Diazepam is a benzodiazepine drug used to treat anxiety disorder, panic attacks, insomnia, muscles spasms, and seizures. Benzodiazepine drugs also referred to as ‘benzos’ belongs to a class of psychoactive drugs. Also, benzodiazepines garnered popular medical attention as an improved version of barbiturates. The drug acts to calm the nerves and the brain. Doctors administer diazepam to patients before a medical procedure. Diazepam is available in pill form or as an injectable. Diazepam is commonly marketed as Valium and is similar to Xanax.
Additionally, benzodiazepines are less dangerous compared to other drugs. Death from diazepam overdose rarely occurs except for instances that users combine it with other depressants such as alcohol or opioids. In the initial release of diazepam, it gathered widespread support from the public. However, as years goes by, the drug garnered criticism and demands for restrictions on its medical prescriptions.
Fast Facts about Diazepam:
- In the US alone, ‘primary tranquilizer’ like benzodiazepine-type drug increased 79% from the year 1992 to 2002. The data also indicates that abuse of benzodiazepines drug triggered a concern in the medical community.
- In 2000, hospital admission related to benzodiazepines and narcotic pain reliever use increased 569.7%. The number rose from 5,032 to 33,701 admissions in 2010.
- 45.7% of benzodiazepine and narcotic pain reliever related admissions reported having an interconnected psychiatric disorder.
- From the years 1998 to 2008, the benzodiazepine admissions tripled in number.
History of Diazepam
Dr. Leo Sternbach who works at the pharmaceutical company Hoffman-La Roche created diazepam, his second benzodiazepine invention. He did his works at the company’s facility in Nutley, New Jersey. The drug was later approved in 1960. Diazepam was then sold publicly in 1963 as a better substitute for Librium. During those times, diazepam became extremely popular, the sales from the drug helped Roche to become one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies.
Soon after the success of diazepam, other pharmaceutical companies released benzodiazepine derivative drugs. From 1969 until 1982, diazepam becomes the top-selling pharmaceutical drug in the US. The sales from the drug peaked in 1978 with 2.3 billion tablets sold.
Psychiatry and Diazepam
Psychiatrists prescribe diazepam as a treatment for short-term relief of anxiety. On the other hand, neurologists prescribed the drug for treatment of epilepsy and spastic activity. Furthermore, doctors use diazepam as the first line of treatment for a rare illness called stiff-person syndrome.
Why is Diazepam abused?
As a drug, diazepam can cure several illnesses. However it can also cause addiction as it acts as a sedative and muscle relaxant that affects the nervous system, it provides a feeling of euphoria. Doctors highly prescribe diazepam which makes it readily accessible. The combination of these two makes it easy for users to obtain the drug. Once addiction is developed, it can cause severe withdrawal symptoms to the users.
Another reason for diazepam abuse can begin with a simple peer pressure or curiosity from its side effects. Also, users often self-medicate to treat mood disorder such as depression or anxiety. However, anyone can still recover from diazepam addiction.
What causes Diazepam addiction?
Diazepam addiction can quickly develop after just a few weeks of use. The body builds up tolerance resulting for the users to consume more of the drug to get the same effects. Diazepam can also produce quick side effects like a feeling of euphoria which makes it a popular drug of choice.
What are the signs and symptoms of Diazepam addiction?
When someone is abusing diazepam, they will show red flags signs that their loved ones can observe. Recognizing some of the signs and symptoms of diazepam abuse can help save the life of those addicted to it. Some of the red flags from diazepam abuse can affect the physical and psychological attributes of the body. These include:
- Aggression
- Agitation
- Amnesia or memory glitches
- Blurred vision
- Dilated eyes
- Dizziness
- Double vision
- Dry retching
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Hallucinations
- Hostility
- Impaired coordination
- Increased risk of suicide
- Loss of interest in sex
- Mania
- Memory problems
- Muscle weakness
- Nausea
- Panic attacks
- Psychosis
- Rage
- Sedation
- Slurred speech
- Vomiting
Heavy diazepam abuse can result in severe health problems which include:
- Depression
- Hyperactivity
- Loss of interests previously enjoyed
- Loss of bladder control
- Reduced inhibitions
- Seizures
- Thoughts of suicide or self-injury
- Tremors
- Urine retention
Another sign of diazepam abuse can cause loss of judgment. Users often mix the drug with other substances like alcohol ignoring the possible deadly effect of the drug. Death because of drug overdose from diazepam occurs when users mix it with other higher doses of opiates or alcohol. As these drugs can slow down the respiratory system resulting in slower breathing problems.
Also, users may become a poor driver because of their trouble focusing. Persons who abuse diazepam have a slower reaction time than normal, which may eventually lead to accidents. Also, because of the sedating effect, the user may not react to road hazards and safety information.
What are the side effects of Diazepam?
Diazepam abuse can result in detrimental side effects to all aspects of the human body. These include physical, psychological and even personal life of the user. Some of the side effects of diazepam include:
Physical side effects of diazepam:
- Dry retching
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Hyperactivity
- Impaired or loss of reflexes
- Impaired coordination
- Nausea
- Restlessness
- Seizures
- Sleep disturbance
- Slurred speech
- Tremors
- Twitches
- Vertigo
- Death
Psychological side effects of diazepam:
- Agitation
- Aggression
- Anxiety
- Cognitive problems
- Confusion
- Difficulty in concentration
- Hallucinations
- Hostility
- Increased risk of suicide
- Mania
- Memory problems
- Panic attacks
- Psychosis
- Rage
Personal side effects of diazepam:
- Avoids personal interaction
- Career failure
- Loss of family connections
- Friendships and other relationships are concluded
- Monetary problems
- Stops doing enjoyable activities
What are the treatments available for Diazepam addiction?
The most effective way to treat diazepam addiction is to gradually reduce the dosage of the drug intake. Detoxification can be lengthy as it depends on how the users take the drug and the duration of their addiction. Gradual reduction is the most effective way to treat diazepam addiction. Medical practitioners opposed to the abrupt stop intake of the drug, as it can do more harm than to treat the disorder. Doctors may even prescribe medication to lessen the withdrawal symptoms to make is more comfortable for the user to undergo the detoxification process.
Similarly, diazepam is a physically addictive drug. Abruptly stopping the intake can result in severe withdrawal symptoms. The withdrawal effects are similar to barbiturate and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Also, users can experience life-threatening symptoms which can also be frightening. Detoxification in inpatient rehabilitation is highly recommended. Medical practitioners can monitor the users round the clock to ensure safety and care.
Some of the withdrawal symptoms for diazepam abuse include:
- Recurring anxiety
- Aggravation of the original anxiety symptoms
- Emergence of worry
- Insomnia
- Ringing in the ears
- Distrust
- Nausea
- Irritability
- Blurred vision
- Obsessive chewing
- Elevated blood pressure
- Increased heart beat/ tachycardia
- Muscle tension
- Agitation and severe restlessness
- Muscle and joint pain
- Hallucinations
- Grand mal seizures
How long is the duration of the withdrawal?
| Diazepam Withdrawal Timeline | |
| The first 24 to 48 hours | Within the first 48 hours from the last intake, users may not experience much of the withdrawal symptoms. |
| 3 to 4 days | In this window, users may experience the first withdrawal symptoms. |
| From 4 days onwards | Withdrawal symptoms may peak during these times. |
For diazepam addiction treatment, there are no exact days on how the users will recover from the addiction. It all depends on how often the user took diazepam, the duration of the abuse and whether the user took diazepam with other substances.
However, it is significant for the person to still undergo medical detoxification as to treat the addiction. Under medical supervision experts can also give proper treatment for other disorder associated with diazepam addiction. Call Rehab Near Me to find a provider that can help you overcome diazepam addiction today!
