What is Valium?
Valium (diazepam) is a prescription medication used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures, and sometimes alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It’s part of the benzodiazepine class of drugs, which work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).[1,2] This results in a calming effect on the brain and nerves, which is why it’s often used to relieve anxiety or promote muscle relaxation.
Valium is a schedule IV drug, indicating a low potential for abuse and dependence.[3] However, it is widely known that benzodiazepines like Valium can be addictive. In severe cases, they can lead to potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
Side Effects & Duration
The most common side effects of Valium include:[2]
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Muscle weakness
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Blurry vision
- Calmness
- Relaxation
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Memory problems
The duration of Valium’s side effects depends on the dosage, frequency of use, and your individual metabolism. For most people, common side effects like drowsiness and dizziness can last 4 to 6 hours after a single dose.
However, Valium has a long half-life (20-50 hours), meaning traces of the drug can stay in your system for a longer period.[2] Because of this, side effects like fatigue or difficulty concentrating may linger for 1 to 2 days, especially with higher doses or repeated use.
Valium Half-Life and Metabolism
Valium has a long half-life, typically ranging from 20 to 50 hours. This means it takes that long for half of the drug to be eliminated from your body. In some cases, especially with long-term or heavy use, the half-life can extend to 100 hours or more. Since it has such a long half-life, it can stay in your system longer than many other benzos.
Valium is metabolized in the liver. It’s broken down into active metabolites, including desmethyldiazepam, which also has a long half-life.[2,4] These metabolites are then gradually eliminated from the body through urine. Because of this process, Valium can stay in your system for several days, and in some cases, traces of it can be detected for up to a week or more after the last dose.
Factors that Affect How Long Valium Stays in Your System
Numerous variables influence the amount of time Valium stays in the body, such as:[4,5]
- Dosage: Higher doses lead to the accumulation of Valium and its metabolites in the body, causing them to take longer to be eliminated.
- Frequency of use: Regular or long-term use leads to a buildup in the body, extending how long it stays in your system.
- Metabolism: People with faster metabolisms process Valium more quickly, while those with slower metabolisms will take longer.
- Age: Older adults tend to process Valium more slowly, so it stays in their system longer.
- Liver function: Since Valium is metabolized in the liver, individuals with liver issues will process the drug more slowly.
- Body fat: Valium is fat-soluble, meaning it can accumulate in fat tissue, especially in people with higher body fat percentages.
- Overall health: Poor health or certain medical conditions can affect how quickly Valium is processed and eliminated.
- Other medications: Some medications can interfere with how Valium is metabolized, slowing down or speeding up the process.
- Hydration levels: Proper hydration helps the kidneys flush the drug out faster through urine. Dehydration may slow elimination.
Estimated Valium Detection Times on Drug Tests
Valium can stay in your system for different lengths of time depending on the type of drug test being used. Below is a breakdown of the estimated detection windows for various tests:
Urine Test
Urine tests are the most common for detecting Valium. It can typically be found in urine anywhere from 1 to 7 days after the last dose. For long-term or heavy users, Valium may be detectable for several weeks.[5]
Blood Test
Blood tests are less common but can detect Valium for a shorter period. On average, it remains detectable in the blood for 21 to 37 hours after the last dose. This makes blood tests more effective for detecting recent use.
Saliva Test
Saliva tests can detect Valium and its metabolites for up to 2 days after the last dose. This method is less reliable than urine or blood tests for long-term detection.
Hair Test
Hair follicle tests have the longest detection window. A 1.5-inch hair sample can show Valium use for up to 90 days after the last dose.
Valium Withdrawal and Detox
There is no quick way to get Valium out of your system, and if you’ve been abusing it or are addicted to it, you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it.
Valium withdrawal can be challenging, especially for those who have been using the drug regularly or for an extended period. When your body becomes dependent on Valium, stopping it suddenly can lead to a range of uncomfortable and potentially dangerous symptoms, including:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Sweating
- Headaches
- Muscle pain
- Seizures
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
Valium detox is best done under medical supervision, especially if you’ve been using high doses or taking the drug for a long time. Doctors often recommend a gradual tapering process to slowly reduce the dosage, minimizing withdrawal symptoms. In some cases, additional medications may be prescribed to help manage anxiety, insomnia, or other withdrawal symptoms.
Get Help for Valium Addiction Now
During detox, it’s important to have support from healthcare providers and, ideally, a structured program that can help you safely manage withdrawal and transition to life without Valium. 1st Step Behavioral Health is a licensed detox and long-term addiction treatment facility that is accredited by the Joint Commission. We focus on the physiological rebalancing of the individual through medical, physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual care.
At our detox center, we can prescribe medications that alleviate your symptoms and offer 24-hour support and supervision, ensuring your safety and comfort during the detox process. To learn more about our Valium detox programs or to get started with a confidential, risk-free assessment, please contact us today.
References:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Valium (diazepam)
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Diazepam
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Drug Scheduling
- Springer Nature: Pharmacokinetics of Diazepam and Its Metabolites in Urine of Chinese Participants
- Oxford Academic: The Urinary Elimination Profiles of Diazepam and Its Metabolites, Nordiazepam, Temazepam, and Oxazepam, in the Equine after a 10-mg Intramuscular Dose
