How does valium work? First of all, valium, also called diazepam, is a drug belonging to the benzodiazepine class, a group of mild sedatives. They are commonly prescribed in treatment of anxiety, muscle spasms and alcohol withdrawal. In higher doses, it can also relieve seizures.
What diazepam does is it increases the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a naturally calming neurotransmitter in the brain. Neurotransmitters, by the way, are brain chemicals that transmit signals to brain cells. In other words, they are the “messengers” between nerve cells. Neurotransmitters are also stored in the nerve cells which are found in the nervous system. GABA is a neurotransmitter that works by decreasing brain activity. Diazepam then acts on receptors in the brains to release GABA. As a result, the body becomes more relaxed or even drowsy, depending on the dosage. GABA can also slow or stop certain nerve signals in the brain.
For first timers, a person will feel drowsy and uncoordinated within the first few days of usage. But after the body becomes accustomed to the effects, these feelings will disappear. Long term use of valium can cause develop tolerance for the effects. Thus, the person taking the drug will require larger doses to achieve the same initial effects. Moreover, continued use beyond the doctor’s prescription can cause dependence and severe withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped abruptly. Since diazepam works by slowing down brain activity, abrupt withdrawal from the drug can cause the brain to rebound and race out of control and this might lead to seizures and other deadly consequences. Therefore, when one wishes to stop using diazepam or experiences these symptoms, he must seek medical treatment.