Side Effects of Diazepam Abuse
Diazepam is a prescription drug used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal. It is also sold under the brand name Valium. Diazepam belongs to a class of medications known as benzodiazepines, which are central nervous system depressants. Benzodiazepines (also called benzos) work by increasing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that slows down the nervous system.
Diazepam is classified as a Schedule IV drug, which means it has a high potential for abuse and dependence. People who abuse diazepam may take higher doses than prescribed or take the drug more often than prescribed. They may also crush and snort the pills or inject them to get a more intense high.
Diazepam abuse can lead to serious side effects. If you or a loved one is struggling with Valium use, it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects.
If you or someone you know is struggling with diazepam addiction, please seek help from atreatment center specializing in addiction recovery. Zinnia Health is a premier provider of holistic, individualized addiction treatment. Our program includes detoxification services to help our clients through the stages of Valium withdrawal. For substance abuse treatment options, call (855) 430-9439.
What Are Common Side Effects of Diazepam?
The most common side effects of taking Valium include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Lack of coordination
- Slurred speech
- Memory problems
- Trouble concentrating
How Does Diazepam Affect Your Brain?
When you take diazepam, it binds to GABA receptors in your brain. This increases the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA in your brain, which results in a calming effect.
GABA slows down the activity of your brain and nervous system. This calming effect can help relieve anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures.
What Are Short-Term Side Effects of Diazepam?
Short-term side effects of Valium can include:
- Anterograde amnesia (memory problems)
- Ataxia (lack of coordination)
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Nausea or vomiting
- Tremors vertigo (a feeling that you or your surroundings are spinning)
How Do You Know If You Have Taken Too Much Diazepam?
Taking high doses of Valium can lead to serious side effects, including dizziness, confusion, slurred speech, and impaired coordination. In severe cases, an overdose of diazepam can be fatal. If you think you or someone else has taken too much diazepam, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Valium abuse can lead to dangerous consequences, such as overdose and death. People who abuse diazepam may take it in higher doses than prescribed or take it more frequently than prescribed.
They may also crush and snort pills or mix the crushed pills with liquids to inject them. These methods of abuse increase the risk of overdose and other serious health complications.
Zinnia Health can help. Our evidence-based addiction treatment program includes detox and substance use therapy to help you through every stage of recovery. For more information, call us today at (855) 430-9439.
What Are Long-Term Side Effects of Diazepam?
Long-term side effects of diazepam use can include:
- Addiction
- Mental health problems like anxiety and depression
- Memory problems
- Muscle weakness
- Problems with balance and coordination
- Seizures
- Menstrual irregularities
- Urinary retention
- Incontinence
- Liver damage
Does Diazepam Affect Your Personality?
Yes, diazepam can affect your personality. People who abuse diazepam may experience changes in their mood and behavior. They may become more anxious, irritable, and aggressive. They may also have trouble concentrating and making decisions.
Diazepam affects the chemicals in the brain responsible for regulating mood and behavior. When these chemicals are imbalanced, it can lead to changes in personality.
If you or someone you know is abusing diazepam, it is important to get help as soon as possible. With treatment, it is possible to overcome addiction and restore balance to the mind and body.
What Are the Psychological Effects of Diazepam?
Some people may experience changes in mood or behavior, such as feeling agitated or confused. In some cases, diazepam may also cause hallucinations or delusions.
What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact With Diazepam?
Taking diazepam with other central nervous system depressants can increase the risk of drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Examples of other central nervous system depressants include alcohol, opioids, barbiturates, and antihistamines.
As a result, it’s important to avoid alcohol, opioids, barbiturates, and antihistamines while taking diazepam. If you are taking any of these substances, talk to your doctor before starting diazepam.
Additionally, it’s important to let your doctor know if you are taking any other medications, as there may be other interactions not listed here. By being aware of the potential interactions, you can help ensure that you are taking diazepam safely.
What Happens If You Take Diazepam Every Day?
Taking diazepam on a regular basis can cause physical dependence. This means that you may need to take larger doses of the medication over time to achieve the same effect. If you suddenly stop taking diazepam, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, muscle pain, and sweating.
For this reason, it is important to taper off diazepam gradually under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Long-term use of diazepam can also lead to other problems, such as memory impairment and difficulty urinating. If you are considering taking diazepam for an extended period of time, it is important to talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits.
Zinnia Health Can Help
The side effects of diazepam abuse can be serious — and even life-threatening. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse, it’s important to get help as soon as possible.
Zinnia Health is the perfect place to go for Valium addiction because it offers a variety of treatment options that can be customized to meet each patient’s needs. One of the unique features of our rehab centers is that they offer both inpatient and outpatient care. This allows patients to receive the level of care they need to overcome their addiction.
Zinnia Health staff is highly trained and experienced in treating patients with addictions. They are also committed to providing a supportive and nurturing environment. This combination of factors makes Zinnia Health the perfect place to go for diazepam addiction treatment. Contact us today or call (855) 430-9439.