Valium (Diazepam) enhances the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on the benzodiazepine receptor sites of its receptors or channels. Through them, with the help of GABA, chlorine ions enter the cells of the nervous system, and they trigger the inhibition mechanism – they reduce the wave of excitation that moves in the cells. These processes are mostly localized in the amygdala (amygdala) of the brain. This structure is responsible for the formation of fear and anxiety. It stores the memory of potential dangers and, if necessary, triggers reflexes of self-preservation and defensive behavior. In the case of anxiety, panic, and other mental disorders, the amygdala is disrupted; it sends false signals to the body about danger, causing psychological and physical symptoms. And Diazepam stops them by “switching on” the braking mechanisms. Application Valium helps eliminate acute anxiety and panic, emotional and motor agitation, tremors, and convulsions, and has a relaxing and hypnotic effect. Indications for use:

• Neurotic disorders. Anxiety and anxiety-depressive, phobic, post-traumatic stress, panic, obsessive-compulsive, dissociative disorders.
• Personality disorders. Paranoid, schizoid, dissocial (sociopathy), hysterical disorders.
• Schizotypal and delusional disorders. Schizophrenia, schizotypal and chronic delusional disorders, schizoaffective disorders.
• Withdrawal syndrome due to dependence on alcohol, medications, and drugs.
• Sleep disorders. Difficulty falling asleep, frequent nighttime, and excessively early awakenings.
• Organic and cerebrovascular diseases of the brain. Destruction of brain cells and structures after injury, infections, internal hemorrhages, drug addiction, severe cerebrovascular accidents.
• Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and neurological. Arthritis, myositis, bursitis, epilepsy.
• Surgeries and childbirth. Intensification of anesthesia and preparation for it, facilitating childbirth, premature birth, and placental abruption.

The drug also reduces the production of gastric juice at night, so it can be used as a sleeping pill and anti-anxiety agent for gastritis and stomach ulcers. Contraindications

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Myasthenia gravis (pathological weakness and fatigue)
• Severe diseases of the respiratory system, acute respiratory failure
• Poisoning with CNS depressants
• Medical history of alcohol and drug addiction
• Children under 6 years of age

Side effects Due to its powerful effects on the central nervous system, Valium has a number of side effects:

• Nervous system. Increased drowsiness, fatigue, weakness, confusion, deterioration of concentration, slowness of psycho-emotional and motor reactions, trembling of the limbs, and uncontrolled body movements.
• Heart and blood vessels. Low blood pressure (hypotension), and increased heart rate (tachycardia).
• Dry mouth, nausea and vomiting, heartburn, constipation, loss of appetite.
• Liver and kidneys. Stimulation of liver enzymes and jaundice, impaired renal function, incontinence, or urinary retention.

To avoid side effects, the doctor prescribes the drug gradually and requires feedback from the patient, carefully monitoring changes in his condition. If negative symptoms are observed, the dosage of the drug is reduced, or another medicine is selected. Addiction The drug creates persistent psychological and physical dependence. It manifests itself not only in drug addicts who deliberately abuse Valium but also in patients who take the drug for a long time and do not follow the doctor’s recommendations. The drug causes quite severe withdrawal symptoms with psychophysiological symptoms:

• Anxiety and irritability, aggressiveness
• Mood swings, general depressive background
• Increased sensitivity to light and noise
• Insomnia, nightmares
• Headache, blood pressure surges
• Heart pain, tachycardia
• Nausea, pain and discomfort in the abdomen
• Trembling in the limbs, convulsions

On average, Valium withdrawal syndrome lasts 5-7 days, but with long-term use it can reach 2-3 weeks. Can Valium be taken with alcohol? Absolutely not! Like the drug, alcohol plays the role of a depressant – it inhibits the functioning of the central nervous system. When taken together, these two substances enhance each other’s effects, which can lead to dangerous consequences. So, most often, a critical decrease in pressure, respiratory depression, and death from suffocation occur. In rare cases, a paradoxical reaction in the form of excitement: violent and aggressive inappropriate behavior, suicidal tendencies. Can I work or drive while taking the drug? It is forbidden. The medicine has an inhibitory effect on the functioning of the central nervous system – reaction speed, concentration, and memory deteriorate, the person becomes absent-minded. Therefore, while taking Valium, you should not drive or engage in work that requires high concentration and is related to the safety of others.