Valium Addiction

A core medicine in the World Health Organization’s “Essential Drugs List”, Diazepam (Valium) is used to treat a wide range of medical conditions . It has been one of the most frequently prescribed medications in the world for the past 40 years.

While used mainly for treatment of anxiety and insomnia, it has also proven effective in treating such indications as epilepsy, tetanus, paresis, hallucinogen overdose, eclampsia, muscle spasms, irritable bowel syndrome and many other afflictions. It has even been used as a sedative in veterinary hospitals. California death row inmates are offered valium as a pre-execution sedative while awaiting lethal injection.

Clearly, this is a very useful medicine. But like any drug, it also has a great potential for abuse. When used longer than recommended, people frequently get hooked on Valium. You hear reports all the time about one starlet or another overdosing, either intentionally or by accident, on Valium. Here are the answers to some of the most-asked questions about Valium use and abuse.

Q) What is Valium?

A) Valium is a drug of the Benzodiazepine sedative class. Valium (diazepam) acts on the limbic, thalmic and hypothalmic regions of the central nervous system to potentiate the effects of inhibitory neurotransmitters.

Q) What is the difference between Valium and Diazepam?

A) There is no actual difference between Valium and Diazepam. Diazepam is the generic form of Valium which is the name brand manufactured by Roche.

Q) What does Valium look like?

A) Valium in mainly available in tablets. The 2mg tablet is white, the 5mg tablet is yellow, and the 10mg tablet is blue.

Q) How is Valium used?

A) Valium is usually taken orally in tablet form but is also manufactured in an intravenous form.

Q) When are the effects of Valium general felt?

A) The effects of Valium are felt within thirty minutes after taking it orally and one to five minutes after injection.

Q) What side effects may occur with the use and abuse of Valium?

A) Common side effects of Valium are clumsiness and sleepiness. Although, some experience abdominal cramps, blurred vision, dry mouth, racing heartbeat / palpitations, shaking / slurred speech, urination problems, convulsions, hallucinations, memory loss, trouble breathing, staggering / trembling, headache or confusion.

Q) What are the symptoms of a Valium overdose?

A) The symptoms of a Valium overdose include coma, confusion, diminished reflexes and sleepiness.

Q) Is Valium considered addictive?

A) Yes, Valium is considered addictive. The user builds a tolerance and feels the need to increase the amount they take to achieve the same “high”. Over a period of time Valium becomes physically and psychologically addictive.

Q) Once addicted to Valium is there a withdrawal that comes with ending usage?

A) Yes, when you the withdrawal symptoms of Valium are similar to those of other barbiturates and alcohol which included: convulsions, tremor, abdominal and muscle cramps, vomiting and sweating. Consequently, after extended abuse, abrupt discontinuation should generally be avoided and a gradual dosage tapering schedule followed.