Valium is the most popular brand-name version of diazepam. Once touted as a wonder drug, it is used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal.
Valium works by blocking certain receptors in the brain. This helps to reduce feelings of panic or fear. It also causes a calming effect that can be helpful for those who have insomnia or social anxiety disorder. However, Valium can be highly addictive and cause an overdose. That is why it is essential to understand the signs of a Valium overdose.
If you or a loved one has been misusing Valium, our Valium addiction treatment can help. Contact Vertava Health at 844.470.0410 to learn more about the signs of a diazepam overdose. It can save a life.
What Is Valium?
Valium is a benzodiazepine belonging to the central nervous system (CNS) group of depressants. CNS depressants slow the central nervous system. Diazepam, whether in a generic benzodiazepine form or as any number of other brand-name alternatives, is available in the United States only via prescription. This drug is used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Anxiety
- Vertigo
- Multiple sclerosis
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Muscle spasms
- Sleep problems
- Compulsive disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Panic attacks
- Seizures
Misuse of Valium was brought into the mainstream during the 1960s, popularized by the Rolling Stones’ 1966 song “Mother’s Little Helper,” in which the same name referred to Valium.
Signs of Valium Misuse
Signs of misuse and use of Valium include the persistent presence of symptoms common among Valium users, including:
- Persistent drowsiness
- Dizziness, vertigo, and headaches
- Anxiety and fatigue
- Depression and irritability
- Insomnia, nightmares, and other sleeping problems
- Impaired judgment and memory problems
- Stomach problems
- Confusion and forgetfulness
- Blood in stool or urine
- Seizures and hallucinations
- Dry mouth or excessive saliva
- Muscle control problem
- Constipation
- Speech and vision problems
Other serious problems that can develop with persistent Valium use, and especially with misuse, are thoughts of suicide, liver problems (including jaundice), bladder problems (incontinence or increased frequency), and changes in sex drive.
Signs of a Valium Overdose
Signs of Valium or diazepam overdose include the following:
- Lips and nails turning blue or swelling
- Blurred or double vision
- Stupor, decreased alertness, and drowsiness
- Low blood pressure or irregular heartbeat
- Slow labored, or cessation of breathing
- Increased or severe confusion, depression, and dizziness
- Extreme excitability and agitation
- Constant hiccups and trouble swallowing
- Rapid eye movement, especially side by side
- Upset stomach
- Fatigue or excessive and persistent tiredness
- Muscle control problems, spasms, tremors, or uncoordinated movements
- Rashes
If you witness a Valium overdose (or any drug overdose), you should call 911 and be ready to provide the dispatcher with patient information, such as the person’s age, weight, and medical condition; the approximate time the OD occurred; the amount and type of all drugs consumed, including alcohol; and whether any drugs involved were prescribed to the person who overdosed.
Withdrawal And Treatment
Valium withdrawal symptoms may be physical, mental, or both. Signs may include tremors, stomach cramps, muscle aches and cramps, excessive sweating, and convulsions. Addiction and misuse symptoms also may persist, like agitation, depression, fatigue, and confusion.
In both cases of medical and illicit use, increased doses may be required to achieve the effect or even the same “high.” This response is known as tolerance, and it can eventually lead to dependency. Within properly prescribed medical use, tolerance, one of the hallmarks of Valium use and addiction, typically occurs within six months of the commencement of Valium use, according to the Center for Substance Use Research at the University of Maryland. Tolerance may occur faster within situations of use. Once the central nervous system adjusts to Valium dosage levels, dependency and addiction can ensue.
Find Relief From Valium Dependency at Vertava Health
If you are struggling with a Valium dependency, Vertava Health can help. We offer comprehensive treatment options for those suffering from substance abuse issues, including those related to benzodiazepine addiction. Contact Vertava Health at 844.470.0410 today.
