The Effects of Taking Expired Diazepam

Diazepam, a medication commonly used for the treatment of anxiety, epilepsy, and muscle spasms, has a five-year shelf life. However, taking expired diazepam poses certain risks and side effects. This article will explore the potential impacts of consuming expired diazepam and provide guidance on how to store the medication to maintain its efficacy.

Understanding the Risks of Expired Diazepam

Taking expired diazepam may lead to reduced effectiveness and potency, meaning it is less likely to provide the intended relief for symptoms. While there is little likelihood of immediate harm if taken shortly after expiration, the risk of degradation into harmful substances increases over a longer period. Therefore, it is generally not recommended to take diazepam if it is over a year old.

Effects of Expired Diazepam

When stored properly under optimal conditions, diazepam can maintain its efficacy up to five years. However, as the drug ages, it may exhibit less pronounced or milder adverse effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, muscle weakness, dry mouth, nausea, and changes in appetite. These effects are usually mild and can be managed.

For long-term storage, diazepam should be kept at room temperature (15°–30°C or 60°–85°F), away from direct light, and stored in a dry environment. When the medication is stored improperly or past its five-year shelf life, its effectiveness can significantly decrease. For example, a ten-year-old, properly stored 10mg diazepam tablet may feel like a 5mg tablet, and a seven-year-old, improperly stored 10mg tablet may have no effect at all.

How Degradation Affects Diazepam

While diazepam will gradually lose its effectiveness over time, the most likely outcome is that it will have the same adverse effects as the standard medication. It is important to note that the molecular makeup of diazepam does not change over time to produce new negative effects. The degradation of the drug is more about a loss of potency and effectiveness rather than a change in its inherent properties.

Other ingredients in the medication may theoretically lose their preservative properties over time, potentially allowing for the growth of microorganisms, but the likelihood of this occurring is extremely improbable under proper storage conditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, consuming expired diazepam with a five-year shelf life may cause no side effects at all or a reduced potency and milder side effect profile, including mild drowsiness, dizziness, muscle weakness, fatigue, dry mouth, nausea, and changes in appetite. Proper storage is crucial to maintaining the efficacy of diazepam and minimizing the risks associated with expired medication.