How long does Valium last?


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The physiological effects of Valium (diazepam) don’t last long, only about 4-6 hours. However, Valium’s long half life makes Valium drug test detectable in your system for days after you take it. More here on the duration of action for Valium, effects of getting high off Valium with a section for your questions about diazepam at the end.

Valium effects on the body and brain

Valium is used to treat anxiety and muscle spasms. The main active ingredient in Valium – diazepam – is a benzodiazepine receptor agonist that affects brain systems to produce a drowsy or calming effect, sometimes to the point of inducing sleep. As a central nervous system depressant, the effects of Valium on the body can include:

  • dizziness
  • drowsiness
  • lightheadedness
  • unsteady balance

How much Valium is safe for your brain and body? Valium is prescribed in daily doses of 4 to 40 mg taken throughout the day.  Diazepam has a reputation for being incredibly safe.  While its difficult to overdose on Valium alone, dangers of mixing  alcohol with Valium include shallow breathing, unconsciousness, memory problems and impaired coordination.  Plus, when diazepam is taken to try to achieve a euphoric high or for long periods of time, Valium can become addictive.

Learn more about Valium (diazepam) addiction and treatment considerations, what you can do to address it, and your long-term rehab and recovery options.

Valium duration of action

The half-life of Valium is 20 hours, sometimes longer. It reaches peak levels in the blood just 1-1.5 hours after being taken. Despite taking several days to leave the body, the effects wear off within 4-6 hours, so it does need to be taken throughout the day.

Valium time in the body

How long does diazepam stay in your system? Valium (diazepam) can stay in the body for weeks and can be detected for at least 3 weeks in urine. In some users, Valium may take 6 weeks to completely clear from the body.

How long do Valium effects last

The effects of Valium don’t last long. Typically Valium effects will only last about 4-6 hours.

How long does a Valium high last

A Valium high will probably only last about 4 hours, maybe a little longer depending on the dosage of the medication. Some users report that the high lasts longer, with some noticeable effects a day or two later, but this doesn’t seem to be common.

Valium high effects

Valium’s therapeutic effects for anxiety disorders can also have the side effect of causing a high. In fact, some people take Valium for its central nervous system effects, because diazepam slows down brain activity resulting in a drowsy or calming effect. In self-reported examples, people have reported some of these effects when taking Valium to get high:

  1. drowsiness
  2. euphoria
  3. relaxation

However, Valium is addictive, so abusing it to get high does carry risks. A Valium addiction can result in unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, uncontrollable cravings for the drug, and compulsive use of the drug despite negative consequences.



How long Valium lasts questions

Do you still have a question about the effects of Valium or its duration of action? Please leave your questions, comments or feedback below. We are happy to try to answer your questions personally and promptly.

Reference Sources: ToxNet: Diazepam
Medline Plus: Diazepam
PubMed Health: Diazepam
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