What Effects Does Diazepam Have on the Body?

Generic Valium 10mg is an anti anxiety drug that comes under the benzodiazepines group of medications. This medication is used to calm people suffering from severe anxiety or insomnia, relax people preparing for a surgical procedure and control muscle spasms due to seizures or intoxication. The effects diazepam has on the body are manifold and a basic understanding of these effects can help you and your doctor decide if this medication is appropriate for you.

Calming Effects

Valium is often prescribed to calm people who are experiencing severe anxiety or agitation. The drug works by increasing the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid GABA - a neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA is a substance that calms the nervous system. By enhancing the effects of GABA, diazepam can be used to ease the sense of anxiety you may be experiencing.

Insomnia

Oral forms of Valium are also used for short-term treatment of severe anxiety associated with insomnia. Valium decreases the time taken to fall asleep and wakings during the night, as well as increasing the total amount of time spent sleeping. However, it is only suitable for short-term treatment of insomnia and anxiety as it has a high potential for dependence and addiction. As diazepam remains active in the body for many hours, drowsiness may also last into the next day.

Muscle Relaxation

Valium can be used to control muscle convulsions that have been caused by seizure conditions, poisoning, and tetanus. These situations all increase the amount of electrical stimulation being sent to the brain. Valium allows the neurotransmitter GABA to take a greater effect in reducing brain stimulation. This lessens the muscle contraction, allowing your brain and body to relax. 

Anti-Seizure Effect

Valium can have anti-seizure properties because of its effects on the brain. Valium is beneficial in preventing seizures because it regulates a neurotransmitter chemical that can slow down brain activity and reduce the likelihood of a patient having a seizure. Therefore, a patient who was prescribed Valium for seizure prevention must adhere to his doctor's recommendation when taking this medication. 

Sedation

Valium is also given for its sedating and anxiety-relieving effects as a pre-med before surgery or medical investigations and procedures, and to alcoholics during acute alcohol withdrawal.

Valium has been listed as one of the most important drugs in the modern age, based upon its effectiveness and use in medical situations and surgeries. Psychiatrists and physicians alike both use and recommend Valium to their patients.  However, it is very important that physicians take the time to communicate with their patients about their possible dependency on the drug.  If a doctor believes that a patient may be developing an addiction to Valium, they may recommend a different medication, change the dosage, or try a new treatment all together. 

Facts About Depression

What is depression?

Most people have felt sad or depressed at times. Feeling depressed can be a normal reaction to loss, life's struggles, or an injured self-esteem.

But when feelings of intense sadness including feeling helpless, hopeless, and worthless last for many days to weeks and keep you from functioning normally, your depression may be something more than sadness. It may very well be clinical depression - a treatable medical condition.

Depression is a common, serious illness and not a personal weakness. Depression can happen to anyone, at any age, and to people of any race or ethnic group.

Depression, which is treatable, can come from chemical imbalances in the brain, hormonal changes, medications or things going on in your life.

Women suffer from depression twice as often as men. One out of four women may have depression sometime during their lifetime. Many people suffer with depression but do not seek help.

What are the symptoms of depression?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, people with depressive illnesses don't all experience the same symptoms. How severe they are, how frequent, and how long they last will vary depending on the individual and his or her particular illness. Here are common symptoms people with depression experience:

- Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood

- Sleeping too much or too little, middle of the night or early morning waking

- Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain

- Loss of pleasure and interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex

- Restlessness, irritability

- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment (such as chronic pain or digestive disorders)

- Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions

- Fatigue or loss of energy

- Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless

- Thoughts of suicide or death

What causes depression?

Depression isn’t a simple condition with a known cause. Some people are more susceptible to depressive episodes while others are not. It’s important to discuss symptoms with your doctor. There are several possible causes of depression.

• Genetic - Depression may be an inherited condition. You may have a higher likelihood of experiencing a depressive disorder at some point in your life if you have a family member with depression. The exact gene involved in this is unknown.
• Biological - People with depression may have too little or too much of certain brain chemicals. Changes in these brain chemicals may cause or play a role in clinical depression.
• Medications - Side effects of some medications can bring about depression.
• Cognitive - People with negative thinking patterns and low self-esteem are more likely to develop clinical depression.
• Situational - Difficult life events, including divorce, financial problems or the death of a loved one can contribute to depression.

How is depression treated?

Depression is very treatable, with the overwhelming majority of those who seek treatment showing improvement. The most commonly used treatments are antidepressant medication, psychotherapy or a combination of the two.  The choice of treatment depends on the pattern, severity, persistence of depressive symptoms and the history of the illness.  As with many illnesses, early treatment is more effective and helps prevent the likelihood of serious recurrences.  Depression must be treated by a physician or qualified mental health professional.