Valium (Diazapam) too long a halflife?

[HAL9000]

I'm dealing with anxiety even tho I'm on buspar. I think it helps for most of the junk that triggers me but once in a while its bad and I take a valium. I did some reading and was really surprised how long this stays in you. Like 100 hours versus 9 or 10 for Ativan or Xanax. I guess I should ask my doctor all this but maybe someone has already found the answer to this.

If its half life is 100 hours does taking one say 3 or 4 days later have a much greater effect then taking the first one? Has anyone switched from Valium to Ativan or Xanax and was it better or worse?

I don't think I need 100+ hours of Benzos for "as needed" anxiety but I was the dummie that pushed for this over Xanax or Ativan.

[Guest]

While its metabolites are in your body for 100+ hours, They are not active to the same degree as the original drug. The potency does drop off over time.

Say you have two compounds, A and B. 10mg of A is enough to remove all anxiety, and yet it takes 20mg of B to get the same effect.

Now Assume A metabolizes into B over time in the body, While the same amount of drug is still active, its in a less potent form and thus has less effect.

This is a really basic way to look at it, and some drugs actually increase in potency when metabolized.

[chimpmaster]

There is a big difference between the metabolism of diazepam and the therapeutic period of effectiveness.

So whilst there may still be traces in your system after 100hrs, its common that a dose will have peaked and decreased in effectiveness after 6-8 hrs. A lot of this depends on demographics etc.

It is common for it to be prescribed as several times per day, daily or PRN.

[HAL9000]

Thanks Chimpmaster. Thats how it feels to me. Last night was a Diazapam worth evening. Since it does work for me (Without vegging me out) I'm glad I've got it around.