Benzos Valium Half-Life

[RoninRanion]

So, I was prescribed Valium for some muscle spasms.

Problem is, I'l take my 20gm and if it doesn't work, I take more and it does absolutely nothing!

I read up on the half-life on Valium and it's like 8-10 hours!

Does this mean when I take a dose I have to wait 8-10 hours to take another dose to get relief? Perhaps I should discuss something with my doctor about something w/o such a log half-life?

 

[The Chemist]

no that means at 8-10 hours since your last dose, the active metabolite is 50% of the level it was when you took the drug.

Shorter half-life carries increased abuse potential, maybe consider Clonazepam first.

 

[RoninRanion]

i wont' be going up to clonapin or ativan.

 

[The Chemist]

then it seems your only option is trying some homeopatic remedies along with talking to your Dr. about some other medicines or doses that can better control your case.

 

[NeighborhoodThreat]

Valium (diazepam) also has active metabolites which have even longer half-lives (36-100 hours, see the link in my signature regarding benzodiazepines), so it is possible that you're tolerant to that dosage already, or your not allowing for the active metabolites to do their work. Benzos work differently for different people.

The Chemist is right, there are other options for muscle spasms besides benzos. Lorazepam or clonazepam (Klonopin) aren't nearly as effective muscle relaxants as diazepam is, I doubt your doctor would switch you to either of those as a replacement for diazepam. Both lorazepam and clonazepam are effective anti-anxiety and anticonvulsant benzos.