Valium Uses, Side Effects, Risks & Addiction

What is Valium?

Valium is a pharmaceutical drug that may be taken safely for certain health conditions or medical procedures. However, Valium is also commonly misused and contributes to several social and public health issues. There are signs that indicate Valium addiction and professional resources to help people recover from it.

Valium is a brand name for the prescription drug diazepam. It is a type of benzodiazepine, a small molecule that increases the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain and nervous system. This induces relaxation, both mentally and physically.

Patients often take it orally in tablet form but may also receive it as a rectal gel or injection into a vein or muscle.

Diazepam is the generic name for the drug.

Pharmaceutical companies market diazepam under several different brand names, including:

• Valium
• Vazepam
• Valtoco
• Valrelease
• Diastat
• Dizac
• Q-pam
• Diazepam Intensol

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Valium Uses

Valium is typically used by people who need help with the stresses of daily life. These are also the ones who are more likely to abuse Valium. While there are various reasons people abuse Valium, many of those using it do not take it to get high.

People may take Valium to help them feel normal by relieving stress and anxiety. Some may also take Valium because it helps them sleep. The drug produces a feeling of intense calm and euphoria, especially in larger doses.

Doctors may prescribe Valium for several conditions or situations, including:

• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Seizures
• Agitated movements
• Vertigo symptoms
• Alcohol or opioid withdrawal
• Withdrawal from other benzodiazepines
• Insomnia
• Muscle spasms
• Restless leg syndrome
• Tetanus
• Spastic muscles (muscles that cannot move well because they are stuck in a contracted position)
• Sedation before, during, or after surgery or uncomfortable procedures like colonoscopies or MRI scans
• Overdoses of stimulants or hallucinogens, such as LSD, cocaine, or methamphetamine
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Because of its utility in so many different circumstances, Valium is one of the most widely used drugs in the U.S. Over five million prescriptions for diazepam (Valium) were written in 2017.

The Dangers of Valium

Like other medications, Valium use comes with some potential adverse effects, even when used appropriately. When people overuse it or take it without the guidance of their healthcare provider, the risks of serious complications increase significantly.

Drug abuse or dependency themselves are potential risks of taking Valium, so patients with a prescription must be careful and keep an eye out for early warning signs of tolerance or addiction.

Many people underestimate Valium and its potential for abuse simply because it's a drug prescribed by doctors.

Very few people understand its dangers. Here are some dangers associated with Valium use:

• Valium can possibly cause seizures and coma in heavy users.
• People who use valium are also at high risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident.
• When a heavy user suddenly stops taking Valium, the results can be deadly.
• It is very dangerous when a user mixes Valium with other substances that causes central nervous system depression, such as alcohol and opioid painkillers.

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Side Effects of Valium

Common side effects of Valium include:

• Confusion
• Sedation or drowsiness
• Anterograde amnesia
• Shakiness or trembling
• Unsteadiness when walking
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Decreased alertness

These effects are more likely or more pronounced with higher doses.

Signs and Symptoms Related to Valium Use

Valium is a tranquilizer that slows down central nervous system activity. It affects respiration, heart rate, urination, and digestion. When used as prescribed, it causes drowsiness, poor motor coordination, confusion, pale skin, and shallow breathing. 

Signs and symptoms of heavy Valium use include:

• Depression
• Disorientation
• Double vision
• Increased anxiety
• Insomnia
• Irritability 
• Paranoia
• Poor judgment
• Restlessness
• Slurred speech

Valium Overdose

Someone who is addicted to Valium may have serious complications arising from a Valium overdose. It is important to get medical assistance immediately if this happens.

Potential overdose effects include:

• Loss of consciousness
• Difficulty breathing
• Hyperventilation or slow breathing
• Loss of coordination
• Loss of strength or energy
• Muscle pain or weakness
• Pale or blue hue to lips, fingernails, or skin
• Sleepiness, drowsiness, or fatigue
• Dulled or slowed thinking or movement

Contraindications

Taking Valium could make certain existing disorders worse. Likewise, other conditions may cause more serious side effects to occur. People should avoid Valium or only take it under careful medical supervision if they have certain conditions.

These include, but are not limited to:

• Respiratory problems
• Epilepsy or seizures
• Glaucoma
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Sleep apnea
• Mental health disorders (such as depression)
• Substance use disorders (alcohol or drug abuse)
• Myasthenia gravis (a neuromuscular disease)

Since Valium can harm infants and developing fetuses, women should avoid it if they are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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Drug & Medication Interactions

Valium interacts with some medications and can also affect how the body processes them. Other drugs that act on the central nervous system (CNS) tend to have stronger effects in combination with Valium. Depressants, in particular, such as alcohol or certain cold, allergy, or sleep medications, have a pronounced effect. People taking these drugs together may become excessively drowsy or much less alert.

Examples of medications that interact with Valium include:

• Flumazenil (used to counter the effects of benzodiazepines)
• Other benzodiazepines
• Barbiturates
• Other sedatives or tranquilizers
• Antihistamines
• Anticholinergic agents (Benadryl, Dramamine, etc.)
• Opioids and other prescription pain medications (codeine, morphine, oxycodone, etc.)
• Cannabidiol (CBD)
• Anesthetics (including some used in dentistry)
• Muscle relaxants

Is Valium Addictive?

When patients take Valium routinely over a period of time, they may develop a tolerance to it or a physical dependence on it. When someone has developed a tolerance, they need to take higher doses to gain the same effects they once had at lower doses. Those with physical drug dependence undergo withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking the drug. This can happen even after only short-term Valium use.

People with a history of mental illness or drug or alcohol abuse are more likely to develop a Valium use disorder than those without these conditions.

Recognizing Valium Addiction

Valium addiction can be challenging to recognize for loved ones and the addicted individual. The drug is sometimes prescribed for up to four months, and addiction may slowly develop during this period.

Because Valium addiction doesn't happen overnight, the signs may appear gradually.

If you know someone who is addicted to Valium, be on the lookout for the following signs of Valium abuse:

• Taking valium at higher doses and out of prescription guidelines
• Frequently asking for Valium prescription refills
• Having an unusual preoccupation to taking the drug
• Having money problems from buying Valium
• Losing interest in things and activities that they used to love
• Placing their addiction before professional and personal obligations
• Performing poorly at school or at work
• Being in a constant state of sedation from taking too much Valium
• Reduced ability for normal doses to control seizures or anxiety
• Increased stress or agitation
• Increased cravings for alcohol or increased alcohol consumption
• Higher incidence and severity of side effects
• Having Valium withdrawal symptoms

Not everyone who abuses Valium is addicted to the drug. Using Valium in any way not prescribed by a doctor counts as abuse. Experiencing cravings and withdrawal symptoms and requiring higher doses of Valium to reach the drug’s effects are some factors that may suggest abuse has turned into an addiction.

How Do You Slow the Progression of Valium Addiction?

It is possible to reduce your risk or slow the development of tolerance and dependence on Valium, and therefore, addiction.

First, it is essential to understand your risk factors. A family history of addiction places you at higher risk for developing addiction problems and acquiring them quicker.

Think about your parents, siblings, and other relatives’ history with prescription medications, alcohol, and drugs. If they struggle with addiction issues, speak with your doctor about alternatives to addictive drugs like Valium.

Underlying mental health problems can also put you at higher risk for substance abuse and dependence. Those with a mental health problem are more likely to use alcohol or drugs than those who do not have a mental health issue.

If you do decide to take Valium, carefully monitor your drug use. Be aware of and honest about any shifts in thought, behavior, mood, and health. Take any shifts seriously and take quick action to reduce the progression of Valium addiction.

Valium Withdrawal

Valium withdrawal symptoms can be very dangerous, even life-threatening. Therefore, patients should only stop taking Valium under professional medical supervision. Typically, clinicians will have a person gradually wean off of it, slowly taking lower and lower doses. Clinics and treatment centers can also be ready to administer medications or other medical interventions if needed.

Severe withdrawal symptoms include seizures and coma and may lead to death.

Treatment for Valium Misuse & Addiction

Fortunately, expert help is available for those with a Valium addiction. It is important to have professionals provide medical assistance during withdrawal, identify alternatives to manage any underlying conditions without Valium, and provide mental health support during and after the transition period.

The first step in a Valium addiction treatment plan is weaning off of the drug. Doctors will gradually lower the dose of the medication over the course of a few weeks. They may also prescribe a different benzodiazepine with fewer side effects and a lower potential for abuse to replace it.

After discontinuing Valium, the next course of treatment is typically psychotherapy.

This may involve:

• Behavioral counseling
• Group therapy
• Mindfulness training
• Other forms of mental health support

Often, these techniques help patients learn to manage conditions like chronic pain or anxiety for which they originally started taking Valium.

Help is always available for anyone with a Valium addiction. With the proper support and resources, there is a high probability of success overcoming Valium dependence.

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