Although safer alternatives exist and the potential for misuse is significant, benzodiazepines continue to be among the most commonly prescribed medications.
In Yavapai County, Arizona, nearly 125,000 prescriptions for benzodiazepines have been written over the past 2 years. As more information comes out about the dangers of benzos, healthcare providers are turning to alternatives such as antidepressants, beta blockers, and even antihistamines to manage anxiety. However, if you or a loved one is currently using Valium, it’s important to be aware of the potential for dependence and Valium withdrawals.
Wolf Creek Recovery works with individuals who require treatment for Valium use disorder. Many people are surprised to learn that dependence can occur with Valium, even when using the medication as prescribed. Fortunately, treatment is available for all severities of Valium use disorder. Let’s learn more about the withdrawal process, including what symptoms to expect, the timeline of these symptoms, and the treatment options available.
Understanding Valium Withdrawals
Valium is the brand name for diazepam, a benzodiazepine commonly prescribed for conditions like anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures, and insomnia. It works by enhancing the effects of GABA in the brain, which promotes relaxation and calmness. Because Valium alters the balance of neurotransmitters, the brain can adapt to its presence. When this happens and the substance is suddenly reduced or discontinued, the brain struggles to rebalance itself, resulting in a range of withdrawal symptoms. The severity and duration of these symptoms can vary based on factors like duration of use, dosage, individual biology, and concurrent substance use.
Signs of Valium Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms from Valium can be both physical and psychological. They can range from mild discomfort to more severe reactions, depending on individual factors. The most common signs that a person is experiencing Valium withdrawal are:
- Anxiety and irritability. This is one of the most frequently reported signs of Valium withdrawal. People often feel restless, excessively worried, or on edge—worse than when they were first prescribed the medication.
- Sleep disturbances. Since Valium affects the central nervous system (CNS), abrupt discontinuation of the substance often results in sleep disturbances, such as insomnia, frequent awakenings, and vivid nightmares.
- Physical tremors and shakiness. As the nervous system struggles to recalibrate, it’s normal to experience hand tremors, sweating, muscle twitching, or stiffness. Some people also have muscle pain in the neck, shoulders, and back.
- Headaches and dizziness. Headaches are relatively common during Valium withdrawal. They can range from mild tension headaches to more severe migraines. Lightheadedness, blurred vision, and balance issues are also possible.
- Mood swings and depression. During withdrawal, fluctuations in mood are common, and may include heightened irritability or anger, low mood or depression, or feelings of hopelessness.
- Gastrointestinal problems. Valium withdrawal can also manifest in the digestive system. Common GI symptoms include nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, or diarrhea.
- Severe symptoms. There is the potential for serious withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures, psychosis, and severe panic or paranoia. These symptoms are rare and more likely to happen to those who use Valium in large amounts.
Valium Withdrawal Symptoms and Stages
Valium’s half-life (48 hours) means it stays in the body longer than other benzos, with withdrawal symptoms often starting and lasting longer. While the exact timeline varies from person to person, there is a general schedule that most individuals follow.
- Early Stage (1-4 days after last dose). Initial symptoms include restlessness, anxiety, and mild insomnia. Some people might not even notice symptoms at this point because of Valium’s long half-life.
- Peak Stage (5-14 days). Withdrawal symptoms intensify during this period and include severe anxiety, insomnia, tremors, and sweating. This is also when the risk of seizures is highest.
- Gradual Improvement (2-4 weeks). Symptoms usually subside at this time, though residual insomnia, anxiety, or mild physical symptoms may persist.
- Protracted Withdrawal (months). The last stage can linger for several months, with some people experiencing ongoing issues with sleep, mood swings, or anxiety.
Acute Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Syndrome (ABWS)
Acute Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Syndrome (ABWS) refers to the intense physical and psychological symptoms that can occur when someone abruptly stops using benzodiazepines after prolonged or high-dose use. As mentioned earlier, benzos like Valium work by enhancing GABA in the brain, slowing down brain activity and inducing relaxation. Over time, the brain becomes dependent on the substance to maintain equilibrium. When the medication is suddenly stopped, the nervous system can become hyperactive, causing a wide range of withdrawal symptoms.
A key feature of ABWS is a rapid onset of symptoms. Symptoms typically appear within a few hours to a few days after the last dose. The intensity of these symptoms depends on the person’s daily dose, length of use and personal health factors. With the substance now removed, the brain often “rebounds” and becomes overly active, which can lead to increased blood pressure, elevated heart rate, tremors, and increased anxiety or panic. There is also a risk of seizures, which can be life-threatening. Peak symptoms typically last 1-2 weeks and may move into protracted withdrawal or post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), which is where some withdrawal symptoms persist.
Medications to Assist in Withdrawal from Valium
There are a number of medications that can help manage withdrawal symptoms from Valium. To minimize symptoms, healthcare providers often taper the Valium with the medication itself or another long-acting benzo like chlordiazepoxide (Librium). This may be done over the course of days, weeks, or months. Beta-blockers can also help control some of the body’s overactive “fight-or-flight” responses, making the body more comfortable.
To help manage the rebound anxiety and depression that can occur with Valium withdrawal, antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs and SNRIs) and anti-anxiety medications like buspirone may be prescribed. Additional medications include anticonvulsants for sleep and anxiety, clonidine to treat high blood pressure, and sleep aids for more restful sleep.
Valium Detox: What to Expect
Valium detox refers to the process of removing the substance from the body and managing withdrawal symptoms that may arise after discontinuing or reducing diazepam use. Detox should occur under close outpatient guidance or in a medically supervised setting, as some withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous. Your healthcare provider will likely start with a tapering protocol that involves either gradually reducing the Valium dose or switching you to another long-acting benzodiazepine.
From here, you can expect regular check-ins to monitor vital signs and mental health assessments to address worsening anxiety, depression, or other mood changes. Supportive medications and supportive therapies can also help you through the process, reducing withdrawal symptoms, teaching coping strategies, mitigating stress, and connecting with others who are facing similar experiences.
Valium Addiction Treatment in Prescott, AZ
It can take time for the body to adjust after deciding to quit Valium, but you can recover by tapering down your dose and participating in therapy. After detox, it’s recommended to join a residential or outpatient Valium addiction treatment program that offers therapy, group counseling, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and aftercare planning. It’s also important to treat co-occurring disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or anxiety, as these conditions can contribute to Valium misuse.
Fortunately, other medications are available to treat mental health disorders, such as antidepressants and beta blockers. Identifying and correcting harmful beliefs and behaviors in therapy will also help you manage your symptoms. It’s also important to make positive changes in your life, such as by staying active, eating a healthy diet, getting quality sleep, and engaging in holistic therapies. The right treatment program will lay the foundation for success so that you can move forward in your life.
Wolf Creek Recovery offers treatment services for benzodiazepine use disorders. Our trained staff helps clients navigate the path to recovery using a combination of therapies and medications, when needed. You don’t have to worry about feeling alone or misunderstood in our program, as our staff is in recovery as well. We work together to take each day at a time, learning about our conditions and the best ways to manage them. For many, being involved in outdoor therapy helps build self-esteem, healthy hobbies, and strong friendships. To learn more about our programs, please contact us today at 833-732-8202. Build a life you love.
