How long does Diazepam take to work?

Psychotropic drugs 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).

• Related article: "Diazepam: Uses, Precautions, and Side Effects of This Drug"

How long does Diazepam take to work?

This medicine is a derivative of benzodiazepines, and has important anxiolytic properties. It is very commonly used in cases of anxiety and addictions, especially in alcohol addictions, where it has shown good results to control the effects of alcohol. abstinence syndrome.

The effects of diazepam vary taking into account a wide variety of factors, which go through the type of body that the patient has, since this influences taking into account that the metabolism will be different. It is not the same to wonder how long it takes for diazepam to take effect in leptosomatics (thin), picnics (obese), athletic (stocky), or dysplastic (physical abnormalities). The time varies, depending on each case.

The doses of the drug are also decisive, since it is not the same to measure the duration time in a 10mg dose than in a 5gm dose.

In turn, the doses are determined according to the specific cause for which the drug has been prescribed. The disorder has a significant influence on the duration of the effects, taking into account that the levels of chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters) are not the same for 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 must be evaluated by a specialist, who will determine the doses.

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

Sometimes, it may happen that the subject mixes the drug with another substance to seek to enhance its effects, not necessarily for the purpose of following a treatment. This is extremely harmful and should not be done under any circumstances unless directed by the doctor, and it also ends up influencing the duration of its effects, although this circumstance is considered as something atypical.

How long does it stay in the body?

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

When the use of the drug has been extended for more than it should be, it is possible that after the 200 hours have passed, embers can still be found in the urine samples of patients.

Contraindications for excess

Although the duration of its effects is known, and how long it takes our body to get rid of diazepam, the side effects of the drug have not yet been concretely determined. It is only clear that its excessive use can affect the Central Nervous System in several ways. Some of the best known so far are the following:

• Depressive picture.
• Fainting.
• Alteration of consciousness.
• Hallucinations.
• Dry mouth
• Gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Difficulty remembering some things.

In the worst case, the person can become suicidal. If any of these symptoms occur without having exceeded the dose indicated by the doctor, the use of the drug should be stopped immediately and the specialist should be attended for a new evaluation.

Immediate effect

Diazepam It is usually administered orally, through pills, or in a concentrated form in liquids. Once they have entered the body, the effects are felt almost immediately, taking into account the aforementioned factors, regarding the doses, etc.

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

• Feeling sleepy
• Muscle strain.
• Decreased anxiety.
• Physical exhaustion.
• Feeling dizzy
• Attention dispersion.
• Difficulties in terms of motor skills (fine and gross).

The effects of this drug give the subject a feeling of tranquility, and They could leave you in a diminished state of consciousness if you do not follow the precise instructions that your doctor has given you as for the way of consumption. That is why the use of this drug presents great risks in terms of the tendency of patients to consume more doses than those that have been indicated. It is not recommended that its use exceed three months.

Caregivers or relatives of people who are taking this drug should pay special attention to this situation, if not If so, then the consequences could be much worse than the cause for which the drug was being used originally.

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. Acta Neurologica Scandinavica. 118 (2): 69 - 86.