| Note |
fast-in, smooth-out. Smooth: avoids sudden symptom breakthrough because of its fast and complete absorption, peak blood levels of valium (diazepam/Roche) are achieved in 60 to 90 minutes after a single dose for a rapid initial calming effect. Typically, with an appropriate dosage regimen valium builds in a uniform and predictable way to a steady-state level within 5-7 days, without accumulating beyond. With valium the excretion rate is similarly consistent and predictable. When pharmacological support is no longer needed, the overlapping half-lives of diazepam and its metabolites insures a gradual elimination process. Because metabolites of short acting benzodiazepines are inactive, blood levels of these drugs decrease more rapidly without benefit of a tapering effect. Consistent therapeutic effect even when an occasional dose is omitted. Once steady-state is achieved, sudden symptom breakthrough is highly unlikely, even if a dose is forgotten or skipped. That’s because the half-life of valium - 27-37 hours- provides the advantage of self-tapering action, complementing your gradual reduction of the patient's dosage and smoothing his transition to independent coping. To discontinue smoothly, gradual discontinuation of medication-while rarely necessary after short term therapy, is good medical proactive in patients who have received high doses for extended periods. When dosage is tapered, untoward side effects can be avoided. Throughout therapy, in fact, side effects are infrequent with valium and are seldom more serious than drowsiness, fatigue, and ataxia. Valium: smooth transition to independent coping |
