in the System?
The half-life of Valium is 48 hours, meaning that it could take about 10 days for the drug to fully leave the system. This is important to be aware of, especially if one wants to know when another dose of valium or other medication can be taken. As mentioned, Valium has breakdown substances which can linger for much longer- around 100 hours.
How Long Does Valium Stay in Your Urine, Hair, Blood and Saliva?
Valium lasts for different amounts of time in one's urine, hair, blood and saliva. Below are different substances in which Valium can be detected, and for how long:
- Urine- this is the most common way of detecting Valium in the body. Valium can be found in the urine up to a week since the last dosage. Valium’s metabolites can be found for up to 6 weeks.
- Hair- a 1.5-inch hair sample can determine whether or not Valium was taken the last 90 days.
- Blood- Valium can be traced in the blood up until 48 hours since it was last used.
- Saliva- Saliva can show traces of the drug up until 10 days.
These are all general estimates, since the length of time a drug remains in a person’s body depends on several factors.
How Long do the Effects of Valium Last?
Many people wonder, ‘how long does Diazepam last?’ but there is no single answer. Instead, the answer will vary according to the individual. There are several factors that affect how long Valium stays in the body. These are:
- Liver and kidney function: Since the liver plays the biggest role in eliminating the drug from the system, if there is any sort of liver malfunction, it’ll take longer for the drug to leave the body.
- Age: Generally, older people will have weaker metabolism. Also, various health conditions or use of other medications are more likely to pop up, and these reduce the elimination time. However, Diazepam will also stay longer in the system of infants.
- Body fat content: Studies have shown that Diazepam has a longer half-life in obese patients. In larger people, the drug will be distributed farther and remain in the system longer than a smaller person.
- Metabolism: The higher someone’s metabolic rate, the sooner the drug will be excreted from the body.
- Administration: If the drug has been taken for a long amount of time, Diazepam and its metabolites will accumulate in the body, resulting in a longer excretion process.
- Dose and frequency: The higher and more frequent the dosage ingested, the longer it will take for the drug to be metabolized and eliminated, as this leads to accumulation in the body.
- Method of administration: How Valium is taken affects how long it’ll last. Valium's metabolic process is faster when injected than when taken orally, although dosage still plays into the equation.
- Co-ingestion of other drugs: Taking other drugs together with Valium affects how long it stays in the system.
How Long Does Valium Take to Kick in?
The way Valium is taken affects how long it’ll take for the effects to kick in; Valium can be taken orally, intravenously or rectally.
- When taken orally on an empty stomach, it can take 15-60 minutes to take effect, whereas on a full stomach it could take up to 5 hours. For example, if the patient ate a fatty meal before swallowing the Valium tablet, absorption of the drug will be reduced, so it’ll take longer for it to take effect.
- Diazepam rectal gel reaches peak plasma concentrations in 1.5 hours.
- When taken via injection, one will feel the effects of the drug after 1-5 minutes.
Treatment for Valium Abuse
Below are some questions to ask yourself to determine whether or not you’re addicted to Valium and treatment is necessary.
Have you been:
- Taking volume in higher dosages or frequencies than intended?
- Craving the drug?
- Experiencing tough withdrawal symptoms when trying to cut back or quit?
- Trying to reduce your Valium intake with no success?
- Having difficulties fulfilling your obligations at home, school or at work?
- Continuing to take Valium despite its negative/dangerous repercussions being obvious to you?
- Needing higher doses of Valium to get the same effect as the previous dose?
Treatment programs for Valium addiction at Avenues Recovery Center include:
- Medical detox: We will help you rid your system of Valium in a safe and calm environment with 24/7 medical care and guidance.
- Behavioral therapy: Support groups or one-to-one therapy will teach coping skills to be able to deal with life’s challenges without turning to Valium. CBT and Contingency management are popular choices.
Medications that help manage the withdrawal symptoms and cravings include:
- Antidepressants- these can help treat anxiety and depression- 2 common withdrawal symptoms of Valium.
- Anticonvulsants-these will help manage seizures that may occur during withdrawal.
- Benzodiazepine agonists- these medications will help reduce cravings.
Recovery is challenging, yet possible. Getting the right help to quit taking Valium and to manage the withdrawal symptoms is essential to a successful recovery. At Avenues Recovery, we will provide you with a supportive and relaxing environment, replete with expert doctors and therapists that offer unsurpassed support and guidance. Our highly professional team has a wealth of experience in treating addiction, and they will stop at nothing to give you the help you deserve. Remember, addiction to Valium can be lethal if left untreated. Reach out to us today to begin your journey towards a happier, healthier and addiction-free future.