Valium is one of the most commonly used and best known drugs that slow down brain activity and function. It’s classified as a sedative hypnotic, and it has a relaxing and depressing effect on the CNS (Central Nervous System). There are many different drugs that work as Central Nervous System depressants. Most modern CNS depressants on the market today work by affecting the GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are a special class of chemicals that are present in the brain – they are an important part of brains normal function, since they facilitate communication between different brain cells and centers in the brain. Gamma-aminobutyric acid specifically works by slowing down, or decreasing the activity of the brain. Although different CNS depressants work in different, unique ways, their effectiveness ultimately comes down to their ability to increase the production and activity of the GABA neurotransmitter. By doing so, CNS depressants like Valium are able to produce a calming, relaxing effect that can be very beneficial for patients that are suffering from depression, anxiety or sleep disorders like insomnia.
In addition to being classified as a CNS depressant, Valium is more specifficaly described as a benzodiazepine. Like other drugs in the benzodiazepine group, it can be used to treat acute stress syndromes, panic attacks and anxiety. In high enough doses, it can eve be used as an effective general anesthetic, and it’s sometimes used for pre-operative sedation in clinical conditions as well.
Despite it’s many well known beneficial effects, Valium is still a potent drug that affects mood, and as such, it has a certain potential for abuse. To ensure that you get the most out of Valium, while minimizing the chance of side effects and protecting your health in the process, you should always used Valium only as prescribed and according to the instructions.
If you are a first time user of Valium, especially if you never taken a CNS depressant in the past, you might experience sensations of sleepiness, drowsiness and a lack of coordination. This is normal, and it only means that your body is getting accustomed to the effects of the drug. Once your body’s had a chance to adjust – usually after a few days, the side effects should pass on their own.
If you have been using Valium for prolonged periods of time – especially if you have been taking larger dosages daily, your body will start to develop a tolerance to the effects of the drug. This will often mean that you will have to take larger dosages of Valium to produce the same initial effects. The increase of dosage can easily lead to the development of a physical dependency to the effects of the drug. To ensure that this doesn’t happen to you, avoid using Valium for prolonged periods of time if possible, and never up the dosage of the medication without checking with your doctor. If you absolutely must use the drug for longer periods of time, make sure that you take an “off day” every two weeks or so – this will enable your body to rest, and significantly slow down the buildup of tolerance to the effects of the drug.
No matter how many painkillers appear on the market, Valium will forever remain one of the most useful, versatile, and popular ones. We will dedicate this blog to introducing you to Valium as a painkiller, what it is, how it works, and how you can benefit from it. As [...] Continue Reading…