Did you know that benzodiazepines like Valium were involved in over 12,000 overdose deaths in 2020? This is a vast increase from previous years, though many people are still unaware of the dangers and risk factors of Valium overdose.
One of the main causes of overdose is taking too much of the medication. However, combining benzos with opioids is another major risk factor. According to data gathered between 2000 and 2019, opioids were co-involved in 98,746 deaths involving benzodiazepines (83.5%). Arizona is not exempt from these dangers. Thousands of residents have overlapping benzo and opioid prescriptions, according to Arizona’s Prescription Monitoring Program.
Wolf Creek Recovery, located in Prescott, AZ, is committed to educating people on the dangers of substance use, including combining prescription medications. If you or a loved one is currently dealing with a Valium problem, please know that we have experience with this and can provide the support you need.
Valium Overdose
Valium (diazepam) is a prescription medication that belongs to the benzodiazepine class of medications. It is commonly used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Valium works by enhancing the effects of GABA in the brain, a neurotransmitter that helps calm nervous system activity. Because this medication is effective in calming people down, it may be misused. Some individuals take the medication in higher doses, more frequently, or in combination with opioids to enhance the effects, which can lead to tolerance, dependence, and overdose.
What Is a Valium Overdose?
When someone takes too much diazepam (the active ingredient in Valium), it is considered an overdose. A Valium overdose is a medical emergency, as it can lead to potentially dangerous and life-threatening effects. Combining the medication with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants like alcohol or opioids makes this situation even more dire because it significantly increases the risk of respiratory failure and death. By recognizing the early signs of an overdose, you can seek medical support and reduce harm.
Early Warning Signs of a Potential Valium Overdose
There can be some confusion when it comes to spotting a potential Valium overdose, as this medication can cause drowsiness, which is an early indication of overdose. However, a true overdose will also feature other symptoms (e.g., mental confusion, slurred speech, slowed breathing) and gradually worsen instead of improving. Remember, it’s never a bad thing to err on the side of caution. People who survive overdoses often do so because someone around them knew what to do. Let’s cover the signs and symptoms of a Valium overdose.
Signs and Symptoms of Valium Overdose
The first signs that people typically notice during a Valium overdose are extreme drowsiness or fatigue, mental confusion, slurred speech, and loss of coordination. Even though Valium can cause drowsiness, the type that occurs during an overdose is much more pronounced. The person may have trouble staying awake or falling asleep at inappropriate times, such as during a conversation.
Other signs and symptoms to be on the lookout for are blurred or double vision, unusual mood changes, weakness or muscle lethargy, and slow or shallow breathing. Do not ignore these symptoms or wait for them to improve, as they can quickly worsen into life-threatening consequences. In fact, by recognizing these signs early, you can prevent a full-blown overdose from occurring.
Dangers of an Overdose
A diazepam overdose can lead to a number of complications if not treated early. One of the key dangers of a Valium overdose is respiratory depression. Valium is a CNS depressant, meaning it slows down brain activity and vital functions. In high doses, it can cause shallow, slowed, or stopped breathing, leading to hypoxia (lack of oxygen in the brain).
Additional dangers include loss of consciousness and coma, cardiovascular issues (e.g., low blood pressure, slow heart rate), cognitive and neurological impairment, and aspiration pneumonia from choking or vomiting. When combined with other substances, particularly CNS depressants, the risk of death greatly increases. In fact, this combination is one of the leading causes of fatal overdoses involving benzodiazepines like Valium.
In the Event of an Overdose
If you suspect that someone has overdosed on Valium, acting quickly can save their life. The first thing to do is call 911. Let the dispatcher know as much information as possible, such as the person’s age, weight, and condition, how much Valium they took and when, and any other substances they may have consumed.
Check the person to see if they are conscious. Try to wake them by gently shaking them and calling their name. If they don’t respond, they may be unconscious. Monitor their breathing and heart rate, looking for signs of respiratory depression, such as slow, weak, or stopped breathing and blue lips and nails (cyanosis). If the person does not have a pulse, begin CPR immediately until help arrives.
If the person is unconscious but breathing, turn them onto their side to prevent choking. Try to keep them awake by talking and reassuring them that first responders are on their way. Avoid giving the person any type of food, drink, or medicine, as this can worsen the overdose and cause additional problems, such as aspiration pneumonia.
Risk Factors for Valium Overdose
While anyone can overdose on Valium if they ingest too much, certain risk factors increase the risk of this happening. One of the main risk factors of Valium overdose is taking the medication in higher doses or larger amounts. This type of use can build tolerance, leading individuals to take more of the medication to feel the same effects. Always follow the prescribed dose, and talk to your doctor before making any changes to your prescription.
Another risk factor is combining Valium with other depressants, such as alcohol, opioids, and other benzodiazepines. These substances can amplify the effects of Valium, increasing the risk of respiratory depression and sedation. As mentioned above, opioids and benzodiazepines are a deadly combination, with most benzodiazepine overdoses involving opioids. Additional risk factors include having underlying health conditions, co-occurring mental health disorders, and using the medication off-label or without a prescription.
Treatment Options for Valium Addiction in Prescott, AZ
Valium use disorder involves both physical and psychological symptoms, but you can get through it with the right support. Supervised detoxification is recommended, as suddenly stopping Valium can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. With a medical detox program, doctors gradually reduce the dose to prevent withdrawal shock. This not only minimizes symptoms, but also helps people feel more comfortable. In addition to a tapering schedule, you may also receive medications for withdrawal symptoms and medical monitoring (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate, neurological status).
When the physical symptoms are under control, you can participate in a residential or outpatient Valium addiction treatment program that provides cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, group therapy, holistic practices, family involvement, 12-step programs, and peer support. You may also benefit from sober living, which is a good option for those who lack structure and stability at home. Bottom line: With the right support, you can overcome your dependence on Valium and get back to living life.
Wolf Creek Recovery has extensive experience treating substance use disorders of all magnitudes using a combination of evidence-based therapies and holistic practices. With various levels of care and staff in recovery, we’re able to offer our clients a unique source of support as they navigate their paths to recovery. We know that recovery looks different for everyone—and so does the path to get there. To learn more about our programs—including our outdoor therapy program that offers disc golf, basketball, and pickleball—contact us today at 833-732-8202. Build a life you love.
FAQs About Valium Overdose
What is a Valium overdose?
A Valium overdose happens when your body is unable to safely and effectively process the medication. This can happen by taking a higher dose, taking doses too closely together, or combining the medication with other substances, particularly those that depress the central nervous system.
Can you reverse a Valium overdose?
A Valium overdose can be reversed, but it’s crucial that you seek immediate medical attention to prevent life-threatening complications. Flumneanzil is a medication that can help reverse the effects of Valium. Supportive care like IV fluids and oxygen can also help.
Are Valium overdoses fatal?
Yes, Valium overdoses can be fatal, especially when the medication is combined with another CNS depressant like alcohol or opioids. Prompt medical attention can reverse a Valium overdose and prevent further harm from occurring.
