Just like Vicodin, Valium has found itself being accepted by many celebrities seeking for quick fixes. Valium is actually a very helpful drug used in the effective management of anxiety disorders. It is also used to help a patient manage agitation and hallucinations related to alcohol withdrawal. If we look carefully into it, it should help one suffering from alcohol addiction kick it off. However, as Valium itself may also be habit-forming, the risk that a patient may be addicted to it is also very possible.
Even with a doctor’s prescription, it is recommended that Valium is used not longer than 4 months. It also not advisable to stop taking Valium abruptly as withdrawal from the drug may cause severe reactions, such as tremors, sweating, muscle cramps, stomach pain, vomiting, sleeplessness, impaired motor function, irritability, confusion, and even violence.
Valium overdose can also be fatal. It can cause extreme drowsiness, shallow breathing, or no breathing at all. It can also increase the effects of alcohol, so taking Valium and alcohol, both central nervous system depressants, may significantly decrease inhibitions and impair thinking and decision making.
Other side effects of Valium include tired feeling and muscle weakness; dizziness and lack of balance or coordination; blurred or double vision; sleep problems and nightmares; slurred speech, nausea, constipation, headache, memory problems, and skin rash.
Valium is considered not safe for pregnant women and may cause birth defects. It can also be passed on to the baby through breastfeeding, which may result to the baby suffering from withdrawal symptoms.
Tags: valium abuse, valium addiction, valium risks
#1 by Bobby on April 5th, 2010
Thank you fro bring this issue to our attention. Many people use Valium to detox off of other drugs. Unfortunately, Valium is also addicting. Even if it is less so than other prescription medications, the fact remains that it is a physically and psychologically addicting substance. It may be the lesser of two evils, but the no evil route is probably the best if it can be achieved.