Valium, the brand name for the generic drug diazepam, is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety, sleep disorders, seizures, and muscle spasms. Although it can be incredibly beneficial to those struggling with these conditions, there are side effects to Valium one should be aware of before using this drug. Additionally, Valium abuse can lead to addiction.
If you or a loved one is having adverse effects from Valium but cannot quit, My 5 Palms is here for you. Our benzo rehab program will provide you with a customized combination of medication and behavioral therapies to help you overcome addiction. Find out more by calling us at 1.844.675.1022 and one of our friendly staff members will be in touch.
Valium Side Effects to be Aware Of
Like any medication, Valium can cause undesirable side effects. A few of the most common side effects reported are:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Muscle weakness
- Headache
Valium side effects can also be more serious, including difficulty breathing, delusions, hallucinations, loss of coordination, and severe mood swings.
Signs of Valium Abuse
Not everyone experiences adverse effects when taking Valium as prescribed by their doctor, but if an individual misuses Valium, they’re more likely to notice negative side effects. But what does it mean to misuse Valium? There are several behaviors that are indicative of Valium abuse, including:
- Ingesting Valium more often or in larger doses than prescribed by your medical provider
- Taking Valium when you are not experiencing the symptoms your doctor prescribed it for. Often those symptoms include anxiety, sleeplessness, or muscle spasms,
- Doctor shopping or scheduling appointments with multiple doctors so you can obtain extra prescriptions for Valium
- Obtaining Valium without a prescription
Valium abuse makes you more susceptible to the potential negative effects of the drug, and can unfortunately lead to addiction and even overdose.
Are You Addicted to Valium?
You can become addicted to Valium even if you have a valid prescription for the medication. Recognizing the signs of Valium addiction as early as possible can help prevent the condition from getting worse. It can also make it easier to quit using the drug. If you or someone you know is using Valium, whether by prescription or illicitly, familiarize yourself with the following signs of Valium addiction:
Having Strong Cravings
Feeling a strong desire to take Valium even when you are not experiencing symptoms of an applicable medical condition can indicate an addiction to the drug.
Needing Higher Doses
If your usual dose of Valium does not produce the same relief from symptoms, you may have developed a tolerance to that dose. Needing higher doses to achieve the same effects points to addiction.
Experiencing Withdrawal Symptoms
If you have headaches, stomach pains, elevated heart rate, mood swings, anxiety, depression, or tremors when not taking Valium, it is likely you are dealing with addiction.
Making Unsuccessful Attempts to Quit
If you have tried to stop using Valium before but could not maintain abstinence from the drug due to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and cravings, you may need the assistance of a benzo rehab to help you overcome addiction.
Call My 5 Palms to Enroll in Benzo Rehab
If you believe you may be addicted to Valium but are nervous to quit, you can count on My 5 Palms to guide you through the process. With the help of our experienced team of addiction treatment professionals, you will receive the appropriate therapies and medications to help address the underlying contributors of Valium abuse and minimize the severity of withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Give us a call at 1.844.675.1022 or fill out the online form to begin your recovery journey.
