Psychopharmaceuticals are an effective form of treatment for a large number of mental illnesses. Among these is Diazepam, which is a positive modulator of GABA receptors in the Central Nervous System (CNS).

In this article we will give an answer to the question of how long it takes for Diazepam to take effect once it enters the Central Nervous System (CNS).

How long does it take for Diazepam to take effect?

This medicine is a derivative of benzodiazepines , and has important anti-anxiety properties. It is commonly used in cases of anxiety and addiction, especially alcohol addiction, where it has shown good results in controlling the effects of withdrawal.

The effects of diazepam vary depending on a wide variety of factors, which include the patient’s body type, since this is influenced by the fact that the metabolism will be different. It is not the same to ask how long it takes for diazepam to take effect in leptosomers (thin), as in picnics (obese), athletics (stocky), or dysplasia (physical abnormalities). The time varies, depending on each case.

The dose of the medicine is also decisive , since it is not the same to measure the time of duration in a 10mg dose as in a 5gm dose.

The doses are in turn determined by the specific cause for which the drug has been prescribed. The disorder has significant influence on the duration of the effects, taking into account that the levels of chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters) are not the same in each case. For example, in depressive conditions there is a very low amount of serotonin in the body , which makes the effects and duration of diazepam or any other psychotropic drug relative to the intensity of the disorder. This should be evaluated by a specialist, who will determine the doses.

In general terms, the time it takes for the diazepam to take effect varies from 6 to 8 hours, depending on each case, as mentioned above. This period of time can be taken as a guide for less intense cases.

Sometimes the subject may mix the drug with another substance to seek to enhance its effects, not necessarily for treatment purposes. This is extremely harmful and should not be done under any circumstances without a doctor’s advice, and also ends up influencing the duration of its effects, although this is considered to be atypical.

How long does it stay in the body?

Regardless of the time it takes for the diazepam to take effect in the body, the time it takes to leave the body is much longer . It is estimated that it takes between 36 and 200 hours for our system to naturally release all of the drug’s residues.

When the use of the drug has become more widespread than it should be, it is possible that after 200 hours, embers may still be found in patients’ urine samples.

Contraindications for excess

Despite the fact that the duration of its effects and how long it takes for the body to get rid of diazepam are known, the side effects of the drug are not yet known . It is only clear that its excessive use can affect the Central Nervous System in various ways. Some of the best known so far are the following:

  • Depression table .
  • Fainting spells.
  • Altered consciousness.
  • Hallucinations.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Gastrointestinal complaints .
  • Difficulty in breathing.
  • Difficulty remembering some things.

In the worst case scenario, the person may become suicidal. If any of these symptoms occur without having exceeded the dose prescribed by your doctor, stop using the drug immediately and see the specialist for a new evaluation.

Immediate effect

Diazepam is usually administered orally, in tablet form, or in concentrated liquid form . Once it has entered the body the effects are felt almost immediately, taking into account the factors mentioned above, referring to the doses, etc.

Let’s look at some of the most common effects:

  • Sleepy feeling.
  • Muscle distension.
  • Decreased anxiety .
  • Exhaustion on a physical level.
  • Feeling dizzy.
  • Dispersion of attention .
  • Motor difficulties (fine and gross).

The effects of this drug give the subject a feeling of tranquillity, and may leave him/her in a diminished state of consciousness if he/she does not follow the precise indications given by his/her doctor regarding the form of consumption. This is why the use of this medicine presents great risks in terms of the tendency of patients to consume more doses than indicated. It is not recommended that it be used for more than three months.

Caregivers or family members of people who are taking this drug should pay special attention to that situation, otherwise the consequences could be much worse than the cause for which the drug was originally used.

Bibliographic references:

  • Calcaterra, N.E.; Barrow, J.C. (2014). Classics in chemical neuroscience: diazepam (valium). ACS Chemical Neuroscience. 5 (4): 253 – 260.

  • Riss J., Cloyd J., Gates J., Collins S. (2008). Benzodiazepines in epilepsy: pharmacology and pharmacokinetics. Scandinavian Neurology Act. 118 (2): 69 – 86.