Make sure you know whether you have open-angle glaucoma (where Valium use is okay as long as you are receiving appropriate treatment) or acute narrow-angle glaucoma (where Valium should not be used). adhd and alcohol You should contact your ophthalmologist if you are prescribed Valium. Valium, which is potentially addictive, was one of the first drugs that are popularly known as the Benzodiazepine tranquilizers.
- While a therapeutic dose has not been proven teratogenic, use during pregnancy has been linked to low birth weight, preterm labor, and intrauterine growth restriction.
- BZDs act on the CNS to exert anxiolytic and sedative effects and, together with electroconvulsive therapy, are the mainstay therapy for catatonia [13].
- One study showed a high co-occurrence with BZD dependence and all psychiatric disorders in general [64,65].
- In addition, diazepam is long-lasting, with a duration of action of more than 12 hours.
In addition, sometimes Valium addiction behaviors develop in patterns that are similar to the way Alzheimer’s or dementia patients respond. You may notice that they’re getting more prescriptions filled for Valium. If they’re taking the drug for more than six weeks, this could indicate they’re “doctor shopping” to get more. Usually the original doctor won’t prescribe past this point because they know of the addictive nature of Valium. This video lays out all the important things to know about diazepam. It gives you a brief description on how Valium is used medically and recreationally.
What other drugs will affect diazepam?
People regularly using Valium over a long period of time can also develop co-occurring mental disorders that they didn’t have before. Because Valium is used to treat anxiety, the brain can come to rely on it to regulate stress. Without Valium, the addicted brain becomes imbalanced, leading to previously nonexistent anxiety and depressive disorders. Descriptions of studies performed on specific treatments of benzodiazepine dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Some studies in the past have shown that there is a correlation between chronic BZD use and a decline in cognitive function, including the development of dementia and dementia-like diseases. One study showed a potential for cognitive decline after BZD use in the elderly, but at the same time did not find a link between their use and the development of Alzheimer’s dementia [73].
More about Valium (diazepam)
The antiepileptic oxcarbazepine has also shown potential to ameliorate withdrawal symptoms more than older-generation antiepileptics such as carbamazepine [71]. Oxcarbazepine has a better side effect profile and is a more tolerable anticonvulsant than older antiepileptic drugs [71]. It is important to note that this study was uncontrolled, so further randomized controlled studies need to be performed to increase the validity of these results [71].
It is also used for seizures, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal management. How it works is it alleviates any hyperactive functioning in the brain. The lack of stress and anxiety can lead someone to become attached to the feeling right away. As it is long-lasting, you would only take up to 4 per day as per your doctor’s instructions.
Can a Parent Cause Anxiety in a Child?
In relation to other controlled substances, Schedule V drugs have a low potential for abuse and they are common medical treatments. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval. Benzodiazepines are a class of medications that slow down activity in your brain and nervous system. They’re most often used for treating anxiety and related mental health conditions, as well as brain-related conditions like seizures.
What are the differences between benzodiazepines?
Your healthcare provider can explain their recommendations for your treatment, including the timeline for which treatments you receive and why. It’s also used in hospital to reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as sweating or difficulty sleeping. Current treatment for withdrawal is through tapering with clonazepam, and overdose should be treated with flumazenil focus: addiction: relapse prevention and the five rules of recovery pmc [67]. There is room in the research body for further exploration into alternative methods of treating withdrawal that does not include the BZD itself. This call to action proves especially relevant, as those seeking treatment for BZD dependence and withdrawal are on the rise in the United States [3]. BZDs are classified either by their duration of action or potency.
Medicines that interact with Valium may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with Valium. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed.
This call to action proves especially relevant, as those seeking treatment for BZD dependence and withdrawal are on the rise in the United States. Benzodiazepine abuse is common in those on methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), so special consideration must be taken for those withdrawing from the drugs while on MMT [68]. These patients are more likely to die from methadone toxicity because of the synergistic effects of methadone and BZD [68]. Additionally, these patients are more likely to have comorbid substance use disorders and anxiety disorders so it can be harder to find an efficacious treatment for their withdrawal symptoms [68]. One potential candidate for treatment of withdrawal symptoms in these patients is gabapentin, which works similarly to the neurotransmitter GABA [68].
The drug, which is also sold under the generic name diazepam, works by actually slowing down activity in your brain. Diazepam is used to treat anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and seizures. It is also used to relieve muscle spasms and to provide sedation before medical procedures. Taking diazepam with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.
BZDs are a class of psychoactive drugs known for their depressant effect on the central nervous system (CNS). They quickly diffuse through the blood–brain barrier to affect the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA and exert sedative effects. Related to their rapid onset and immediate symptom relief, BZDs are used for those struggling with sleep, anxiety, spasticity due to CNS pathology, muscle relaxation, and epilepsy.
Oral tablets have a more reliable absorption and controlled release when compared to IM. When administered intravenously, diazepam has an onset of action within 1 to 3 minutes, while oral dosing onset ranges between 15 to 60 minutes. In addition, diazepam is long-lasting, with a duration of action of more than 12 hours. If this drug is used for a long period of time, lab and/or medical tests (such as liver function tests, complete blood count) may be done while you are taking this medication. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).