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. Diazepam can be taken before or after food. Swallow tablets whole with a drink of water – if chewed, they taste bitter.

How fast does diazepam take to kick in?

1 When administered via injection, valium takes just one to five minutes to take effect. When taken orally, people usually begin to feel the effects 15 to 60 minutes after ingestion. Rectal gel may be used for those who are experiencing seizures and begins working quickly after administration.

How long do the effects of diazepam last?

The effects of Valium last around 4-6 hours; however it has a very long half life (20-70 hours - time taken to clear 50% of the drug from the body) which means that it may take up to six weeks to be totally excreted by the body.

Is diazepam good for sleeping?

Ambien (zolpidem) and Valium (diazepam) are used for treating insomnia. Valium is used off-label to treat insomnia; it is approved to treat anxiety, seizures, muscle spasms, and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

What is the general advice given on diazepam?

Diazepam should be used for only a short time. Do not take this medicine for longer than 4 months without your doctor's advice. Do not stop using diazepam suddenly, even if you feel fine. Stopping suddenly may cause increased seizures or unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

How to use Diazepam? (Valium, Stesolid) - Doctor Explains

23 related questions found

What should you not take with diazepam?

Common medications that may interact with diazepam include:

• anti-anxiety medications, including other benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam and oxazepam.
• anticonvulsants such as valproate.
• antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, imipramine, nortriptyline.
• antihistamines that cause sedation, such as diphenhydramine.

What is the most common side effect of diazepam?

The more common side effects that can occur with diazepam include: drowsiness. tiredness or fatigue. muscle weakness.

How much diazepam should I take to sleep?

sleep problems (related to anxiety) - is 5mg to 15mg taken once a day at bedtime. muscle spasms in adults - is 2mg to 15 mg a day. This can be given as 1mg twice a day and go up to 5mg 3 times a day. The dose can be increased up to 20mg 3 times a day if needed.

What is the best medication for insomnia and anxiety?

Antidepressants: Some antidepressant drugs, such as trazodone (Desyrel), are very good at treating sleeplessness and anxiety. Benzodiazepines: These older sleeping pills -- emazepam (Restoril), triazolam (Halcion), and others -- may be useful when you want an insomnia medication that stays in the system longer.

How can I stay asleep for 8 hours?

Advertisement

1. Establish a quiet, relaxing bedtime routine. ...
2. Relax your body. ...
3. Make your bedroom conducive to sleep. ...
4. Put clocks in your bedroom out of sight. ...
5. Avoid caffeine after noon, and limit alcohol to 1 drink several hours before bedtime. ...
6. Avoid smoking. ...
7. Get regular exercise. ...
8. Go to bed only when you're sleepy.

Can I have a glass of wine with diazepam?

Sedative drugs: People taking benzodiazepines, including diazepam (Valium), or anti-histamines that have a sedative effect, should avoid alcohol altogether.

Is diazepam an antidepressant?

Valium (diazepam) is a benzodiazepine, a class of antidepressant drugs that are frequently used to treat a number of psychological or physical stresses. Primarily, the conditions for which Valium is prescribed include: Anxiety disorders. Withdrawal from alcohol.

How long do I have to wait to drink after taking diazepam?

Dr. Lembke says people should wait one or maybe even two days after taking a benzodiazepine before drinking, emphasizing that some benzodiazepines are longer-acting (like Valium) and will stay in your system longer than others (Xanax is considered shorter acting).

What does diazepam feel like?

Diazepam can make you feel sleepy, dizzy and forgetful when you first start taking it. You might also find it difficult to concentrate during the first few days of treatment and may experience blurred vision and muscle weakness.

Does diazepam increase appetite?

Diazepam is the more effective appetite stimulant but also causes a greater sedative effect than oxazepam.

What are the side effects of diazepam?

Diazepam may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• drowsiness.
• dizziness.
• tiredness.
• muscle weakness.
• headache.
• dry mouth.
• nausea.
• constipation.

How can I calm my anxiety at night?

How Can I Overcome Anxiety at Bedtime?

1. Practice Good Sleep Hygiene. Dr. ...
2. Practice Meditation. According to Dr. ...
3. Exercise. ...
4. Set Aside Time for Winding Down. ...
5. Avoid Stressful Activities Before Bed. ...
6. Write Down Your Worries on Paper. ...
7. Avoid Lying in Bed Awake. ...
8. Limit Screen Time.

How can I sleep without sleeping pills?

The Do's:

1. Stick to a regular sleep schedule (same bedtime and wake-up time), seven days a week.
2. Exercise at least 30 minutes per day most days of the week. ...
3. Get plenty of natural light exposure during the day. ...
4. Establish a regular, relaxing bedtime routine.
5. Take a warm bath or shower before bed.

Is 30mg of diazepam a lot?

Doctors generally recommend the drug should be used at dosages of 2-10 mg. This amount can be taken up to four times in a 24-hour time frame. The maximum daily total use in milligrams should not exceed 40 mg. Anything above the level prescribed by your doctor could lead to an overdose.

Can Diazepam cause weight gain?

Other research has suggested that when taken in the longer term, a change in the dosage of diazepam (Valium) does affect weight (Frisbie, & Aguilera, 1995). Specifically, the research found that taking diazepam (Valium) for up to 10 months led to weight gain while cessation of diazepam (Valium) led to weight loss.

Does diazepam affect the heart?

Diazepam produced no change in baroreceptor sensitivity; however, there was a significant rise in heart rate and a significant fall in aortic systolic and left ventricular end-diastolic pressures. Cardiac index was unchanged, whereas stroke volume fell significantly.

Is diazepam a muscle relaxant?

Diazepam is used to relieve symptoms of anxiety and alcohol withdrawal. This medicine may also be used to treat certain seizure disorders and help relax muscles or relieve muscle spasm. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine.

Is citalopram an antidepressant?

Citalopram is a type of antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It's often used to treat depression and also sometimes for panic attacks.