Valium (Diazepam) is a widely prescribed medication for the treatment of anxiety, seizures, alcohol withdrawal, benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome, insomnia, and muscle spasms. This is a federally controlled substance that has been classified by the FDA under the schedule IV category of drugs. This means this medication cannot be bought unless you have a valid prescription from a licensed doctor. Its potential for abuse and addiction is quite high and hence the classification.
The components of the medication work on the central nervous system and produce an overall calming and relaxing effect which helps patients with anxiety slow down and gather their thoughts. Added to this the medication also has tranquilizing effects which help prevent the onset of seizures in patients and abnormal body movements in patients. The medication is also used to treat those experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms also. Due to its tranquilizing effect, the medication can make one feel drowsy and the person may experience extreme mood swings.
How does Valium Work in the Human body?
The components of the drug work on the CNS and enhance the effect of the GABA neurotransmitters and reduce excess activity in certain regions of the brain that regulate the thoughts, moods, and emotions of the person. This in turn reduces the levels of anxiety that the person feels and relaxes any muscular tension that the person may feel due to seizures or spasms.
The medication is available as an oral pill, an injection, and a rectal gel. When taken in the injection form, the medication works faster when compared to the others. The effects can be felt within 15 mins for any of the forms and provide immediate relief in patients suffering from sudden onset seizures.
Does Valium Interact With Other Medications?
Yes, Valium does interact with other Pharmacodynamic drugs. Provide your doctor with your complete medical information before you start taking Valium to avoid risking unnecessary adverse effects due to possible interactions. The following is the list of drugs that this drug is known to have potential interactions with,
Anxiolytics:
Anxiolytics are a group of medications that are prescribed to treat anxiety including SSRIs and SNRIs. Since Valium itself is a benzodiazepine, care should be taken not to mix any other anxiety medication along with this drug. The combination can cause severe CNS depression.
Anticonvulsants:
This category of medications helps control seizures in patients suffering from the same. Do not combine Valium along with Valproic acid, Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Carbmazepine, Topiramate, Phenytoin, Ethosuximide, and Zonisamide. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are simultaneously using any of the aforementioned medications along with Diazepam.
Sleep Medications:
Do not combine this anti-anxiety pills along with sleep aids such as Zolpidem, Dayvigo, Eszopiclone, Belsomra, and Zaleplon. The tranquilizing effects are increased and cause severe CNS Depression.
Narcotic Analgesics:
These are commonly known as opiates and opioids that are used to relieve acute or chronic pain. Care should be taken not to combine Valium along with Hydrocodone, Codeine, Morphine, Fentanyl, and oxymorphone.
Alcohol:
Taking Valium along with alcohol is a big no-no. Alcohol is a CNS depressant similar to the function of this medication. A combination of the two can cause an increased risk of the person developing an overdose. These are characterized by clammy skin, decreased body temperature, difficulty in breathing, confusion, slowed heart rate, slowed response, and excessive vomiting.
Apart from the above-mentioned drugs, there are various other medications with which Valium should not be combined along with. Consult your doctor and talk to them about the usage of any other medication that you are using along with Valium. Combining this medication along with any of the drugs can cause serious drug interactions that can pose potentially life-threatening risks to the user. Furthermore, abusing the medication by combining it along with alcohol or other illicit substances to enjoy the euphoric effect of the drug is prone to the risk of developing tolerance and in the long run addiction to the medication.