24/7 Support Line - Call Now
Free Insurance Verification
Verify your treatment coverage

Valium Side Effects

Valium, or diazepam, is a drug commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, seizures, and even alcohol withdrawal. Patients undergoing a medical procedure may be given Valium as a sedative. Valium may also be prescribed to treat sleeplessness or muscle spasms. As a drug in the benzodiazepine class, Valium works to depress brain processes. Asking what are the side effects of Valium is an important question because this drug has a variety of both short- and long-term side effects that can be potentially dangerous.

4 Minute Read | Published Oct 06 2023 | Updated Feb 29 2024 Expert Verified
Emma Collins
Written by
Amber Asher
Reviewed by
Emma Collins
Written by
Amber Asher
Reviewed by

What Are the Side Effects of Valium?

The short-term effects associated with Valium include euphoria that occurs as the drug level in the body peaks. People usually experience a distinct lack of coordination that resembles alcohol intoxication during this period. After the peak of the high, the brain speeds up again and the user experiences a crash. This rebound often involves feelings of irritation, anxiety, and possibly depression. Some people also notice stomach cramping and a rapid heart rate. Users may respond to these feelings by taking more Valium or taking a different drug to reproduce the calm, sluggish feeling.

Long-Term Effects

People who use the drug frequently may experience different Valium side effects. Long-term use usually leads to building a tolerance to the drug. A person will need to take more of the drug to produce the same feelings of euphoria. Taking higher dosages incurs a risk of developing a severe addiction and overdosing. It’s important to learn about potentially lethal Valium side effects. Long-term use can lead to hallucinations, memory loss, and breathing difficulties. Some people experience a slow heart rate, and heart attacks and coma are also risks. A Valium addiction can cause emotional issues such as depression, aggression, and psychotic behavior, which could lead to social isolation, issues with job performance, and financial problems.

Addiction Recovery

At BetterAddictionCare, we work with a nationwide recovery network of the top drug addiction treatment centers that offer customized addiction counseling to assist patients, and we can match you with a facility that’s best for your needs. If it’s time to get sober and start healing, call today to speak with a counselor. You can also fill out our contact form on our website and a client care specialist will reach out to you. We are ready to help you find the right inpatient facility that will deliver individualized therapy by highly trained professionals. Get help now to end the cycle of addiction and take back your life.

UP NEXT

Related Articles

What to Expect During Valium Detox Updated: Feb 29 2024 Valium, whose generic name is diazepam, is a prescription medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It belongs to a class of...

Free Insurance Verification

Our team is available to guide you through the steps of assessing your insurance coverage for addiction treatment.