Valium, also known as Diazepam, is a popular sedative that is prescribed to treat anxiety and muscle spasms. The drug can also be used to treat seizures, alcohol withdrawal and insomnia. Valium is a benzodiazepine that works by enhancing the effects of GABA, which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in your brain. By increasing GABA’s activity in certain areas of your brain, you’ll experience feelings of relaxation and calmness.
Valium was first introduced in 1963 by Roche Laboratories (now known as Hoffman-La Roche) as a safer alternative to barbiturates for treating anxiety. Since then, it has become one of the most widely used drugs for treating anxiety disorders and muscle spasms.
Valium: Overview of Respiratory Depression
Valium has been shown to increase your risk of developing respiratory depression if taken with other medicines that depress respiration such as opioids or alcohol. Respiratory depression occurs when there isn’t enough oxygen entering your lungs due to slow or shallow breathing caused by extreme drowsiness or sleepiness from taking too much Valium at once or from combining it with other respiratory depressants like opioids or alcohol.
However, when taking this medication at high doses or for extended periods of time (more than two weeks), you’re likely to experience side effects like drowsiness or dizziness, blurred vision, confusion or memory problems, unsteady walking or coordination problems (ataxia), slurred speech and trouble with speaking clearly (dysarthria), trouble thinking clearly or paying attention (disorientation or confusion), feeling dizzy when sitting or standing up suddenly (postural hypotension), upset stomach or nausea with vomiting (nausea/vomiting).
Valium And Respiratory Depression
Respiratory depression, also known as hypoventilation, is a condition that results in the slowing or stopping of respiration. In most cases, this occurs when the body’s normal level of oxygen is not being delivered to the brain and other tissues.
The most common cause of respiratory depression is benzodiazepines (including Valium), which are often used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Other drugs that can cause respiratory depression include opiates, alcohol, and anesthetics.
When used as prescribed, Valium is generally safe and effective for short-term use. However, if you take more than the amount prescribed by your doctor or take it for longer than he or she recommends, you could experience symptoms like drowsiness, dizziness and confusion. These side effects are generally not harmful on their own—but they can be dangerous when combined with other drugs or alcohol.
If you’re taking Valium and experiencing these symptoms while driving or operating machinery, get off the road immediately!
What Causes Respiratory Depression?
Respiratory depression can happen when you take too much medication or when you take it with other drugs that cause respiratory depression. The most common medications that cause respiratory depression include opioids, benzodiazepines (including Valium), barbiturates (like phenobarbital), alcohol with sedative effects, and tricyclic antidepressants (like amitriptyline).
How Can I Prevent Respiratory Depression?
Respiratory depression can be prevented by taking the lowest dose of your medication for as short a time as possible. You should also avoid taking any other drugs that could cause respiratory depression until you talk with your doctor about them first.