How Long Does Diazepam Last?
Diazepam is a benzodiazepine medication that is commonly used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizure disorders. The length of time that diazepam stays in your system can depend on various factors such as your age, weight, metabolism, liver and kidney function, dosage, and frequency of use.
Diazepam (Valium) is a highly addictive sedative that belongs to the benzodiazepine class of medications. It is used to treat anxiety, epilepsy, involuntary muscle spasms, and sometimes to reduce the effects of alcohol withdrawal. Diazepam works on the central nervous system by enhancing the effects of GABA, a natural chemical in the body, to produce a calming effect.
(BZD) are one of the most widely prescribed pharmacologic agents in the United States (more than 112 million prescriptions in 2007). BZD’s are used for numerous indications, including anxiety, insomnia, muscle relaxation, relief from spasticity caused by central nervous system pathology, and epilepsy. BZD’s are also used intraoperatively because of their amnesic and anxiolytic properties. However, these properties become undesired side effects in nearly all other clinical instances. (NIH)
Benzodiazepines should only be prescribed and taken on a short-term basis due to the high potential for abuse. The DEA lists benzodiazepines as a Class IV Controlled Substance, meaning they have a moderate abuse potential that may result in physical dependence if taken consistently.