How Long Does Librium (Chlordiazepoxide) Stay In Your System

Medically reviewed by

Isaac Alexis, M.D., AAMA, AMP-BC

May 9, 2019

Chlordiazepoxide, which is also known as its brand name Librium, is a benzodiazepine and sedative. This drug is most often used to treat anxiety-related conditions as well as alcohol withdrawal symptoms. This drug can typically be detected with a standard urine test for up to six weeks after using.

Like other benzodiazepines, Librium can be highly addictive. Even when used as prescribed, individuals may still develop a dependence on the drug. In fact, this drug’s popularity has reduced in recent years due to its potential for abuse and addiction.

How long this drug is able to be detected in the system is dependent on a number of factors. These include how often and how much of the drug is taken. It can also depend on a number of personal factors.

The Half-Life Of Librium

A drug’s half-life plays an important role in how long a substance is detectable in a person’s system. The term half-life refers to how long it takes the body to get rid of half of the drug.

Librium’s half-life is anywhere from five to 30 hours. This means that half of the last dose taken will be eliminated from the body during this period of time. It takes several half-lives for all of the drug to leave the body.

How Long Librium Is Detectable In The Body By Test

Librium is able to be detected in the body by a number of different tests. Each test can detect Librium for a different amount of time. For example, a standard urine test can detect this drug in the system for up to six weeks after the last dose is taken.

The following are the most common drug tests and the detection window in which they can detect Librium in the body:

• Urine Tests — one to six weeks after the last dose of Librium is taken
• Blood Tests — up to 48 hours after taking the last dose
• Saliva Tests — one to 10 days after taking Librium
• Hair Follicle Tests — up to 90 days after taking Librium

These detection windows are only an estimate of how long Librium can be detected in a person’s system. There are several other factors that will determine how long this drug stays in someone’s body.

Factors That Affect How Long Librium Is Detectable In The Body

There are a number of personal factors that can influence how quickly Librium is eliminated from the body. Because these factors are individual, the detection window of Librium in the system can vary greatly from person to person.

Factors that may affect how long Librium is able to be detected in the system include:

• Age — Younger individuals tend to be healthier than older people. This means that people who are younger are likely to eliminate Librium from their body more quickly.
• Liver Function — Drugs like Librium are primarily broken down and eliminated by the liver. If a person’s liver is unhealthy, he or she will get rid of Librium much more slowly than someone with a healthy liver.
• Body Mass Index (BMI) — People with a normal BMI will eliminate Librium more quickly than individuals who are obese.
• Genetics — Certain genetic factors can influence how long it takes someone to eliminate Librium from the body.
• Dosage And Length Of Use — A person who takes a higher dose of Librium will take longer to rid his or her body of the drug. Additionally, someone who takes Librium over an extended period of time will likely have Librium in the system longer than someone who takes the drug briefly.

Getting Help For Librium Abuse And Addiction

If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to Librium, it’s important to know that help is available. There are many treatment options to overcome a benzodiazepine addiction and reclaim your life.

Formal treatment programs are often recommended for individuals struggling with Librium addiction. These programs may include a detox program as well as inpatient treatment.

A detox program can help a person safely and comfortably withdraw from Librium. Medically supervised detox programs also provide any needed medical support and medication to ease symptoms of withdrawal.

Individuals with a more severe substance use disorder will likely be referred to an inpatient program once detoxification is complete. Inpatient rehab programs are the most intensive form of addiction treatment and provide 24/7 support.

To learn more about how long Librium stays in the system, contact a treatment specialist today.