Valium

Valium (diazepam) is a member of the benzodiazepine family and is prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, tremors, seizures, night terrors, delirium, and to help overcome alcoholism. Valium is considered safe to use in small doses for a short period of time, but when used longer than a few weeks, it may become addictive. An estimated 50 percent of people show addictive signs to Valium when taking the prescribed drug for more than six months.

How Valium Works

Valium is a benzodiazepine drug similar to Xanax and Ativan. Valium works by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid in the brain. It acts on the nerves to create a calm and relaxing sensation. It can relieve tension in small doses. Valium can be administered orally, rectally, or intravenously and is considered to be a minor tranquilizer.

Short-Term Side Effects

Valium may cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, confusion, vertigo, lethargy, slurred speech, decreased mobility, mood changes, blurred vision, dry mouth, memory loss, sleepiness, rashes, incontinence, or nausea. Effects are usually felt within thirty minutes of taking the medication by pill.

Long-Term Side Effects

The most common long-term side effects of Valium are tolerance and addiction. Long-term users are prone to becoming physiologically and psychologically dependent on the drug. Liver damage, blunt emotions, and depression are other possible side effects. Some users experience reverse side effects from Valium where their anxiety worsens and they have frequent suicidal thoughts. Valium is best taken for no longer than a few weeks, and should always be taken as prescribed by a doctor.

Overdose of Valium can lead to a coma or even death. Symptoms of an overdose may include extreme drowsiness, muscle weakness, and confusion.

Symptoms of Addiction

Users quickly build tolerance to Valium. After taking it for too long, they need to take an increasing amount of the drug to experience any of the desired effects. The increased dosage makes it hard to quit and leads the user down the path to becoming addicted. Many users will repeatedly return to Valium when faced with a stressful situation or a surge in anxiety. Some users rely on the emotional numbness provided by the drug not only to treat an anxiety disorder, but to get through the day. The drug becomes a crutch.

A Difficult Withdrawal

It’s best to not stop taking Valium all at once because it can lead to withdrawal after long-term use. The best way to ease off the drug is to take a decreased dose each day, as advised by a doctor. Symptoms of withdrawal may include tremors, psychosis, insomnia, profuse sweating, hyper-anxiety, irritability, increase in heart rate, loss of appetite, decrease in weight, depression, diarrhea, vision problems, cramping, and high blood pressure.

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