Valium® Drug Interactions: Risks and Dangers
Substance Use Disorder Resources and Treatment
Valium® (diazepam) is a commonly prescribed anti-anxiety and sedative medication. It is safe when used as prescribed, but many dangerous side effects and health risks can arise when mixed with other substances.
Key Points
- The active ingredient in Valium® is diazepam, and it is prescribed to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures.
- Valium® falls under the class of benzodiazepines and is a Schedule IV controlled substance.
- Valium® works by slowing down the central nervous system (CNS), inducing a calming effect.
- Valium can have dangerous interactions with other drugs, such as opioids, alcohol, other CNS depressants, antacids, and phenytoin.
Valium® Drug Facts
Valium® is a benzodiazepine, a drug class popular and effective for treating anxiety, seizures, and insomnia. Some call them “downers,” especially on the street, due to their tranquilizing effects. The active ingredient in Valium® is diazepam which specifically treats anxiety, muscle spasms from neurological disorders, and seizures.[1]
There are 2 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg tablets. There is also a 1 mg/1 mL oral solution. The dosage must be adjusted depending on what condition is being treated. Valium® is a Schedule IV drug, meaning it has a low to moderate potential for dependence and addiction. You may be more likely to become dependent and addicted when you misuse the drug.
Is Valium® Safe, and How Does It Work?
Valium® enhances the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in the central nervous system (CNS).[2] This causes its “downer” effects by slowing down the CNS, ultimately relaxing the muscles and reducing anxiety symptoms. Swallowing the drug breaks it down slowly in your stomach over several hours. This ensures it doesn’t overwhelm your system, and its effects will last longer.
Valium® is a safe drug for most people when taken as prescribed. There are a few side effects with Valium, and most of those associated with the sedative are minor. But it can become dangerous when misused or mixed with other substances.
Can you mix Valium® with other drugs?
Mixing Valium® with certain substances can cause serious drug interactions. Consider Valium® and alcohol, both of which slow the central nervous system (CNS) responsible for critical functions like breathing. If taken together, the effects will intensify and can be increasingly dangerous. Always talk to your doctor before you take any medication with this drug.
Side Effects of Valium®
Common side effects include drowsiness, breathing problems, confusion, dizziness, muscle weakness, headache, and nausea. Some people may not develop any side effects. Serious side effects may include respiratory depression, dependence, fainting, heart changes, and withdrawal symptoms.[3]
While side effects are generally not life-threatening, they can be if severe, particularly respiratory depression. Always talk to your prescribing doctor if you have side effects that don’t go away naturally.
Valium® Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms cause cravings, sweating, chills, and worsened anxiety. Some people who experience withdrawal from Valium® may also develop pain and fatigue. It takes a few weeks to get through the complete timeline of withdrawal symptoms. Cravings can be strong enough to influence further misuse. Professional substance abuse treatment is a great way to avoid that path.
Treatment For Valium® Misuse and Addiction
Misusing Valium® by taking too much or taking it with other substances can have serious consequences. If you have a Valium® addiction or dependence, it might be hard to stop. Detox and treatment can help.
Medical Detox
Detox is the hardest but most essential part of overcoming drug addiction. Many start using Valium® to treat anxiety disorders or muscle spasms but then become dependent. Dependence can develop even after short-term use. Dependence changes how the receptors in your nervous system work, making it difficult to function without the drug.
Detoxing weans you off the drug until it is out of your system. This requires you to go through unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, such as cravings. Medical professionals monitor detox, so if anything goes wrong, you’ll be safe. After the drug is out of your system, you’ll have a good foundation to continue your recovery journey.
Inpatient Treatment
An inpatient program is ideal for balancing your daily life with treatment. Inpatient treatment focuses on therapy and support. Therapy is a great way to think differently about your thoughts and behaviors concerning drug abuse. You can also talk with others suffering from the same problem and see how they cope.
Inpatient treatment lets you feel supported as you go through your recovery journey. It also gives you the resources to rise above your addiction. This may reduce the risk of relapsing in the future.
Holistic Therapies
Holistic therapies focus on the entire person rather than one part. Instead of focusing only on mental aspects, they also cover emotional, spiritual, and physical aspects. Through holistic therapy and reflection, you will better understand yourself.
Mind-body, spiritual, and somatic therapies are all great options. Mindfulness, yoga, and meditation are also helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions About Valium® Use and Valium® Drug Interactions
What is the difference between Valium® and Xanax?
Xanax treats anxiety and panic disorders. Valium® treats various conditions, including anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures.
Does Valium® interact with antidepressants?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are generally safe to take with Valium®. However, the antidepressant fluoxetine can interact with Valium® and cause sedation and confusion.
Does Valium® affect blood pressure?
Valium® lowers blood pressure because of how it depresses the CNS. This blood pressure drop can sometimes be fatal due to overdoses or drug interactions.
Can I take Valium® with ibuprofen?
Many over-the-counter medications, including ibuprofen, are safe to take with Valium®. However, you should still talk to your doctor before you take Valium® with anything else.
Begin Valium® Misuse Recovery
Suffering from a Valium® addiction can feel hopeless, but you don’t have to be trapped. Getting drug treatment will help you put your drug use disorder behind you so you can get back on your feet.
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.-a). Diazepam: Medlineplus drug information. MedlinePlus. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682047.html on 2023, July 4.
Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.-b). Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/013263s094lbl.pdf on 2023, July 4.
Dhaliwal JS, Rosani A, Saadabadi A. Diazepam. [Updated 2022 Sep 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537022/ on 2023, July 4.
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2023a, June 1). Diazepam (oral route) precautions. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/diazepam-oral-route/precautions/drg-20072333?p=1 on 2023, July 4.
Kang M, Galuska MA, Ghassemzadeh S. Benzodiazepine Toxicity. [Updated 2023 Jun 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482238/
Hirschtritt, M. E., Palzes, V. A., Kline-Simon, A. H., Kroenke, K., Campbell, C. I., & Sterling, S. A. (2019, December 1). Benzodiazepine and unhealthy alcohol use among adult outpatients. The American journal of managed care. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7217068/ on 2023, July 4.
Greenblatt , D. J., Shader, R. I., Harmatz , J. S., MacLaughlin , D. S., & Allen , M. D. (n.d.). Diazepam absorption: Effect of antacids and food. American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics! Retrieved from https://ascpt.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/cpt1978245600 on 2023, July 4.