What does Valium do to help with anxiety?

Highlights

• Benzodiazepines are the name of the group of drugs that Valium is in. Because it calms the brain and nerves, it is used to help people with worry conditions.
• Valium makes the affects of the chemical GABA stronger and makes you feel calm.
• Common and unusual side effects are possible, and there is a chance of becoming dependent on it, so it is generally only recommended for short-term use.
• Valium can only be bought with a prescription from a licensed medical worker.

The American Psychiatric Association’s annual poll shows that 6% more people  ⁽¹⁾ report feeling nervous now than they did a year ago. You’re not alone in feeling stressed and having a bad attitude.

But if worry and nervousness get too much, it’s best to get help from a professional. If someone has an anxiety condition, their doctor may suggest treatment or medicine, such as Valium (diazepam). Read on to learn more about this drug, its effects, and how it works.

What does Valium do?

Benzodiazepines  ⁽²⁾ are the chemical name for Valium, which is also known as diazepam.
We refer to this group of drugs as CNS tranquilizers because they act on the central nervous system (CNS). They help your brain slow down by reducing the activity of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that send messages between nerve cells. This procedure makes you feel calm and sleepy.

Valium is used to treat a wide range of diseases, from nervousness ⁽³⁾ to seizures and muscle cramps. It can treat anxiety, but only with a prescription and doctor’s supervision.

How do you use Valium?

People typically use Valium to calm and soothe, which may be important in some situations. Here are some of the most popular reasons why doctors prescribe diazepam:

• Anxiety Disorders: People with ongoing anxiety often feel restless and worry too much. Valium is FDA-approved  ⁽⁴⁾ to treat these symptoms. If you have generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or another anxiety disorder, this medicine can help.
• Diazepam can ease stress and cramps in muscles that become stiff due to joint problems.
• People with seizure conditions also use Valium because it stops seizures. People often use Valium to stop seizures in emergencies, and those with long-term seizures often combine it with other drugs.
• Stress-induced sleeplessness often prompts the use of this drug. However, due to its potential side effects, we do not recommend it for long-term sleeplessness.
• People can also use valium to fall asleep during medical treatments.

Especially, the use of diazepam should be closely watched and controlled to avoid

Possible side effects can be promptly addressed. Usually, the severity of the patient’s condition and other health factors determine the dose.

Just how does Valium work for anxiety disorders?

The GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors are what Valium binds to. These sensors in our bodies mostly help us relax by slowing down nerve activity in the brain. They also help people with anxiety and panic disorders ⁽⁵⁾ who feel like they can’t move.

By attaching to these receptors, diazepam raises the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid that the body naturally makes. When your GABA levels rise, you start to feel calm and loose, which helps you deal with your anxiety symptoms.

Comparing Valium to Other Antianxiety Drugs

Other ways to deal with worry are the ones below:

• SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, include the drug Prozac (fluoxetine). ⁽⁶⁾
• SNRIs, or selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, include Cymbalta (duloxetine).
• Buspirone
• Xanax (alprazolam) is another drug.

Valium starts to work faster than some other anxiety drugs; it can reach its highest levels in the blood in as little as 1.5 hours  ⁽⁷⁾ , while SSRIs and SNRIs ⁽⁸⁾ take a few weeks to start working. Diazepam shouldn’t be used long-term due to abuse and withdrawal. This is why people typically use it for short-term anxiety, while long-lasting medicines are considered more effective for long-term diseases such as generalized anxiety disorder. Based on your symptoms and needs, only a doctor or nurse can tell you what the best treatment for anxiety is.

Dosage

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that people with nervousness should start by taking two to four 2 mg to 10 mg Valium pills every day. You can adjust the dosage as the treatment progresses, starting at a level that is effective. Keep in mind that each person chooses their amount, and the best way to get the best results is to do what your doctor tells you to do.

Side Effects

Valium can help with a number of problems, but it can also cause side effects that you need to know about right away to get help.

Effects that happen often:

• Getting dizzy
• Feeling sleepy
• Being lost
• Tiredness
• Weak muscle groups
• Ataxia, which makes it hard to coordinate and control your muscles
• Stifling of emotions
• Changes in mood
• Changing how much you eat

Very rare side effects:

• Depression of the lungs
• Feeling very sleepy or tired
• Fits and seizures
• High blood pressure
• Anaphylaxis • Sadness
• Weak muscle groups
• Yellow skin
• Reaction to an allergy

Having mild side effects from your medicine is normal and usually won’t put your life at risk. But if you have any serious or upsetting side effects, like sunburn, hallucinations, delusions, a major allergy, or falling over a lot, you should talk to your doctor right away.

Cautionary Notes and Not Recommended

Health History

Before your doctor prescribes Valium, please ensure you have shared all necessary details about your medical history, including the following:

• Any allergies you might have
• Glaucoma
• Disease of the kidneys or liver
• A history of drug abuse
• Trouble breathing
• Problems with emotions

Any of these situations could change the choice of medicine.

Possible Interactions Between Drugs

Valium may not work with some of your current or recent medications, like anticonvulsants, antidepressants, antihistamines, and other benzos. Because these drug combinations could cause breathing problems, drowsiness, or other problems, you should let your doctor know about all the medicines you are taking.

Responses from Allergies

People who know they are allergic to this drug should not take it. It’s important to get medical help if an allergy rash, hives, swelling, or other sign gets worse.

Depression in the CNS (central nervous system)

For safety reasons, you shouldn’t drive or use heavy machinery after taking Valium. It slows down reactions and calms the nervous system. To make things even safer, stay away from alcohol and other drugs that make you sleepy.

Dependence and Pulling Away

Because it can be abused and lead to dependence ⁽⁹⁾ , diazepam is only used for short periods of time.

It provides assistance to individuals suffering from anxiety and panic disorders. People who take large amounts of this drug or use it for a long time may become dependent on it and experience withdrawal effects when they stop taking it. Some of these signs are shaking, anxiety,

irritability, muscle pain, seizures (in the worst cases), and other things. To lower the chance and severity of withdrawal, it is best to slowly lower the dose.

Can people who are pregnant or breastfeeding take Valium?

There is a general link between benzodiazepines and bad results during pregnancy, but not all drugs in this class have the same effects. On the official label of the drug, it says that taking Valium while pregnant is not suggested unless the doctor says that the benefits are greater than the risks. Valium can also get into breast milk, so it’s not a good idea to breastfeed while taking this drug. Talk to your doctor about other options and get a personalized treatment plan that takes your present needs into account.

Getting a Valium prescription from an online doctor

Only those with a diagnosed anxiety problem receive Valium, not those with mild anxiety. The doctor or nurse will choose the best medicine for you during the appointment. The steps in the process are these:

1. You can book a meeting with a doctor by signing up on the site.
2. Please discuss your symptoms and medical history to help us select the most appropriate medication.
3. If it’s considered important, get a prescription.
4. Fill it out at a drugstore.
5. Follow-up visits are important for tracking and making changes if your doctor tells you to.

In conclusion

It is possible for diazepam to help temporarily ease the signs of nervousness. It may have risks and side effects, so follow your doctor’s advice on how to use it and how much to take.