When our body begins to metabolize a medication, different organs process the ingredients before they are finally released into the bloodstream. While the process may sound straightforward, different drugs dissolve at different rates, different formulas, and dosages break down differently – and, everybody’s body metabolizes medication uniquely. These are just a few of the many complexities behind the nature of drug absorption and metabolism.
The vast majority of medications are taken orally and are broken down within the gastrointestinal tract. Once the medication arrives, it is broken down by stomach acids before it passes through the liver and then enters the bloodstream. Certain medications may stay in the bloodstream longer – it all depends on the dosage and drug family consumed.
There are several factors at play when determining the overall time required for medication to fully digest. The following factors all impact an individual’s sensitivity to and absorption of medication:
• Age
• Weight
• Gender
• Time of day taken
• Level of physical activity
• Level of stress
• Content of stomach and PH level
• Presence of other medications
Gastric acids may prevent or slow the breakdown of certain medications. Additionally, when a medication is metabolized in the liver, its potency will decrease along with its effectiveness before the medicine reaches the bloodstream.
What is Valium?
Valium is a brand of diazepam, a medication of the benzodiazepine family that acts as an anxiolytic. It is commonly used to relieve anxiety and to control agitation caused by alcohol withdrawal. It is also used along with other medications to control muscle spasms and spasticity caused by certain neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy (a condition that causes difficulty with movement and balance), paraplegia (inability to move parts of the body), athetosis (abnormal muscle contractions), and stiff-man syndrome (a rare disorder with muscle rigidity and stiffness).
Valium is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance because of its abuse potential and risk for physical and psychological dependence. Prescriptions may be refilled only a limited number of times; ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. Other popular brands of diazepam are Bensedin and Diastat.
How it works
Valium belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. A class of drugs refers to medications that work similarly. They have a similar chemical structure and are often used to treat similar conditions.
Valium increases the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a special chemical that can send signals throughout your nervous system. If you don’t have enough GABA, your body may be in an excited state and cause you to have anxiety, get muscle spasms, or have seizures. When you take this drug, you’ll have more GABA in your body. This will help decrease your anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures.
How should Valium be used?
Valium comes as a tablet, a solution, and as a concentrate (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken 1 to 4 times a day and may be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Valium exactly as directed.
- For oral dosage forms (solution or tablets):
- For anxiety:
- Adults—2 to 10 milligrams (mg) 2 to 4 times a day.
- Older adults—At first, 2 to 2.5 mg 1 or 2 times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed.
- Children 6 months of age and older—At first, 1 to 2.5 mg 3 or 4 times per day. Your child’s doctor may increase the dose if needed.
- Children up to 6 months of age—Use is not recommended.
- For alcohol withdrawal:
- Adults—10 milligrams (mg) 3 or 4 times for the first 24 hours, then 5 mg 3 to 4 times per day as needed.
- Older adults—At first, 2 to 2.5 mg 1 or 2 times a day. Your doctor will gradually increase your dose as needed.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For muscle spasm:
- Adults—2 to 10 milligrams (mg) 3 or 4 times a day.
- Older adults—At first, 2 to 2.5 mg 1 or 2 times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed.
- Children 6 months of age and older—At first, 1 to 2.5 mg 3 or 4 times per day. Your child’s doctor may increase the dose if needed.
- Children up to 6 months of age—Use is not recommended.
- For seizures:
- Adults—2 to 10 milligrams (mg) 2 to 4 times a day.
- Older adults—At first, 2 to 2.5 mg 1 or 2 times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed.
- Children 6 months of age and older—At first, 1 to 2.5 mg 3 or 4 times per day. Your child’s doctor may increase the dose if needed.
- Children up to 6 months of age—Use is not recommended.
- For anxiety:
Valium concentrate comes with a specially marked dropper for measuring the dose. Ask your pharmacist to show you how to use the dropper. Dilute the concentrate in water, juice, or carbonated beverages just before taking it. It also may be mixed with applesauce or pudding just before taking the dose. Stir the mixture gently for a few seconds. Take the entire mixture immediately; do not store it for future use.
Basically, in low doses, Valium reduces anxiety without sedation and in high doses, it acts as a sedative and promotes sleep.
If you are taking Valium along with other medications to control seizures, do not stop taking Valium without talking to your doctor, even if you experience side effects such as unusual changes in behavior or mood. If you suddenly stop taking Valium, your seizures may get worse. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.
How Long Does Valium Last?
When you take Valium, the drug starts working immediately in your body and can produce calming effects within two hours of taking it, but some people can feel effects in as little as 15 to 30 minutes. According to studies, the actual physiological effects of Valium only last between 4 to 6 hours, but because it is a very long-acting benzodiazepine with a half-life of over 20 hours, the drug can remain in your system for several days.
For a healthy person, it can take around one week for Valium to leave the body. Drinking alcohol with Valium still in your system can be extremely dangerous, so wait at least a week after your last dose to have a drink.
If you have liver problems, more of the medication may stay in your body, putting you at a higher risk for serious side effects like trouble breathing. If you have liver problems, talk to your doctor about whether it’s safe for you to take Valium.
