Valium Withdrawal Symptoms

What Is Valium Withdrawal?

The American Psychiatric Association notes that 40-80% of patients on benzodiazepines, like Valium (Diazepam), may experience withdrawal symptoms. Valium, being a long-acting benzodiazepine, has effects that last longer than short-acting options such as Ativan or Xanax.

Valium withdrawal occurs when the body becomes accustomed to receiving regular doses of Valium, and then the user discontinues or decreases these doses. Without the expected amount, the body must adjust, and a variety of withdrawal symptoms can occur, ranging from uncomfortable to life-threatening.

Understanding Valium Dependence

Valium is a prescription medication commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, muscle spasms or twitches, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal.

Valium is effective but can also lead to physical dependence, even when used as prescribed. When the body becomes dependent on receiving a certain amount of the drug, withdrawal symptoms begin to occur when going without it.

What Causes Valium Withdrawal?

Valium works by enhancing a calming chemical in your brain called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA’s job is to calm down your nervous system, promote relaxation, and decrease anxiety.

With regular use or abuse of Valium, the body and brain adjust by creating less GABA, making you dependent on Valium to feel good.

When doses are stopped or decreased, this calming effect is disrupted, and the body can experience a rebound effect, leading to increased anxiety and other undesirable symptoms known as withdrawal.

Common Valium Withdrawal Symptoms

Valium and other medications from the benzodiazepine family are known for having some serious and sometimes even dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

Symptoms of Valium withdrawal can be divided into acute (short-term) and protracted (long-term).

Acute Valium withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Increased anxiety and panic attacks
• Irritability and mood swings
• Tremors
• Muscle pain
• Sweating
• Abdominal and muscle cramps
• Vomiting
• Cravings
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Confusion
• Depersonalization
• Hallucinations
• Psychosis
• Seizures
• Coma
• Death

In some cases, the individual might experience long-term Valium withdrawal symptoms. These protracted withdrawal symptoms (also called Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, or PAWS) can last for weeks or even months, depending on the individual.

Common protracted Valium withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Lingering anxiety
• Mood swings
• Muscle tension
• Mild depression
• Intermittent insomnia
• Hypersensitivity (sensitivity to light or sounds)
• Cognitive issues (e.g., difficulty focusing or memory issues)

Valium Withdrawal Timeline

The severity and timeline of Valium withdrawal depend on several factors, including the dosage, how long it was taken, and the person’s health history. Additional substance abuse may also create a longer withdrawal timeline.

Valium is a long-acting benzodiazepine and has a half-life of around 20-50 hours, which is the amount of time it takes for half of the drug to leave the body.

After 20-50 hours, the amount of Valium present in the body decreases, and that is usually when withdrawal symptoms begin to occur.

A typical Valium withdrawal timeline is as follows:

• Early Withdrawal (1-4 Days): Symptoms can begin 1-4 days after the last dose. Withdrawal symptoms may start gradually and build in intensity.
• Acute Withdrawal (5-15 Days): Symptoms peak in intensity during this stage, and medical supervision is crucial.
• Subacute Withdrawal (2-8 Weeks): Symptoms begin to subside, though some may persist.
• Protracted Withdrawal (2 Months or longer): Some may still experience symptoms, though they are milder and fluctuate over time.

How Do People Safely Withdraw from Valium?

To safely withdraw from Valium, people should always consult with their doctor or a licensed addiction counselor first. A plan can be made and tailored to your specific needs and situation.

Depending on the level of Valium addiction, an inpatient facility may be recommended for direct supervision, or withdrawal may take place at home with the right support in place.

Medical Detox for Valium

Medical detoxification is a way for people to detox from Valium under medical supervision safely. It can take place at a treatment center or in your own home.

During a supervised medical detox, healthcare professionals will monitor things like heart rate, blood pressure, mental health status, and the possible need for prescription drugs to manage physical and psychological symptoms.

Medical detox is usually short-term and takes place during the acute withdrawal stage when withdrawal symptoms are most intense (typically the second week of withdrawal). Medical detox helps make the Valium detox phase as safe, effective, and comfortable as possible.

Valium Tapering Schedule

Abrupt discontinuation (commonly referred to as going “cold turkey”) of benzodiazepines, including Valium, can be dangerous and even life-threatening.

Your doctor will likely recommend following a tapering schedule while receiving medical guidance to gradually decrease your dosage over time and prevent severe symptoms of Valium withdrawal.

Some people with more severe Valium addictions may follow a tapering schedule over 30-90 days during an inpatient rehab stay.

Others can remain outpatient and gradually decrease their dosage at home while continuing to work or attend school with little disruption of their normal lives.

Talk to your doctor to see if a tapering schedule would be best for you.

Complementary Medication

During withdrawal, complementary drugs may be used to help treat or ease withdrawal symptoms.

Flumazenil (brand name Romazicon) is a benzodiazepine antagonist primarily used to treat overdoses but has proven to be beneficial in preventing withdrawal symptoms with long-acting benzodiazepines like Valium.

Flumazenil can help detox Valium from the body while blocking adverse side effects.

As always, this should be done under medical supervision.

Other medications that can be used to treat withdrawal symptoms are:

• Anticonvulsants: treat anxiety, insomnia, muscle cramps, and seizures
• Beta-blockers: reduce physical symptoms like tremors and palpitations
• Melatonin or other sleep aids: help manage insomnia
• Magnesium and B-vitamins: support muscle relaxation and central nervous system health
• Antidepressants: treat anxiety and depression)
• Hydroxyzine: treats anxiety without the addictive properties of benzos

Additional Support During Valium Withdrawals

Withdrawing from an addictive substance like Valium can be intimidating and sometimes even scary, but support is available.

Withdrawal symptoms can be intense, and preparing physically, mentally, and emotionally ahead of time can help increase your likelihood of success. Licensed addiction counselors and therapists can help you or your loved one make a plan and walk you through this journey with confidence.

Along with counseling, support groups (like BenzoBuddies or Benzo Free) can help you connect with others at a similar stage or further in your recovery journey. These groups can encourage, hold you accountable, and give you hope.

Find Support and Treatment for Valium Withdrawals

Withdrawing from Valium can be dangerous if not done correctly, which is why it’s important to have medical supervision during the process.

Your doctor can help you create a safe, personalized plan tailored to your unique needs, using treatment options that minimize withdrawal symptoms and reduce risks.

If you don’t know where to start, use SAMHSA’s online treatment locator to find help near you or call 1-800-662-4357 for 24/7 support and guidance.