How Long Does Valium Stay In The Body?

Posted on Tue, 6 Dec 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 6 Dec 2016 Answered on

Tue, 27 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a pre-employment drug screen in a few days. I am a healthy male with above average metabolism. I took 20 mg of Valium 14 days ago but I am prescribed Lorazaepam. I have passed my at home screens for the last 5 days (including 2 that i took first thing in the morning at the beginning of my stream) for Benzo's. I am flying from sea level to a much higher altitude city to take my screen. Is that going to impact the workings of the kidney/liver and ultimately my urine in the short term? I land at 7am and plan to take my officially screen a few hours later (10am).

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

If your test has been negative for the last 5 days, it will remain negative. As a side note, Valium 20mg is a very high dose -- this is very unhealthy and I would never do this again.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (13 minutes later)

Thank you for your answer and Yes, it was given to me mistakenly. I am very healthy and 80% of my diet is organic/non gmo's fruits, veggies and lean meats. I also exercise daily (30-45 minutes of Cardio/plus weights).

To my original question, i shouldnt be concerned about the change in altitude? It wont push more metabolites jnto my blood and then through my urine short term? I still have 80-85 hours before my test. However, i could take it sooner in my hometown.

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (23 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Altitude changes will not affect this drug test, correct.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (40 hours later)

Thank you Doctor. My final question, how important is sleep for the functionality of the kidneys and liver?

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (35 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Sleep does not meaningfully influence metabolism over the short term.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee