Diazepam, Short Description
Diazepam, first marketed as Valium, is a medication of the benzodiazepine family that typically produces a calming effect. It is prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, or muscle spasms. It is sometimes used with other medications to treat seizures and may cause dependence. Misuse of this drug can lead to overdose or death.
The medication comes in various brand names; Valium, Diazepam Intensol, Diastat, Diastat AcuDial.
Side Effects of Diazepam
These side effects may occur:
- blurred vision
- clumsiness or unsteadiness
- constipation
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- drowsiness
- headache
- muscle weakness
- slurred speech
Other more serious side effects are:
- anxiety or agitation
- confusion
- falls and fractures
- fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- hallucinations (seeing or hearing things not there)
- memory loss
- mood or behaviour changes (e.g., aggression, rage, anxiety, or excitation)
- nightmares
- signs of depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
People with a history of alcohol or drug abuse have a high risk of abuse or addiction.
Symptoms of overdose
- Change in consciousness
- difficult or troubled breathing
- irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
- lack of coordination
- loss of consciousness
- loss of strength or energy
- muscle pain or weakness
- pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
- sleepiness
- unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness.
Diazepam and alcohol
High amounts of Valium are required to overdose. Mixing Valium and alcohol or other drugs increase the risk of overdose. And, when mixed, it heightens the effects of both drugs.
Dangerous side effects can result when both are mixed. Alcohol and Valium are both depressants. Valium intensifies the intoxication from alcohol. There are dangers because the person may not realize that they are drinking more than they normally do safely. Which can induce alcohol poisoning. Here are more outcomes of mixing Valium and alcohol:
- alcohol poisoning
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- loss of consciousness
- shallow breathing
- impaired coordination
- memory problems
- overdose
If you or a loved one has an abuse issue with Diazepam, call our referral counsellors for help finding an affordable private drug rehab center in Canada.
Carole Pelland
Substance Abuse
Digital Marketing Administrator
& Author
