How long after taking Diazepam can you drink alcohol? 

How long after taking Diazepam can you drink alcohol? 

You should wait for at least 48-72 hours after your Diazepam dose before you start drinking. Diazepam and alcohol should not be in your body at the same time because of the potential health risks associated with them. 

Diazepam has a long half-life as it is a long-acting benzodiazepine, so don’t take alcohol the next day (1). Wait for at least 2 days. 

It is important to note that the exact time it takes for Diazepam to clear from your body can vary depending on factors such as your age, liver and kidney function, and other medications you may be taking. 

Therefore, it is always advisable to consult with your healthcare provider for proper advice on the safe use of Diazepam and alcohol.

What are the harmful effects associated with taking Diazepam and alcohol together? 

The concomitant use of alcohol and Diazepam is associated with a number of side effects. These include (2):

  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting 
  • Diarrhoea 
  • Abdominal pain 
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness 
  • Drowsiness 
  • Fatigue or lethargy 
  • Respiratory depression and difficulty in breathing 
  • Tightness in chest 
  • Impaired cognition 
  • Low mental alertness 
  • Confusion 
  • Restlessness 
  • Abnormal walking gait
  • Forgetfulness 
  • Convulsions 
  • Blackouts 

These side effects can vary from person to person depending on the dose of Diazepam and the amount of alcohol consumed. Make sure you don’t take such health risks and stay away from alcohol as long as you’re being treated with Diazepam. 

What to do if you have taken Diazepam and alcohol together? 

If you have taken Diazepam and alcohol together and you feel unusual, immediately talk to your healthcare provider. The two should not be present in your body together. If you have overdosed, you will most likely need proper medical attention. 

Being truthful about what you’ve consumed, how much you’ve consumed, and when you consumed it is crucial. This can help your doctor determine the best treatment strategy to relieve your symptoms. 

Treatment may involve the administration of medications to help counteract the effects of Diazepam and alcohol, such as activated charcoal or flumazenil. You may also require respiratory support if your breathing is affected.

This is why it is not recommended to pair alcohol with Diazepam or any other medication that can affect your brain. Alcohol on its own is not good for your physical and mental health

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References

1.-

PubChem [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US), National Center for Biotechnology Information; 2004-. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 3016, Diazepam; [cited 2022 Nov. 6]. Available from: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Diazepam

2.-

American Addiction Centers. Valium (Diazepam) Dangers and Addiction Treatment [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2022 Nov. 6]. Available from: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/valium-treatment/dangers