Valium (Diazepam) helps relieve symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, anxiety, and other problems but can be addictive. That’s why medical professionals often prescribe the smallest dose of this medication that works and have the patient take it for the shortest possible time. Abusing this substance can cause serious side effects, such as convulsions and coma.
If someone you care about is taking Valium, whether by prescription or otherwise, be attentive and watch out for its negative effects. Intervene and get your loved one professional help before it’s too late if you’ve noticed any of the effects listed below.
Negative Valium Side Effects to Watch Out For
Allergic Reactions
Valium can trigger allergic reactions, such as difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue. That’s why a person should only take this medication with a doctor’s prescription, and the patient must disclose their allergies to benzodiazepines during their consultation. Allergic reactions to Valium require immediate medical attention. So, if you notice a loved one having allergic reactions after taking Valium, call emergency services quickly.
CNS Depression
Valium is a benzodiazepine, which belongs to a group of medicines referred to as central nervous system (CNS) depressants. CNS depressants slow down brain activity, which causes the muscles to relax and a person to calm down. That’s why the right dosage of this prescription drug does wonders for people with anxiety, seizures, and other health issues.
However, when abused, Valium can cause CNS depression. It’s a condition wherein a person’s CNS, which consists of the brain and the spinal cord, significantly slows down. Symptoms of CNS depression vary in severity. Mild symptoms may include dizziness, muscle weakness, and slightly reduced heart rate. These negative Valium side effects are typically nothing to worry about.
In contrast, severe CNS depression is a medical emergency. It’s critical to get immediate medical help if you notice your loved one suffering from severe CNS depression. Symptoms include the following:
- Blue fingertips or lips
- Clammy or cold skin
- Slow breathing (fewer than ten breaths per minute)
- Reduced heart rate
- Extreme confusion
- Poor judgment or memory loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
Impaired Muscle Control and Coordination
Impaired motor coordination is a common Valium side effect. Although this side effect may seem harmless at first, it can cause falls, which may cause fractures in the wrist, hip, and pelvis, especially in older adults. Worse, they can cause death from injury.
Impaired coordination also contributes to accidents, specifically vehicular accidents. Studies have found that Benzodiazepine use was a factor in up to 65% of motor vehicle accidents. Therefore, it is crucial to stop someone taking Valium from driving, operating heavy machinery, and engaging in other activities requiring coordination and mental alertness. Otherwise, this seemingly harmless Valium side effect can become dangerous and even fatal.
Memory Problems
Valium intake can also cause memory problems. Your loved one taking Valium may start becoming forgetful. A study has found that a single administration of diazepam impairs participants’ memory in both immediate and delayed free recalls.
Suicidal Thoughts
Thinking about suicide is one of the more serious Valium side effects. If someone you care about is at immediate risk of suicide or self-harm, it’s important to intervene before it’s too late. Ask direct questions, like “Are you thinking about suicide”? But be sensitive. When your loved one starts talking about their suicidal thoughts, listen attentively without judgment. Connect them with a trained crisis counsellor and stay with the person until help arrives.
More Valium Side Effects
Other serious side effects of Valium that require immediate medical attention include mood or mental changes, shaking, trouble speaking and walking, and muscle weakness. Also, get medical help right away if you notice your loved one with skin or eyes turning yellow, having difficulty urinating, or showing signs of infection like fever and chills.
Note that this is not a complete list of Valium side effects. It only includes some of the most common or severe side effects. Valium side effects can also get worse if the medication is taken with other substances, like alcohol and opioids.
How to Know If Someone Is Addicted to Valium
Valium is sometimes prescribed for up to several months, making it difficult to recognize Valium addiction. If you want to know whether your loved one is abusing Valium, below are a few signs to watch out for:
- Getting and taking more Valium than prescribed
- Becoming anxious at the thought of running out of the drug
- Losing interest in hobbies or activities they once found pleasurable
- Withdrawing from their school, professional, or personal commitments
- Declining work or school performance
- Poor hygiene or physical appearance
- Disappearing frequently and not engaging with people in their lives
If someone you care about is indeed consuming Valium without a prescription or more than the recommended dosage, do not wait and intervene before the drug causes more harm.
Don’t Quit Valium Cold-Turkey
Finding out that your loved one is abusing Valium and suffering from its negative side effects can be heartbreaking. However, never ask them to quit the drug cold turkey. Sudden cessation of Valium intake after several months can cause serious withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include seizures, coma, and other potentially life-threatening conditions.
Connect your loved one to a medical professional if you wish them to stop taking Valium. Doctors will gradually reduce the medicine’s dosage, usually on a weekly basis, to minimize uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and prevent serious complications like seizures. If your loved one is a heavy Valium user, strongly consider connecting them to an inpatient rehab.
Rehabilitation centres, like Hills & Ranges Private (HARP), provide an environment where patients can recover from their Valium addiction safely and comfortably. HARP has enough specialists to provide undivided attention and care to patients, adopt a holistic addiction treatment approach, and offer individualized therapies. HARP facilities are surrounded by nature. It is also equipped with top-notch amenities to ensure clients’ comfort throughout their stay in the facility.
Know someone who needs help? Speak to a Prescription Drugs Addictions Specialist at HARP.
