ValiumGroup 7

Bansil, Paul

Deang, Barbara

Gamboa, Lois

Marinas, Giselle

Valium

• Marketed by Hoffmann-La Roche• Valium (diazepam) is a benzodiazepine

(ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens). • Diazepam affects chemicals in the brain

that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety

• Addictive Physically and Psychologically

Valium

Availability

• Diazepam is marketed in over 500 brands throughout the world. It is supplied in oral, injectable, inhalation, and rectal forms.

Valium is abused by:

• Crushing the pills for snorting• Drinking more of the liquid and at more

frequent intervals than prescribed• Ingesting, smoking or injecting other drugs

to enhance the Valium high

Benzodiazepines are used for:

• Sedation• Inducing sleep• Relieving anxiety• Treating muscle spasms• Prevention of seizures

Side Effects of Valium

• drowsiness• dry mouth• changes in sex drive• restlessness• nausea

Short-term effects

• Anxiety• Irritation• Fever• Rapid heart rate• Stomach cramps• Depression

Valium Long-Term Effects

• Memory loss• Hallucination• Difficulty breathing• Slowed pulse• Coma• Heart attack

Lasting health effects of Valium

• Depression• Aggressive behavior• Cognitive deficits• Psychotic experiences• Further drug abuse

Valium Withdrawal• Seizures• Anxiety• Hallucinations• Shallow breathing• Respiratory distress• Tachycardia• Numbness• Personality changes• Breathing cessation

Valium Dependence/Tolerance

• After four to six months, depending on the user, Valium use can become a Valium addiction. The brain quickly becomes dependent on the depressed effects of the drug to function. The addict also becomes mentally convinced that Valium is required to face the world. Tolerance builds with each dose, making higher doses of Valium required for a high. This cycle of physical and psychological dependence continues with each dose ingested

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• You should not use Valium if you are allergic to diazepam or similar medicines (Ativan, Klonopin, Restoril, Xanax, and others).

• Do not use Valium if you are pregnant.• Do not start or stop taking Valium during

pregnancy without your doctor's advice. • Tell your doctor right away if you become

pregnant while taking this medicine for seizures.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Valium, tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, asthma or other breathing problems, kidney or liver disease, seizures, or a history of drug or alcohol addiction, mental illness, depression, or suicidal thoughts.

• Do not drink alcohol while taking Valium. • Never take more of this medication than your

doctor has prescribed.• Never share this medicine with another person,

especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction.

Sources

• http://www.drugs.com/valium.html• http://

www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-11116/valium-oral/details

• http://drugabuse.com/library/the-effects-of-valium-use/