What is the difference between benzodiazepine and diazepam

Please consult a doctor or pharmacist for additional information and a complete list of si de effects. All benzodiazepines, including Valium and Xanax, have the ability to worsen the respiratory depression caused by opioids. The concomitant use of Valium or Xanax with opioids such as hydrocodone or morphine may cause severe respiratory depression and sedation leading to coma or death. Patients should be monitored closely if this combination becomes medically necessary, and the combination should be used for the shortest duration possible.

The CNS depression caused by Valium and Xanax can enhance or be enhanced by other medications which also cause CNS depression, such as anticonvulsants, alcohol, and other psychotropic medications. The use of more than one CNS depressive medication should be monitored closely. Valium and Xanax are both processed by the liver, and certain medications may speed up or slow down their metabolism when taken at the same time.

Enzyme inhibitors will increase benzodiazepine levels by slowing metabolism, and some examples include fluoxetine, ketoconazole, and omeprazole. Enzyme inducers, such as carbamazepine, will speed up metabolism. This may not be a complete list of all drug interactions. Please consult a doctor or pharmacist for a complete list and additional information. Valium and Xanax are prescription drugs that are classified as controlled substances by the DEA.

They each have the potential for abuse and addiction, and therefore should be used for as short of a treatment term as possible. Patients with a history of substance abuse should be monitored closely when taking these medications and avoid them if possible. Taking Valium and Xanax in combination with opioids should be avoided when possible.

The combination may lead to severe respiratory depression, coma, or death. The side effect profile of benzodiazepines leads to an increased risk of falling and causing injury. These drugs should be avoided in the elderly and any patient who may already have a high risk of falls. Patients with liver disease should be monitored while taking Valium and Xanax as the absorption and effects of the drug are affected by liver function.

Valium and Xanax are both category D drugs in pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, work with your physician to find safe and effective treatment alternatives. Valium diazepam is a rapid-acting benzodiazepine used in the treatment of anxiety, seizure disorders, and muscle spasms. It is a controlled substance that requires a medical evaluation by a physician and a prescription to obtain.

It has the potential to cause dependence and abuse. Dependence People become dependent on benzodiazepines if they take them for more than 4 weeks If a person takes a benzodiazepine regularly, they will get the full effect of the drug for the first few weeks. There is a risk of both psychological and physical dependence with repeated use.

How to stop If someone is taking benzodiazepines regularly for more than 4 weeks, it could be fatal to stop taking them. How to reduce your risk If you decide to use benzodiazepines, start low and go slow. All of these drugs can depress breathing resulting in a serious risk of death if mixed.

If going to sleep, ensure you sleep on your side to avoid choking Tolerance and dependency can develop quickly and if you have recently started using, try not to use every day and take breaks in between Avoid taking other drugs or more benzodiazepines to deal with withdrawal symptoms When to get help Seek help from medical support quickly if you experience any negative side effects These include overdose symptoms such as: blue lips loss of consciousness noisy, rasping, slow breathing withdrawal effects like fitting or seizures extreme mental confusion hallucinations If you suspect that someone has possibly taken opioids heroin or methadone in addition to benzodiazepines then administer naloxone if it is available.

Source: Public Health Scotland - Opens in new browser window. Last updated:. How can we improve this page? What happens when you mix Xanax and weed? Here's everything you need to know, including whether it's safe to add alcohol into the mix.

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Well, there are many. Here's how going for a jog can clear your head. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Mental Health. Valium vs. Xanax: Is There a Difference? How they work. Anyone who shows signs of an overdose or an adverse reaction after taking benzodiazepines will need emergency medical help. Before starting treatment with benzodiazepines, a person must tell their doctor about every other medication that they are using.

Some drugs may intensify the effects of benzodiazepines, while others may make them less effective. It is essential not to use benzodiazepines with opioids or alcohol, as this can lead to life threatening effects. People should also never combine them with cannabis use. Benzodiazepine misuse is a cause for concern. Some people use these drugs for recreational purposes without the supervision of a medical professional, which can be dangerous. Benzodiazepines can help treat some mental health and neurological conditions, but it is essential to use them with care.

A person should always tell their doctor about any other drugs that they are using and seek medical help at once if any unexpected reactions occur. Anyone who has concerns about their prescription for a benzodiazepine can ask their doctor about alternative options. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can vary in severity. Learn more about benzo withdrawal, including the common symptoms and the coping strategies that people….

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