Abuse of the drug may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. The classification of drugs into different schedules is determined by various factors, including their perceived potential for misuse, medical utility, and safety. Schedule 4 drugs in the United States are substances with a lower potential for misuse compared to those in Schedules 1–3. They have a currently accepted medical use and a lower risk of physical or psychological dependence than Schedule 3 drugs. It appears to act on areas of the limbic system, thalamus, and hypothalamus, inducing anxiolytic effects. Diazepam increases the inhibitory processes in the cerebral cortex.
What are benzodiazepines used for?
In some areas, providers can’t prescribe these medications without first seeing you for a follow-up visit. Your healthcare provider can tell you more about the laws surrounding prescribing these medications and the recommended schedule for you to return for a follow-up visit. One benzodiazepine that’s noteworthy — even though it’s not approved (and illegal) in the United States — is flunitrazepam.
- The physician should periodically reassess the usefulness of the drug for the individual patient.
- However, researchers do know it is metabolised by the CYP2C19 group of hepatic enzymes.
- Diazepam and its metabolites are excreted mainly in the urine, predominantly as their glucuronide conjugates.
- Along with its needed effects, diazepam (the active ingredient contained in Valium) may cause some unwanted effects.
Respiratory
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. With newborn infants it must be remembered that the enzyme system involved in the breakdown of the drug is not yet fully developed (especially in premature infants) 15. Medicines that interact with Valium may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with Valium. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed.
Discontinuation or Dosage Reduction of Valium
One example is certain psychedelics, such as psilocybin-containing mushrooms. Some states have decriminalized or authorized the medical use of these substances, while they remain Schedule 1 controlled substances at the federal level. Diazepam belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. If this drug is used for a long period of time, lab and/or medical tests (such as liver function https://sober-house.org/prescription-drug-detox-withdrawal-treatment-how/ tests, complete blood count) may be done while you are taking this medication. Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Risks of benzodiazepine use
Also involved in the control of hypnosis, memory, anxiety, epilepsy and neuronal excitability 15,16,6. Diazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine with rapid onset commonly used to treat panic disorders, severe anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and seizures. Alcohol can interact with these drugs, causing dangerous side effects or complications. There may be other circumstances where you shouldn’t take benzodiazepines with certain foods or beverages.
These medications are tightly regulated and are only available with a prescription. You may have increased seizures or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use. General malaise occurred in patients with withdrawal symptoms. Tremor, disrupted sensory perception, and epileptic attacks occurred in patients with withdrawal symptoms. Some side effects of diazepam may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine.
Medical professionals can prescribe these drugs, but there are strict regulations in place to monitor their distribution and use. Schedule 2 drugs have the tightest regulations compared with other prescription drugs. A controlled substance is a drug that the DEA regulates to ensure safety, facilitate medical use, and prevent misuse within legal guidelines.
There is no penalty for carrying psychoactive substances, unless you’re in prison. If you would like help or support related to drug use please visit support for people affected by drugs. Further advice on benzodiazepine withdrawal is available from With You. If someone is using benzodiazepines regularly for more than 4 weeks and wants to stop, they should seek help to do this as stopping suddenly could be fatal.
Your family or caregivers should also watch for sudden changes in your behavior. MISUSE OF DIAZEPAM CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without https://rehabliving.net/how-to-rebuild-a-healthy-life-after-addiction/ a prescription. Thrombophlebitis and venous thrombosis have occurred with injection formulations. Patients with physical/psychic dependence may experience rebound effects during discontinuation.
Yes, benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed and see widespread use. In a 12-month period spanning 2014 and 2015, experts estimate that at least 30.5 million people in the U.S. took benzodiazepines https://sober-home.org/medications-for-alcohol-use-disorders-an-overview/ prescribed by a healthcare provider. Fatal side effects can occur if you use this medicine with opioid medicine, alcohol, or other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing.