Valium Overdose

Valium (diazepam) is a benzodiazepine medication that, at recommended doses, is highly effective in treating anxiety disorders and relieving the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Valium also possesses anticonvulsant, amnestic (memory-impairing), sedative, hypnotic and muscle relaxant properties. Overdose occurs when an individual has taken more than the prescribed dosage. It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms to prevent further, long-term damage.

Physical Effects of Valium Overdose

When overdose with Valium occurs, all of its properties are amplified, especially if alcohol is involved. A deep, coma-like sleep with the ability to still breathe normally is the hallmark of Valium overdose. Many other physical and mental effects may manifest. If a person overdoses on Valium, the symptoms can vary. Some commonly reported symptoms of a Valium overdose include:

• Confusion
• Coma
• Slow reflexes
• Bluish-colored lips and fingernails
• Blurred vision
• Labored breathing
• Confusion
• Double vision
• Drowsiness
• Excitability
• Hiccups
• Rapid side-to-side movement of the eyes (nystagmus)
• Rash
• Stomach upset
• Stupor (lack of alertness)
• Tremor
• Uncoordinated movement
• Weakness

At higher doses, respiration and blood pressure may both drop dangerously. Life-threatening overdose symptoms are more likely if Valium use is combined with alcohol or other medications.

Mental Effects of Valium Overdose

A person experiencing a Valium overdose will experience a range of physical effects, depending on how much of the medication was ingested.

As the body becomes physically sedated during Valium overdose and manifests dramatic physical effects, the brain experiences amplified hypnotic and amnestic properties of the drug. (See Valium Withdrawal symptoms).

Mental effects produced by a Valium overdose include:

• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Depression
• Drowsiness

Although excitability may occur in some cases, confusion and stupor are serious warning signs of an overdose. As mentioned before, unconsciousness may follow and potentially lead to coma.

Treatment for Valium Overdose

The treatment for a Valium overdose will vary.

If the overdose was recent, the healthcare provider may give certain medicines or place a tube into the stomach to “pump the stomach.” Once it has been absorbed into the body, dialysis may be useful for removing it from the blood. Flumazenil (Romazicon®), an antidote for benzodiazepine overdose, may also be helpful. It helps to stop the effectiveness of the drug on the brain.

Treatment also involves supportive care which consists of treating the symptoms that occur as a result of the overdose. For example, supportive treatment options may include fluids through an intravenous line (IV). Other treatments are based on complications that occur.

Valium overdose does have a fairly good prognosis, particularly if alcohol is not involved. Overdose may lead to coma but does not produce dangerous electrolyte or chemical changes in the affected person. Emergency treatment for an overdose of this kind involves activated charcoal introduced to the stomach to halt the effects of the drug.

Although most cases of Valium overdose have a good prognosis of recovery, some can be fatal. It is imperative that people exhibiting the signs of the mental and physical effects of an overdose get emergency help as soon as the overdose is suspected.

If a Valium overdose has occurred, it’s important to call the National Poison Control Center for information on what to do. Emergency services should be contacted immediately if overdose is suspected also.

Drug Addiction Affects the Entire Family

While much focus on drug addiction is given to the addict, there are other casualties of the addiction that include other family members. High degrees of stress most characterize a family living with addiction. The uncertainty of not knowing what is going to happen next, the loss of normal routines and the unexpected and sometimes frightening series of events all contribute to an enormous amount of stress for the family member.

Further complicating the family dynamics is the fact that the addict and other family members as well try to avoid, manipulate or deny what is going on in their family in a desperate attempt to try to maintain a sense of normalcy.
With the entire focus of the family being on a problem that is getting out of control, emotional chaos can prevail.

Younger members of the family often do not have the experience, maturation or family support to understand the tense and uncomfortable dynamics going on in their family. With no clear sense on how to handle the situation, these children often resort to a variety of defense mechanisms, including:

• Shutting down their own feelings
• Denying that there is a problem
• Rationalizing or intellectualizing
• Over-controlling
• Withdrawing
• Acting out
• Self-medicating

If addiction remains untreated, dysfunctional coping strategies become a part of the general behavior of the family. If this highly stressful environment persists over time, it can create trauma that affects a person’s mental, emotional and physical health. Emotional problems can include the inability to regulate levels of fear, anger, and sadness which can lead to chronic anxiety or depression. When emotional trauma is unresolved, it can often lead to behavioral disorders, for example, problems in regulating alcohol, eating, sexual or spending habits.

Valium Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with a Valium addiction and require Valium addiction help, we can help. Please call our toll free number at (888) 371-5703. We are available 24 hours a day to answer your questions on Valium treatment and addiction. View this Valium addiction video for more.