How long does it take for Diazepam to take effect?

Let's see how long it takes for this psychopharmaceutical known as Valium to take effect.

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). 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 the drug Diazepam to take effect?

This drug is a benzodiazepine derivative is a derivative of the benzodiazepinesand 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 in controlling the effects of withdrawal syndrome.

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

The dosage of the drug is also a determining factorIt 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 chemical substances in the brain (neurotransmitters) are not the same in each case. For example, in depressive disorders there is a very low amount of serotonin in the organism, which makes the effects and the effects of the disorder last longer.This means that the effects and duration of diazepam or any other psychotropic drug are 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 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.

Occasionally, it may happen that the subject mixes 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 if not indicated by the physician, and also ends up influencing the duration of its effects, although this circumstance is considered atypical.

How long does it remain in the body?

Regardless of the time it takes for 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 the residues of the drug.

When the use of the drug has been extended more than it should, it is possible that after the 200 hours have passed, it is still possible to find remnants in the urine samples of the patients.

Contraindications due to excess

Although the duration of its effects is known, and how long it takes for our body to get rid of diazepam, the side effects of the drug have yet to be concretely determined.. It is only clear that its excessive use can affect the Central Nervous System in several ways. Some of the most known so far are the following:

• Depressive symptoms.
• Fainting.
• Alteration of consciousness.
• Hallucinations.
• Dry mouth.
• Gastrointestinal discomfort..
• Difficulty in breathing.
• Difficulty to remember some things.

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

Immediate effect

Diazepam is usually administered orally, by means of tablets, or in concentrated form in liquids.. Once they have entered the organism, the effects are felt almost immediately, taking into account the factors mentioned above, regarding dosage, etc.

Let's see some of the most common effects:

• Sensation of sleepiness.
• Muscle relaxation.
• Decrease of anxiety..
• Physical exhaustion.
• Feeling of dizziness.
• Dispersion of the attention.
• Difficulties in motor skills (fine and gross).

The effects of this drug generate to the subject a sensation of tranquility, and could leave him in a state of consciousness. could leave him in a diminished state of consciousness if he does not follow the precise indications given to him by his doctor regarding the as to the form 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 exceeds three months.

Caregivers or family members of people who are taking this drug should pay special attention to that situation, otherwise the consequences could later be much worse than the cause for which the drug was originally being 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. Acta Neurologica Scandinavica. 118 (2): 69 - 86.