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What are the side effects of taking Valium for a long time?

First of all, let's make one thing clear, are you talking about diazepam (Valium) or some other sedative sleeping pill? This is because many long-term sleep medication patients get used to calling their sedative sleeping medication Valium.

Let's start with diazepam (Valium).

Diazepam tablets are a very common type of benzodiazepine, and although the duration of action is short, the components of the drug will remain in the body for a long time, so we categorize it as a long-acting benzodiazepine. Diazepam is often used for its anxiolytic and sedative effects, as well as some anticonvulsant effects, and some muscle relaxation.

Adverse drug reactions to diazepam include drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, mental slowness, blurred vision, constipation, dry mouth, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Large doses are can also be ataxia, tremor and other manifestations. The biggest possibility of taking diazepam for a long period of time is drug resistance, which means drug failure, or drug dependence, drug addiction. Of course, the long-term use of large quantities of drugs may also have an impact on liver and kidney function. Therefore, diazepam is not recommended for long-term use, because the sedative effect of diazepam is not strong, and the main ingredients in the body for a long time, it is easy to cause drug deposition or other adverse reactions.

What if it's another Valium?

The so-called tranquilizers are also generally all sedative and sleeping medications including benzodiazepine sedative drugs as well as non-benzodiazepine drugs. The most common of these belong to the benzodiazepine class of alprazolam, eszopiclone, diazepam, clonazepam, lorazepam, etc., as well as the non-benzodiazepine class of zopiclone, dexzopiclone, zolpidem tartrate, and other drugs. The adverse effects of long-term use of benzodiazepines are similar to those of diazepam, also known as Valium, except that they are differentiated according to the length of the half-life, with shorter half-life drugs being relatively more susceptible to drug dependence, or drug addiction.

In the case of non-benzodiazepines, because of the different mechanism of action, there is no consideration of drug dependence, and many drugs, such as zopiclone or dexzopiclone long-term effects on the body to be much smaller relative to benzodiazepines, so if the condition needs to be taken for a long period of time I would still recommend choosing a non-benzodiazepine for treatment, such as zopiclone is recognized as the the sleep medication that has the least impact on your health when taken for a long period of time.

In fact, as a doctor, I would say that sleeping pills are not necessary to be taken for a long period of time unless they have to be, and many times it may not be the inability to stop the medication caused by drug addiction, but more likely the difficulty in stopping the medication due to mental dependence once again.

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Valium its generic name is diazepam, this drug has a sedative, hypnotic, anticonvulsant effect. But his side effects are equally obvious. The drug is a fat-soluble drug, easy to enter the brain nerve, produce central inhibition, so his side effects will have drowsiness, drowsiness, ataxia, tremor, etc., long-term use is also addictive.

Studies have shown that the use of benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics such as Valium in the elderly is associated with a fall incidence of more than 40% and predisposes them to adverse events such as bone fractures.

In addition, Valium has a long half-life, which can affect the patient's daytime life and work. So for insomnia patients, the use of Valium is no longer advocated, there are drugs with fewer side effects than Valium and better sleep aids, such as dexzopiclone, which belongs to the non-benzodiazepine class of drugs.

Insomnia patients, first of all, should be adjusted from the lifestyle, if through lifestyle changes, still can not improve the sleep condition, you can use some sleep aids, combined with depression, anxiety patients must use some home anti-anxiety drugs, such as amitriptyline.

Whether it is Valium or other hypnotic drugs, long-term use may produce dependence, so generally do not use continuously, stopping the drug can be reduced amount by amount, which can reduce the withdrawal symptoms of the drug.


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For insomniacs, the night time is really quite difficult, especially some older people have poor sleep quality, some people can only rely on sleeping pills to help them sleep. Many people know that there are many side effects of taking sleeping pills for a long period of time, but they are not sure exactly what they are. The side effects of long-term oral Valium include.

1. General reaction Dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, memory loss, over-sedation, waking up the next day with the brain still groggy, which is a very common side effect, may occur. This is a very common side effect. Long-term use of Valium may cause ataxia, which means that Valium not only calms the brain, but also inhibits the function of muscles in the whole body, and the movements become uncoordinated, and even chopsticks can not be held steadily. Elderly people are particularly at risk of falling. So try not to drive or drive machines after taking Valium orally.

2. Gastrointestinal reactions Long-term use of Valium irritates the gastrointestinal mucosa and may cause nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea.

3. Addiction and dependence All hypnotic and sedative drugs are addictive, so it is best not to take them for more than four months. If it is necessary to take it again, it should be changed to another drug or another kind of drug. Valium belongs to the second class of psychotropic drugs strictly controlled by the state, long-term use can produce dependence and addiction, many people produce psychological dependence, not to take the drug can not sleep, so for short-term insomnia is not recommended.

4. Withdrawal Symptoms After taking Valium for a long period of time, if the drug is suddenly stopped, there will be dizziness, headache or insomnia aggravated, nausea and vomiting, mania, anxiety, tremor, or even convulsions, convulsions and so on. Therefore, long-term oral Valium should not be stopped suddenly, should be gradually reduced, can be reduced by 1/10 per day, until the complete cessation of the drug.

5. Respiratory inhibition Valium can inhibit the respiratory center, so people with severe lung function decline should not take Valium orally. In addition, because alcohol can also inhibit the central system, drinking alcohol at the same time should not take Valium orally.

6. Liver function damage Long-term oral Valium can damage liver function, for people with poor liver function should be used with caution, severe liver function abnormalities are prohibited.

7. Effects on blood cells There may be a decrease in platelets, white blood cells, granulocytes, erythrocyte hypoplasia, aplastic anemia.

8. Allergic reactions Pruritus, urticaria, erythematous rash, acute thrombocytopenic purpura may occur.

In addition, Valium suppresses the cough reflex and should not be used for long periods of time in people who are bedridden and have a cough. Due to its cholinergic effects, Valium is contraindicated in patients with closed-angle glaucoma and myasthenia gravis.

For those who suffer from insomnia, the night time is really quite difficult, especially for some elderly people who have poor sleep quality, some of them can only rely on sleeping pills to help them sleep. Many people know that long-term sleeping pills have a lot of side effects, but it is not clear exactly what they are. Long-term oral stabilization side effects include:

1. The general reaction may be dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, memory loss, excessive calmness, and waking up the next day still groggy, which is a very common side effect. Long-term use may lead to ataxia, which means that stabilization not only calms the brain, but the muscle function of the entire body is inhibited, movements become uncoordinated, and even chopsticks are unsteady. Elderly people are especially aware of this and are prone to falls. So try not to drive or drive machines after taking oral Valium.

2, Gastrointestinal reaction long-term use of diazepam will irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, and may cause nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea.

3, withdrawal symptoms after long-term use of Valium, if you suddenly stop taking the drug, there will be dizziness, headache or insomnia aggravation, nausea and vomiting, mania, anxiety, tremor, and even convulsions, convulsions and so on. Therefore, long-term oral use of Valium should not be stopped suddenly, but should be gradually reduced, and can be reduced by 1/10 per day until the drug is completely stopped.

4, respiratory depression stability will inhibit the respiratory center, so people with serious lung function can not take Valium orally, and because alcohol will also inhibit the central system, drinking alcohol can not be taken orally.

5, hepatic impairment long-term oral valium will damage liver function, liver dysfunction should be used with caution, severe liver function abnormalities are prohibited.

6. The effect on blood cells may be platelet, white blood cell, granulocyte reduction, erythrocyte hypoplasia, aplastic anemia.

7, allergic reactions may occur itching, urticaria, erythema, acute thrombocytopenic purpura.

In addition, Valium suppresses the cough reflex and should not be used for prolonged periods of time in people who are bedridden and coughing. Due to its cholinergic effects, Valium is contraindicated in patients with closed-angle glaucoma and myasthenia gravis.

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Valium, also known as diazepam, is one of the most commonly used central sedative-hypnotics, acting primarily on the reticular formation of the brainstem and the limbic system of the brain.



Valium is mainly used for its sedative-hypnotic, anxiolytic, antiepileptic and anticonvulsant effects, as well as for its central muscle relaxant effects.

Valium is well absorbed orally.

An overdose of Valium can cause acute toxicity, which can lead to coma and respiratory arrest in severe cases. However, Valium has a wide safety range, and therapeutic doses generally do not cause toxicity or other serious consequences. Valium can be used in combination with morphine and ethanol to enhance the toxicity of Valium. In addition, Valium can be secreted with breast milk and can pass through the placenta, so it is forbidden to be used by nursing mothers and pregnant women. In addition, continuous use of therapeutic doses may cause drowsiness, dizziness and generalized weakness.



What are those side effects of taking Valium for a long time?

1. Long-term use of Valium is easily addictive.

2, long-term use of Valium is prone to dependence and tolerance, and the loss of effect, tolerance occurs because of long-term use of Valium, resulting in a reduction in the receptors for this type of drug.

3, long-term use of Valium can be due to sudden discontinuation of the drug and the emergence of excitement, agitation, insomnia, anxiety, tremor and other rebound and withdrawal syndrome, mainly because of the discontinuation of the drug after the Valium receptor intensive up-regulation caused by.

4. Long-term abuse of large quantities of Valium will also cause chronic poisoning, manifesting itself as verbal excitement, unsteady walking gait, euphoria, lack of motivation, irresponsibility towards family and society, and decline and diminution of intelligence (decline in calculating ability, memory, comprehension, and working ability).



Therefore, the use of Valium should be careful, not to use it, and even if you use it, it is best to use it for a short period of time to avoid long-term use, leading to addiction, dependence, tolerance and chronic poisoning. Patients who have been taking Valium for a long time should not stop taking the drug suddenly, but should stop taking the drug after gradually reducing the dosage.

Benzodiazepines  have sedative-hypnotic effects, as well as anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and antiepileptic effects, and have basically replaced traditional drugs for sedative-hypnotic use as the most commonly used drugs today because of their wide safety range, virtually no anesthetic or lethal effects, and fewer adverse effects. Valium is a long-acting benzodiazepine  drug. It is believed that many patients are taking Valium for a long period of time, so what are the side effects of taking Valium for a long period of time?

The most common adverse reactions are drowsiness, dizziness, malaise and memory loss. Ataxia is occasionally seen at higher doses. Intravenous injection at too rapid a rate can cause respiratory and circulatory depression, and in severe cases, respiratory and cardiac arrest. Rarely, there is a rash and leukopenia. Individuals have experienced euphoria, polyphasia, sleep disturbances, and even hallucinations.

Long-term application can pose many risks, tolerance can develop, dosage increases are required, dependence (both mental and physical) and addiction can occur.

Discontinuation can cause rebound phenomenon and withdrawal symptoms, manifested as insomnia, anxiety, excitement, tachycardia, vomiting, sweating and tremor, and even convulsions. Therefore, diazepam and other benzodiazepine  drugs should not be stopped suddenly, and experts suggest that the drug should be stopped slowly and gradually, and there are two kinds of dosage reduction programs: reduce 25% of the original dose every week until it is completely cut off; reduce 25% of the original dose in the first week and the second week, and then reduce 10% of the original dose every week thereafter until it is completely cut off eventually.

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What kind of medicine is Valium?

Valium is clinically known as diazepam.It is a benzodiazepine anxiolytic with anxiolytic, sedative, hypnotic, anticonvulsant, antiepileptic and central muscle relaxant effects as the dosage increases.

What are the side effects of taking Valium for a long time?



  1. General Reaction:Drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness and ataxia, headache, slurred speech, tremor, bradycardia, hypotension, blurred vision and diplopia are common with normal or high doses.
  2. Allergic reaction.There may be skin itching, urticaria, erythematous rash, acute thrombocytopenic purpura. Angioneurotic edema, arthritis, bronchospasm, high fever, syncope, even lupus erythematosus-like syndrome, anaphylaxis, etc. may also occur.
  3. Hematologic response.There may be thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, granulocytopenia, erythropoiesis, and aplastic anemia.
  4. Acute toxicity.Manifestations include movement disorders, muscle weakness, slurred speech, confusion, lethargy, and in severe cases, coma, weakened reflexes and respiratory arrest.
  5. Respiratory, cardiovascular system response.Because large doses can inhibit the central nervous system and cardiovascular system, coma, loss of reflexes, lowered blood pressure, respiratory arrest, can also be reduced blood pressure, arrhythmia, cardiac and peripheral circulatory failure.
  6. Addictiveness.Prolonged use can be addictive, and withdrawal symptoms often occur with sudden cessation. In patients with chronic adrenal insufficiency, the use of this product may promote adrenal crisis.

What are the precautions to be taken when using Valium?



The principles of dosing are.Minimum effective dose, intermittent use (2~4 times per week), short-term use (not more than 3~4 weeks), gradual discontinuation.

  1. People who are allergic to benzodiazepines may be allergic to this medicine.
  2. Hepatic and renal impairment prolongs the clearance half-life of this drug.
  3. Abrupt discontinuation of medication in patients with epilepsy can cause persistent status epilepticus.
  4. Severe mental depression can aggravate the condition and even lead to suicidal tendencies, and preventive measures should be taken.
  5. Avoid long-term use of large amounts of addiction, if long-term use should be gradually reduced, should not be stopped abruptly.

In summary: Valium can be addictive when used for long periods of time, so be sure to use the drug for short periods of time and gradually reduce the dosage until it is discontinued.

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What are the side effects of taking Valium for a long time?

Nowadays, many people have some degree of sleep disorders, and some with serious sleep disorders may not be able to sleep all night, so sometimes doctors have to prescribe some Valium to help them sleep. Many people are afraid of side effects when it comes to medications, so what are the side effects of taking Valium for a long time? Today I'll share some of the common side effects of Valium.

1. withdrawal symptoms:

If a person has been taking Valium for a long time, and if he or she suddenly stops taking it, that person will be miserable and will experience withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, irritability, tachycardia, euphoria, nausea, vomiting, and profuse sweating;

2. Allergic reactions:

Some patients with insomnia will have an allergic reaction after taking Valium, which includes not only skin allergy, but also severe anaphylaxis, in which the patient may show itching, redness and swelling of the skin, and in severe cases, it may lead to laryngeal edema causing respiratory difficulties, and so on;

3. Affects reproductive function:

Men who take Valium for a long period of time will have an effect on their sex drive and experience a loss of libido; while women who take Valium for a long period of time will have an effect on ovulation, thus reducing the rate of conception;

4. Reduce blood cell levels:

A very small percentage of patients who take Valium for a long period of time experience a decrease in platelets, white blood cells, and granulocytes, which can also cause anemia;

5. Other:

There was a time when I was a poor sleeper and took sleeping pills, and that was when I felt like I had a bitter mouth, drowsiness, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and some people have shown blurred vision, low blood pressure, ataxia, and other symptoms.



The following things should be kept in mind while taking Valium:

  • Patients taking Valium for a long period of time should taper off the drug and not stop it quickly;
  • Valium should not be taken with alcohol because the two, when used together, increase central inhibition and can aggravate symptoms such as drowsiness and lethargy, which can be fatal in severe cases;
  • Valium should be contraindicated in patients with glaucoma and myasthenia gravis;
  • Valium should be contraindicated in patients with severe respiratory conditions, as it can inhibit a person's breathing and cause shallow breathing.

Final Summary: The adverse effects of Valium are summarized above and will not be repeated here.

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Physician's professional answer: What are the side effects of long-term use of Valium on the body?

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It is not advisable to take Valium orally for a long period of time. If you take it frequently, drug resistance can occur, and it is best to change the type of drug often. At present, the most commonly used sleeping pills are Valium, which take effect in about 20 to 40 minutes and last for 6 to 8 hours. Long-term use of sleeping pills can be addictive, and addicted people have difficulty falling asleep without taking sleeping pills, but sleeping pills do not cause much damage to other functions of the body. It is best to be guided by your doctor as to which medication is appropriate to take, depending on the severity and type of insomnia.

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1, in fact, there are some side effects of Valium, Valium is the most commonly used type of sleeping pills, used for people who have difficulty falling asleep or episodic, temporary insomnia, long-term use of Valium the most common toxic side effects of drowsiness, vertigo, weakness, dizziness, memory loss, mental fatigue, drowsiness and constipation and so on.

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2, large doses can also occur blurred vision, euphoria, ataxia, etc., as well as rashes, exfoliative dermatitis and medication fever and other side effects, Valium often have a time-lag inhibitory effect, which can lead to daytime drowsiness, fatigue, memory loss and depression, etc.; serious insomniacs with sleep apnea, because sleeping pills can prolong the duration of the apnea, so that the sudden

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3, long-term use of Valium insomniacs, due to Valium long-term adverse inhibition of the brain, will occur personality changes, become emotionally cold, or short-tempered, eccentric temperament, often for small things and angry, make interpersonal relationships very tense, will appear dependent.

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1. Common reactions are dizziness, weakness, drowsiness, memory loss, excessive agitation, and remain blocky the next day. Long-term use may lead to ataxia, which not only stabilizes the brain quiet, but also inhibits muscle function throughout the body, exercise unregulated, chopsticks become unstable which means. Elderly people are particularly concerned and prone to falls. Therefore, please do not operate after oral administration.

2. Long-term use of gastrointestinal reactions Diazepam can irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, causing nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea.

3. Addiction and Dependence Because all hypnotic sedatives are addictive, it is best not to take them for more than four months in a row. If you need to take it again, it will need to be replaced with another drug or alternative medication. Long-term use may lead to dependence or toxicity Many people have a psychological dependence and can't stop taking them, so short-term insomnia is not recommended.

4. Withdrawal symptoms of dizziness, headache, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, arrogance, anxiety, tremors, convulsions and jerks occur when the drug is suddenly stopped after prolonged use of diazepam. Therefore, long-term oral stabilization should not be stopped abruptly, but can be reduced to 1/10 per day and must be tapered until the drug is completely stopped.

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