Can You Take Diazepam with Alcohol?
Last reviewed: · Source: US FDA drug label database
Never mix diazepam and alcohol — both are CNS depressants and together can cause respiratory failure and death.
Is it safe to take Diazepam with Alcohol?
Diazepam (Valium) and alcohol are among the most dangerous drug-alcohol combinations possible. Both work on GABA receptors to suppress the central nervous system. Together, their effects are synergistic — far more than additive. Even moderate amounts of alcohol combined with a therapeutic dose of diazepam can produce dangerous over-sedation and respiratory depression. This combination has caused many accidental deaths.
How do Diazepam and Alcohol interact?
Both diazepam and ethanol enhance GABA-A receptor activity. Diazepam binds to the benzodiazepine site, increasing chloride ion conductance. Alcohol binds to a separate site on the same receptor, also enhancing chloride conductance. Together, GABA-A inhibitory effects on the CNS are dramatically amplified, suppressing respiration, consciousness, and cardiovascular function.
Data sourced from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug label database: FDA diazepam drug label — alcohol interaction warning (black box); OpenFDA drug label data.
Who should be careful?
Everyone taking diazepam. Extra caution for the elderly, those with respiratory conditions, liver disease, and those on other sedating medications.
What if I've already taken Diazepam and Alcohol?
If you have taken diazepam and alcohol together and feel very drowsy or unwell, do not drive. If someone becomes unresponsive or is breathing very slowly, call 999 immediately.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink on diazepam?
No. This is one of the most dangerous drug-alcohol combinations. Even small amounts of alcohol with diazepam can cause dangerous over-sedation and respiratory depression.
What happens if you mix Valium and alcohol?
Extreme sedation, loss of coordination, slowed or stopped breathing, unconsciousness, coma, and in serious cases, death. The combination is synergistic — far more dangerous than either alone.
How long after diazepam can I drink?
Diazepam has a very long half-life (20-70 hours) and active metabolites that last even longer. You should wait at least 3-5 days after a dose before drinking, or longer if you have been taking it regularly.
Is one drink safe with diazepam?
There is no safe amount. Even one drink can significantly enhance diazepam's CNS depressant effect to unpredictable and dangerous levels.