Diazepam is the brand name of the medication Valium, a benzodiazepine most commonly prescribed for the treatment of severe anxiety. At treatment centers in the Evoke network, we treat men and women who struggle with benzodiazepine use disorders and men and women who struggle with anxiety. In many cases, the two issues occur simultaneously. If this is the case they must be treated at the same time in a dual diagnosis treatment facility, and if a person has been abusing benzodiazepines like diazepam it makes sense that they need to find other ways to cope with their anxiety. Medication is sometimes necessary, but in many cases, it is discovered that the cause of the anxiety was the diazepam abuse itself, along with associated withdrawal symptoms. The potential for physical dependence and withdrawal are only two of the side effects associated with taking diazepam.
Benzodiazepine Side Effects Are Common
Unfortunately, benzodiazepine-based and derived prescription medications such as diazepam come with a lengthy list of side effects. If you have been prescribed this medication for a diagnosable anxiety disorder, it is important you know the risks involved in taking this medication for a prolonged period of time or other than as prescribed. What exactly are the side effects associated with taking diazepam? Continue reading to find out, and reach out directly to Evoke Wellness with any additional questions you might have.
Side Effects Associated with Long-Term Diazepam Use
What are the short and long-term side effects of taking diazepam, otherwise known as Valium? The side effects and their severity depend on several factors, including the presence of any underlying mental health conditions (like anxiety), the frequency of use, and the amount of diazepam being used on a daily basis (the dosage). In most cases, people who use this medication on a daily or near-daily basis experience the following side effects:
- Excessive tiredness and drowsiness
- Dizziness and disorientation
- Persistent headaches can progress to migraines if the patient has a previous history of migraines or cluster headaches
- Gastrointestinal issues like nausea and diarrhea
- Dry mouth and difficulty swallowing
People who misuse diazepam for an extended period of time are at high risk of developing a physical and psychological dependence, which can cause a wide range of related side effects. The side effects associated with addiction include interpersonal consequences, legal and financial problems, increased health risks, the building of physical tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms when diazepam use is suddenly stopped. If you or someone you love has been abusing diazepam or any other benzodiazepine medication, there is help available. Contact us to learn more.
Evoke Wellness and Dual Diagnosis Disorder Recovery
At Evoke Wellness branded facilities, we believe in treating the underlying causes of addiction as well as the physical, mental, and emotional consequences of long-term substance abuse. We treat each of our clients on a highly individualized basis, addressing their needs thoroughly and on a case-by-case basis. If you or someone close to you has been struggling with a dual diagnosis disorder involving anxiety and diazepam (or any other combination of mental illness and chemical substance) we are available to help. Dual diagnosis disorders can be difficult to treat, seeing as the symptoms of drug abuse often mimic the symptoms of mental illness, and vice versa. It is important for dual diagnosis clients to have access to a combination of treatment services including medication-assisted treatment options, psychiatric services, intensive psychotherapy (in an individual and group setting), and holistic treatment options. If you would like to learn more about the Evoke Wellness philosophy and our dual diagnosis treatment programs, feel free to reach out to us at any point in time. We look forward to speaking with you and answering any additional questions you might have regarding diazepam addiction or recovery.
