Valium

Valium is a derivative of benzodiazepine. Manufactured by Roche, the well known generic name for Valium is diazepam. Other trade names for diazepam include Ativan, Alcelam, Alplax, Alpram, Alprax, Alprazolam Intensol, Alzolam, Anpress, Ansiopax, Pharnax Prinox Ralozam, Tafil, Trankimazin, Tricalma, Zacetin, Zanapam, Zenax, Zolarem, Zoldac, Zoldax and Zotran. On the street, Valium is known as candy, downers, sleeping pills and tranks. It is a Schedule IV drug that is prescribed for anxiety disorders and the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety.

Diazepam possesses anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, skeletal muscle relaxant, amnestic and sedative properties. It is also used to relieve the symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal, skeletal muscle spasm, control involuntary movement of the hands, to relax tight muscles and when combined with other medications, to treat convulsive disorders such as epilepsy. It is also used before certain medical procedures (such as endoscopies) to reduce tension and anxiety, and in some procedures to induce amnesia.

Valium comes as a tablet, extended-release (long-acting) capsule, and concentrate (liquid) to take by mouth. Valium tablets are flat-faced and scored with a V-shaped perforation and beveled edges. It is prescribed in 2mg, 5mg, and 10mg tablet strengths.

Diazepam (the generic name for Valium) is listed as a core medicine in the World Health Organization's (WHO) "Essential Drugs List." The drug is used to treat a wide range of conditions and is one of the most frequently administered and prescribed benzodiazepines. Diazepam was the second benzodiazepine developed by Leo Sterbach, and was approved for use in 1963. It is five times more potent than its predecessor, chlordiazepoxide, and quickly surpassed it in terms of sales.

Valium (diazepam) is not used recreationally as much as alprazolam or flunitrazepam. The drug is often found as an adulterant in heroin, possibly because diazepam greatly amplifies the effects of opioids. In some instances, diazepam is used by stimulant abusers to "come down" and induce sleep and also by LSD users (or those taking other hallucinogens) to help ease their LSD experience without unpleasant after-effects.

Using valium can lead to physiological tolerance, and psychological and/or physical dependence. At a particularly high risk for misuse, abuse and dependence are:

• Individuals with a history of alcohol or drug abuse/dependence
• Emotionally unstable patients
• Those with severe personality disorders, such as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
• Persons with chronic pain or other physical disorders

These patients being treated with Valium should be monitored very closely during therapy for signs of abuse and dependence development. Treatment should be discontinued if these signs are observed. Long-term therapy in these individuals is not recommended.

Valium addiction occurs on both physical and psychological levels. Physical Valium addiction usually comes first and many have it happen to them when they follow a doctor's prescription. Even if the person does everything exactly right, their body can begin to make adjustments according to the expected, constant level of Valium that they put into it.

Additionally, their body will soon begin to build a tolerance to the drug, requiring them to take more and more in order to feel the same effects they felt initially (i.e., pain relief, relaxation, et cetera). When this tolerance develops, they may begin to feel ill if they miss a Valium dose or try to stop taking the drug. This illness is defined as withdrawal or detox and it is a hallmark of Valium addiction.

It is possible to become psychologically dependent upon Valium first, but it usually follows physical addiction. In this case, even though they know it's not yet time to take the next dose or that they shouldn't take more than the doctor prescribed, they cannot stop craving and wanting more Valium. Even after physical addiction to Valium is treated, the psychological addiction to Valium is often a persistent issue that requires continued care and treatment.