Relief for the symptoms of your anxiety may come in the form of a medication commonly known as Valium. As with any prescription drug, it is critical that you are aware of the interactions and possible side effects of your medication. Understanding the duration of diazepam half life, how long it stays in your system, and diazepam warnings could make the difference in your health and well-being.
Diazepam for Anxiety
Part of a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines, diazepam is prescribed for the treatment of anxiety as well as for seizures, muscle spasms, and as part of an alcohol withdrawal program. The medication can also be administered just before anesthesia. If you are feeling the symptoms of anxiety, including difficulty sleeping or concentrating, feeling nervous or fearful, or feeling irritable, diazepam might be able to help.
Half Life
Valium can stay in various parts of your system for up to three months after you take it. The medication remains in your blood up to 48 hours, in your saliva up to 10 days, in your in your urine up to 6 weeks, and in your hair up to 90 days.
Diazepam half life is about 48 hours. The half life is how long it takes for half of a dose to be eliminated from your body. As the drug is processed by your body, it is broken down into substances referred to as metabolites. These metabolites can be detected for much longer than the diazepam itself and may also have much longer half lives. In addition, when you take Valium over a long period of time, the total half life can be prolonged.
Side Effects
As with any prescription medication, diazepam may cause certain side effects. Particularly when you first start taking the drug, you may feel dizzy or lightheaded, have headaches, experience sleepiness, or feel fatigued. Having too much of the drug in your body at one time can result in more serious side effects, including impaired movement and balance, shortness of breath, and unresponsiveness.
Taking diazepam with opioid medications can lead to very serious side effects, including difficulty breathing and even death. Opioids are drugs designed to treat pain, such as codeine, oxycodone, morphine, and illegal drugs such as heroin. Cough syrup may also contain opioid medication. Sedatives such as sleeping pills or tranquilizers can result in life-threatening side effects if you take them when you still have Valium in your system.
Diazepam Warnings
When you take diazepam, or Valium, you should understand that it is intended to be used for short periods of time. However, the medication can produce an emotional or physical dependence that can lead to addiction, even when you take it as prescribed.
Always talk to your healthcare provider about any side effects that you are experiencing and if you want to stop the medication. Do not stop taking diazepam on your own. You could experience serious withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, dizziness, changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, irritability, and seizures.
Avoid alcohol and opioid medications when taking diazepam, as the interaction could decrease the benefits of the Valium and increase the adverse effects you feel from the drug. Get medical assistance if you are taking diazepam with an opioid medication and begin to feel dizzy or sleepy, have trouble breathing, or feel as though you are going to pass out. Drinking alcohol can increase your risk of accidental overdose.
Overdose
If you overdose on diazepam, call 911 or your healthcare provider. You can also contact the poison control center at 800-222-1222. Symptoms of an overdose can include slow reflexes, impaired coordination, and confusion.
An overdose can lead to a coma and death so it’s important that you get help immediately. A treatment in the form of a medicine known as flumazenil is available to reverse the effects of an overdose, but it must be given intravenously at a hospital by a healthcare provider.
Contact Recovery Without Walls for Prescription Drug Help
At Recovery Without Walls, we understand that a dependence and an addiction to prescription medications such as diazepam can be challenging. We are here to guide you through safe and effective withdrawal from prescriptions, including Valium and other benzodiazepines. We personalize your treatment based on evidence-informed research, exceptional psychotherapy, nutritional support, and integrative healing methods designed to treat your whole body. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.