Valium (diazepam) is a fast-acting, long-lastingbenzodiazepinethat is often prescribed to treat anxiety disorders.
Benzodiazepines such as Valium were originally developed to replace more dangerous and addictivebarbiturates.
However, these substances can still lead to physical dependence and addiction even when taken exactly as prescribed.
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Benzodiazepines like Valium are classified asSchedule IV controlled substances.
How Long Does Valium Stay in Your System?
Valium works by facilitating the activity of thechemical GABAat various receptor sites in the brain.
When taken orally, people usually begin to feel the effects 15 to 60 minutes after ingestion.
Rectal gel may be used for those who are experiencing seizures and begins working quickly after administration.
How Long Do Valium’s Effects Last?
As Valium is processed by the body, it is broken down into other substances known as metabolites.
In many cases, these metabolites are detectable in the body for much longer than the drug itself.
The most common metabolites of Valium are nordiazepam, temazepam, and oxazepam.
The metabolites of the drug may have much longer half-lives as well.
Nordiazepam, for example, has a half-life of up to 100 hours.
Valiumor rather, metabolites associated with the medicationcan be detected in the body in different ways.
Urine
Valium can be detected in urine for one to six weeks after being taken.
Blood
Valium is detectable in blood for six to 48 hours.
Saliva
A saliva test can detect Valium for one to 10 days after it’s taken.
While saliva tests have a fairly long detection window, this bang out of testing can present some challenges.
False Positive Testing
There are some medications that may cross-react with drug screens.
Other factors that can affect how long Valium stays in the body have to do with the specific prescription.
Understanding how long Valium remains in your body can help you avoid potentially serious drug interactions.
The first step to getting Valium out of your system is to stop taking the drug.
If you start taking it again at the same dose, it can result in an accidental overdose.
Such habits may help to slightly increase how quickly your body metabolizes and excretes the drug and its metabolites.
Symptoms of Overdose
Benzodiazepines such as Valium are usually considered safe when they are taken as prescribed.
However, there are a number of factors that can increase the risk of overdose.
Getting Help
Valium carries a risk of dependence.
With longer-acting drugs like Valium, withdrawal symptoms may not appear for a few days after your last dose.
If you believe that you might have a physical dependence or addiction to Valium, talk to your doctor.
Your doctor can offer advice and assistance.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
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