How Long Does Valium Take to Work for Anxiety and Muscle Spasms?

When you take Valium by mouth, it usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes to begin relieving symptoms of anxiety or muscle spasms. Factors like metabolism, body weight, and liver function can affect its onset, but generally, Valium offers prompt and sustained calming effects.

When Will You Start to Feel the Effects of Valium?

Valium generally works similarly whether it’s taken for anxiety or agitation, although individual responses can vary.

Typically, Valium acts quickly, taking effect within 30 to 60 minutes when taken orally. Its effects may last for several hours, and it’s often taken every six to eight hours as needed.

After oral administration, Valium reaches its highest concentration in the bloodstream about an hour later.

The liver processes Valium, and it is eventually excreted in urine.

The time it takes for Valium to work may vary depending on several factors:

• Liver function: Poor liver function can slow down Valium’s metabolism, causing it to remain longer in the body and prolonging its effects.  
• Body weight: Valium distribution in the body is affected by weight. More body fat may slow its onset.
• Age: Aging can change metabolism, which may slow Valium’s effects.
• Metabolism: People with a faster metabolism may experience quicker effects, while a slower metabolism can delay them.
• Drug tolerance: Regular use of Valium can lead to tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect, which can alter how quickly it works.

What You Need to Know About Valium

Diazepam, the active ingredient in Valium, is part of the benzodiazepine class of medications. Valium is FDA-approved for short-term relief of anxiety, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and muscle spasms.

Valium is not recommended for children under 6 months. If you’re 65 or older, use it cautiously or consider avoiding it.

Brand-name Valium comes in tablet form only, while generic diazepam is available as a tablet, oral solution, injection, and rectal gel.

Valium is also used off-label for:

Valium carries boxed warnings, the FDA’s strictest alerts, regarding the risks of misuse, addiction, and withdrawal.

How It Works

Valium enhances gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical messenger in your brain, making it more effective.

By attaching to GABA receptors, Valium produces a calming effect on the brain and reduces nervous system activity. This calming effect helps lessen symptoms associated with anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and muscle spasms.

When compared to other benzodiazepines, Valium works similarly. However, it is considered to be one of the longer-acting benzodiazepines and has a medium potency (strength).

How to Dose Valium Correctly

The typical daily dose of Valium for anxiety is 2–10 milligrams (mg), taken every six to 12 hours, based on how severe your symptoms are.

For muscle spasms, adults usually take 2–10 mg of Valium every six to eight hours.

These are common doses, but there may be instances in which higher doses are required. Follow the instructions of the healthcare provider treating the condition when considering Valium dosing.

Common and Serious Side Effects

Common side effects of Valium include:

Severe side effects of Valium include:

• Seizures: Uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain  
• Suicidal thoughts: Thoughts of harming yourself
• Slowed breathing: Difficulty breathing  
• Sedation: Feeling excessively sleepy or calm

Long-term use can lead to dependence, with withdrawal symptoms if you stop suddenly. Withdrawal can bring: 

• Anxiety: Nervousness or worry 
• Cognitive difficulties: Trouble remembering or concentrating 
• Depression: Persistent sadness or hopelessness 
• Difficulty sleeping: Insomnia or disturbed sleep 
• Muscle twitching: Sudden, involuntary muscle movements

Don’t take Valium before or during activities that need your full attention. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions when taking Valium.

Boxed Warnings

Valium has boxed warnings about the potential for abuse, misuse, addiction, dependence, and withdrawal.

Mixing Valium with opioids, alcohol, or other drugs affecting the central nervous system can be dangerous. It can lead to drowsiness, breathing problems, coma, or even death. 

Valium carries a risk of abuse, misuse, and potentially addiction even if taken as prescribed. This can lead to overdose and serious side effects, including coma and death.

Valium can also cause physical dependence and withdrawal reactions.

How to Take It Safely

The following preexisting health conditions would disqualify someone from taking Valium:

Long-term use of Valium should be avoided unless instructed by a healthcare provider. Clinical trials have not evaluated the effectiveness of Valium used longer than four months.

Use in Specific Populations

The following circumstances should be considered before taking Valium:

• Pregnancy: Valium should be avoided during pregnancy if possible. The drug has shown evidence of human risk in clinical trials. However, the benefits of using the medication may outweigh the risks.
• Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding is not recommended for those taking Valium. Valium passes through breast milk.
• Age: Valium should be used cautiously or avoided entirely in adults 65 years and older. Its half-life increases by one hour each year over the age of 40. This can put older people at risk of serious and long-lasting side effects such as cognitive impairment, falls, and fractures. It is recommended that the smallest effective dose be used to prevent side effects.

Potential for Interaction

Avoid taking Valium with the following medications due to their potential effect on drug absorption and effectiveness:

Opioids and other medications that act on the central nervous system, such as anxiety medications, muscle relaxers, narcotic pain medications, and some antidepressants, should be avoided due to the potential harm that may occur as a result of taking these medications together.

Alcohol should be avoided while taking Valium.

Is Valium Effective?

Studies have compared the effectiveness of Valium with other benzodiazepines. In general, they have similar effectiveness in managing anxiety and muscle spasms.

One study compared the efficacy and tolerability of diazepam and alprazolam, the active ingredient in Xanax, for the treatment of panic disorder. The results showed that diazepam was an effective alternative to alprazolam.

Overall, studies show that Valium is an effective treatment option for both anxiety and muscle soreness.

Non-Drug Options for Anxiety and Muscle Spasms

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been proven to be an effective nondrug treatment option for anxiety.

Some other nondrug treatment options for anxiety include:

Nondrug treatment options for muscle pain and spasms include:

• Acupuncture
• Massage therapy
• Relaxation therapy
• Physical therapy

Alcohol withdrawal should be appropriately treated by a healthcare professional. In minor alcohol withdrawal, medication may not be needed, but evaluation and observation by a healthcare provider are still recommended.