Valium is the brand name for the benzodiazepine drug known as diazepam. Valium is generally prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, sleep problems, and is also used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It can also be used to sedate a patient before a medical procedure. It works on the body by calming the nerves and the brain. This drug is highly abused due to its calming and relaxing effect it creates. Abuse of this drug often leads to addiction. The side effects of Valium on its own include drowsiness, sedation, blurred vision, and sedation. These side effects are pretty common, however when you begin to experience severe side effects like hallucinations, mood changes, tremors, muscle weakness and problems moving, and system depression, you should seek medical attention.
What is Xanax?
Xanax, which is the brand name for the drug alprazolam, is also a benzodiazepine, acts on the body in a similar way that Valium does. It is used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, seizures, and is even used as a muscle relaxant during medical procedures. Xanax was created in the hopes that it would take place of the highly addictive barbiturates with the belief that Xanax is less addictive. We now know that this is far from the truth. While Xanax is one of the most prescribed psychiatric drugs in the US, far more people abuse it for recreational use and this drug has a high potential to be habit-forming.
Dangers of Mixing Valium & Xanax
Both Valium and Xanax work on the body and the brain in the same way. They both work on the Gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, receptors in the brain. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter and when Xanax and Valium are taken, it decreases the excitability of the neurons. To put it simply they both drastically slow you down. Both Xanax and Valium have similar side effects and effects on the body. When you take two benzodiazepines together, like Xanax and Valium, you are much more likely to experience an overdose. A benzo overdose can even be fatal. When you take these two together, it makes the symptoms and side effects they share even worse. These side effects include:
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Confusion
- Headache
- Fainting
- Muscle weakness
There is no reason in the world to mix Xanax and Valium. If you think you may have overdosed on these two benzodiazepines, you may experience extreme exhaustion, confusion, very impaired coordination, and experience a comatose state. Medical attention is necessary if you overdose to save your life.
Getting Help With Benzodiazepine Addiction
The best way to start on your journey of sobriety is with a medically assisted detox process. Due to the brains rewiring after prolonged use, withdrawal symptoms can be extremely intense and even deadly when you abruptly stop. Once you have detoxed, the best and safest option to get off of and stay off benzos like Valium and Xanax is by the use of one of the many treatment programs we offer. Our treatment programs provide therapeutic education and guidance for each individual to help them safely reintegrate into society. With the help of our team of therapists, we offer one on one, group therapy, as well as many other specialized options to fit each person’s needs. Addiction isn’t an easy thing to face. Luckily you do not have to face it on your own. Our admissions counselors and professionals are available around the clock. We are ready to help you or a loved one overcome the disease of addiction. Now is the time to change your life.
