Valium Withdrawals: Symptoms, Timeline, & How To Detox Safely

What you will learn

• Valium is a well-known benzodiazepine medication that’s used to treat anxiety and other medical conditions.
• Valium has a high risk for misuse, abuse, dependence, and addiction, even when used as prescribed.
• Stopping Valium suddenly can cause severe and possibly dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
• Detox with medical supervision is vital to prevent complications with Valium withdrawal and minimize severe symptoms.

Valium (diazepam) is a commonly prescribed benzodiazepine medication used to treat anxiety disorders and anxiety symptoms, seizures, restless leg syndrome, muscle spasms, insomnia, and withdrawal from other benzodiazepines or alcohol.

Valium was once among the best-selling drugs in the US, but is no longer as commonly prescribed for anxiety due to its potential for abuse and addiction. Like other benzodiazepines, Valium can have intense and possibly life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Learn more about Valium withdrawal, its timeline, and what to expect from the experience.

What Is Valium?

Valium (diazepam) is a long-acting benzodiazepine medication that acts as a sedative, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant. It can be used to reduce anxiety symptoms, aid in sleep and relaxation, and treat the symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol and other benzos.

Like other benzodiazepines, diazepam positively modulates gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter that can calm an overexcited central nervous system.[1] This action makes Valium effective for anxiety disorders and other conditions involving excessive central nervous system activity.

Though Valium can be beneficial, it also has the potential for misuse, which is when a medication is taken other than the way it’s prescribed. This may be taking Valium at higher doses than prescribed, more often than prescribed, or in other ways, such as using it to get high.

Valium Half-Life

Valium has a long elimination half-life, or the time it takes for a dose of a drug to be reduced by half. Although it can vary by several factors, the half-life of Valium is between 20 and 70 hours.[2] The liver also produces metabolites that can remain in the system for much longer.

Several factors can influence how long Valium stays in the system, including age, weight, body fat content, the amount of the drug taken, the presence of other drugs in the system, liver and kidney health, the method of administration, and individual metabolism.

Valium Dependence and Addiction

Benzodiazepines like Valium have a high potential for abuse, physical dependence, and addiction. They are listed as Schedule IV controlled substances because they have legitimate medical uses but a lower potential for abuse and dependence compared to Schedule III substances. In addition, benzos are often involved in polydrug abuse because people combine them with alcohol, narcotic painkillers, or other drugs to enhance the effects.

Misuse of Valium increases the risk of addiction, but it can cause dependence when taken as prescribed over long periods. Dependence is when the body gets used to the presence of a drug. If you stop taking it or reduce your dose significantly, withdrawal can occur.

Though physical dependence can be a symptom of addiction, it’s not an indication of addiction on its own. It’s possible to be dependent on Valium after taking it for a longer period without being addicted, which is when someone can’t control their use of a substance and experiences negative effects of drug use in their home, work, or personal lives.

Valium Withdrawal Symptoms

It’s possible to experience withdrawal when stopping Valium use without having an addiction. Typically, withdrawal occurs when you stop or dramatically reduce your use of Valium. Though the symptoms can vary, they follow a similar timeline:

Acute Withdrawal

Withdrawal from Valium often occurs one to four days after the last use because of Valium’s long elimination time. The symptoms of acute Valium withdrawal include:[3]

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Cramps
• Tremors
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Seizures
• Mood swings
• Cravings
• Depression
• Panic attacks
• Rebound anxiety (a return of anxiety symptoms that occurred before taking the drug)

Late Withdrawal

The initial symptoms may stop after the acute withdrawal period, while others emerge. This period typically lasts 10 to 14 days. The symptoms of late withdrawal include:[4]

• Lightheadedness
• Cravings
• Mild headache
• Fever
• Nausea
• Chills
• Depression
• Anxiety

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome

Benzodiazepines are associated with post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), a longer period of mostly psychological withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms of PAWS include:[5]

• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Problems experiencing pleasure
• Feelings of dissatisfaction
• Low motivation

In some cases, PAWS can last from weeks to years and may require additional treatment. Though acute withdrawal symptoms can be intense, the persistent symptoms of PAWS can increase the risk of relapse.

What Factors Influence the Severity of Valium Withdrawals?

The intensity and duration of Valium withdrawal can vary significantly because of several factors:[6]

• Length of use: Long-term Valium use is more likely to cause dependence and more prolonged withdrawal symptoms
• Dosage: Higher doses of diazepam increase the dependence on the drug and may make withdrawal more intense
• Polysubstance use: Combining Valium with other substances like alcohol, opioids, or stimulants increases the risk of a complicated withdrawal
• Metabolism and age: Older adults and people with slower metabolisms may have a longer withdrawal timeline because the drug is eliminated more slowly.
• Health conditions: Physical or mental health issues like depression or anxiety can complicate and prolong withdrawal

How Long Do Valium Withdrawals Last?

The duration of Valium withdrawals varies based on the dosage, the duration of use, metabolism, and individual health. Acute withdrawal lasts 2 to 3 weeks on average, but post-acute symptoms may persist for several months or longer. For some, psychological effects like anxiety or depression can last longer and may require more support.

Valium Detox

Withdrawal from Valium is not just intense but may be life-threatening. Seizures and other complications can occur, possibly leading to death. It’s not recommended to detox from Valium at home, as you may experience severe withdrawal symptoms that can be dangerous and may increase the risk of complications.

If you want to stop taking Valium, it’s essential to do so under medical supervision. Doctors can provide a taper schedule to gradually reduce your doses, typically week to week, and minimize the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms while preventing dangerous complications like seizures.

With the risks of Valium withdrawal, it may be best to seek out a detox program to stop taking Valium, especially if you are struggling with addiction. Detox provides medical supervision, medications, and monitoring to alleviate symptoms, avoid complications, and keep you as safe and comfortable as possible while the drug clears your system.

Sudden withdrawal from Valium can be dangerous and may lead to seizures, psychosis, or other life-threatening symptoms, especially with long-term use or high doses. It’s crucial to undergo Valium detox in a supervised detox environment or under the guidance of a medical professional.

What to Expect During Valium Detox

Detoxing from Valium can be extremely challenging, especially on your own, which is why medically supervised detox is recommended. This often begins with a medical evaluation to determine your level of dependence and current health, in order to understand potential risks associated with your condition. Doctors usually recommend a gradual tapering method that helps the body slowly adjust to the absence of the drug and reduces withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal will begin one to four days after your last dose, though a taper schedule can reduce its severity. The symptoms you experience can vary depending on your dosage, duration of use, and individual factors. You may expect uncomfortable symptoms like insomnia, irritability, sweating, headaches, nausea, and anxiety, which may be managed with medications.

A medical team manages the risks of Valium withdrawal. Your dosage may be tapered to gradually wean you off the drug, minimize withdrawal symptoms, and reduce the risk of severe complications. The medical team will monitor your vital signs and overall health to ensure your safety. In some cases, medications may be used to manage withdrawal symptoms or underlying conditions that are exacerbated by Valium use. Your withdrawal period may vary, but it could last several days or weeks.

If you have a physical dependence on Valium, detox may be enough to overcome the withdrawal period. With Valium addiction, however, there’s more at play than physical dependence. Addiction is complex and involves social, emotional, and psychological factors that need to be addressed with counseling and therapy.

After detox is complete, an addiction treatment program may be recommended to address the underlying causes of addiction. Based on your history, this may include counseling, behavioral therapies, medication-assisted therapy (MAT), and other modalities, provided on either an inpatient or outpatient basis.

Seek Help for Valium Withdrawal

Valium withdrawal can occur when it is taken as prescribed or when it’s misused or abused. If you have physical dependence or addiction to Valium, you can’t overcome it with willpower alone. Withdrawal is not just uncomfortable but may cause extremely dangerous complications. If you or a loved one is struggling with Valium misuse or addiction, seek help with medical detox and addiction treatment.

Amanda is a prolific medical content writer specializing in eating disorders and addiction treatment. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Purdue University with a B.S. in Social Work. Read more