How do valiums work

Valium side effects can include dry mouth or hypersalivation, which can affect the ability to collect an adequate sample or may dilute the amount of detectable substance in the oral fluid. Like many other drugs, Valium can be detected with a hair follicle drug test for up to 90 days.

The long detection window of this testing method means that it can be used to look for past drug use. If you have been prescribed Valium to treat anxiety or another condition, be sure to inform the testing lab, even if you are no longer taking your medication. There are some medications that may cross-react with drug screens.

There are reports of the antidepressant medication Zoloft sertraline and prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug Daypro oxaprozin causing false-positive urine screens for benzodiazepines like Valium. Always disclose any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking to the lab so clinicians can accurately interpret your drug screen results.

There are many variables that affect how long Valium remains in the body. The rate at which medications and other substances break down depends on things like metabolism, age, weight, percentage of body fat, activity level, and hydration. Some health conditions, including liver impairments, can play a role in the rate at which drugs are metabolized by the body.

Other factors that can affect how long Valium stays in the body have to do with the specific prescription. The larger the dose and more frequently you take it, for example, likely means it will be detectable for longer. Some prospective employers order drug tests during the interviewing process to screen for possible drug misuse. Or, a doctor may want to make sure you don't have traces of Valium in your system before prescribing another medication. The first step to getting Valium out of your system is to stop taking the drug, though you should never stop taking your prescribed medication without talking to your doctor first.

If you start taking it again at the same dose, it can result in an accidental overdose. Discuss your options for safely stopping your medication, which may involve a gradual reduction in your dose in order to avoid withdrawal effects, a process known as tapering. Once you have safely stopped taking Valium, make sure that you stay well hydrated, eat a healthy diet, and get regular physical exercise.

Such habits may help to slightly increase how quickly your body metabolizes and excretes the drug and its metabolites. 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.

These factors include taking Valium in combination with other central nervous system depressants or alcohol, taking more than your prescribed dose, or taking the drug more frequently than prescribed. Being aware of the signs of a Valium overdose is important so that you and your loved ones can get help as quickly as possible.

Some signs of a potential Valium overdose include:. If someone is experiencing these symptoms, contact emergency services right away. Valium carries a risk of dependence. If you suddenly stop using Valium, you may experience symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal , which can include anxiety, nausea, seizures, insomnia, tremors, and mental changes including confusion and even psychosis. 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 right away. Your doctor can offer advice and assistance. In some cases, you might want to seek help from a medical detox center, since benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms can be severe. Treatment options for Valium use disorders may take place in inpatient or outpatient treatment centers and involve individual psychotherapy or support groups to aid in your long-term recovery.

Effective treatments may involve tapering your dosage to manage withdrawal symptoms as well as psychotherapeutic approaches including cognitive-behavioral therapy and contingency management. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. Accessed November 27, Yaffe K, Boustani M. Two commonly prescribed benzodiazepines are Valium and Xanax.

These drugs are similar, but not exactly alike. Both drugs are used to treat anxiety disorders. Xanax also treats panic disorder. Valium and Xanax are both brand-name versions of different generic drugs. Valium is a brand name for the drug diazepam, and Xanax is a brand name for the drug alprazolam. Both of these drugs are minor tranquilizers. They work by helping to boost the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid GABA. GABA is a neurotransmitter, a chemical messenger that transmits signals throughout your body.

If you take Valium or Xanax, you should avoid large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Grapefruit blocks the enzyme CYP3A4 , which helps break down certain drugs.

So having large amounts of grapefruit can increase the levels of Valium and Xanax in your body. This can increase your risk of side effects. Xanax and Valium are in the same drug class, so they have many of the same interactions with other drugs and substances.

Medications that affect your central nervous system can be dangerous when combined with benzodiazepines. These are not all of the possible drug interactions. For a more complete list, see the interactions for diazepam and interactions for alprazolam.

Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about all drugs and supplements you currently take before you start taking any new drug. Certain people should not take one or either of these drugs. You should not take Xanax or Valium if you have acute angle-closure glaucoma also known as narrow-angle glaucoma or a history of allergic reaction to either drug. The effects may last for a day after you stop taking the drug. If you feel lightheaded or sleepy, do not drive or operate dangerous equipment.

Diazepam does not usually affect your weight. Should I tell my family and friends I am taking it? Will it affect my sleep? Diazepam may make you feel very sleepy, and this can carry on into the next day. If your sleep is negatively affected by diazepam, you should discuss this with your doctor. Can I drink alcohol, take street drugs or smoke while taking it? Alcohol Be very careful drinking alcohol while taking diazepam. Street drugs Diazepam does not mix well with street drugs.

It is very easy, and serious, to overdose with any combination of diazepam and drugs. Smoking If you start or stop smoking while you are taking diazepam, you may have to change your dose.

If you re start smoking, you might need to increase it again. Go to your doctor for advice if you stop or start smoking. Can I take it with other medications? If you are taking any other medicines, some dose adjustments may be required to ensure you get the best from the diazepam with as few side effects as possible Tell the pharmacist you are taking diazepam if you buy medicines over the counter for common complaints, including tablets and topical medicines things you put on your skin.

Are there any other interactions I should know about? Can I drive while taking it? Can I take it if I am pregnant or breastfeeding? Pregnancy If you are pregnant or trying for a baby, you should let your doctor know this before taking diazepam. Post-natal Taking diazepam during the last few months of pregnancy can cause withdrawal symptoms in a newborn baby that include weakness and breathing difficulties.

Breastfeeding Diazepam is passed to the baby in breast milk. If you decide to take diazepam throughout your pregnancy, talk to your midwife or doctor. Will it affect my sex life or fertility? Sex Diazepam can have side effects that might affect your sex life. Fertility There is no evidence to suggest that diazepam affects fertility.

Will it affect my ability to play sports? Diazepam is not a banned substance in sport. Will it affect my ability to take exams? Try not to take diazepam for the first time just before your exams. Diazepam can affect your memory and make it harder to learn.

Your doctor should know. Uses, warnings, safety and side effects. Taking diazepam Warnings and safety Side effects Taking diazepam How long will I need to take diazepam for? You and your doctor should talk about how long you might need to take diazepam. You should only take diazepam as agreed with your doctor. You should not normally be prescribed diazepam for more than four weeks. If you are taking diazepam to help you sleep, you should take it just before bedtime. What if I miss a dose? If you remember later during the day, take it as soon as possible.

Do not take a double dose. What will happen if I forget to take my diazepam? Stopping the use of diazepam. This could lead to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, including: depression , nervousness, or irritability sweating quick or uneven heartbeat muscle spasms or shaking loss of appetite, feeling or being sick, stomach cramps or diarrhoea having seizures fits Your doctor will help you to reduce diazepam slowly over a few days at the end of a short course of treatment.

Warnings and safety Safety headlines. When to go to the hospital. Go to a doctor or hospital straight away if you get any of the following symptoms, as they might be part of an allergic reaction: itchy skin or rash swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Side effects Side effects. Most side effects, however, are mild and should get better within a few days. If they do not, you should go back to your doctor. Taking diazepam Taking diazepam How long will I need to take diazepam for? Warnings and safety Warnings and safety Safety headlines.

Side effects Side effects Side effects. About this information. College of Mental Health Pharmacy. More information and advice. Getting support with your medication.

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