What are the health risks of taking valium when I get stressed/depressed etc?

Question

I takle it for anxiety primeraly.

Answer 1

ADDICTION!

Valium is a benzodiazepine and that class of drug is addictive.

Here is an article on possible side effects, abuse risk and some alternatives. It is quite scientifc/medical but worth reading so that you know what you are dealing with!
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000401/2121.html

Why don't you try Passiflora Incarnata form a health store. This is a herb. This treats the same symptoms without any nasty side effects or risk of addiction. Not only that, it can be taken to help you overcome addiction to the benzodiazepines ironicaly. Passiflora incarnata will treat stress and anxiety, mild depression, sleep disorders, and more.
You can read about it here:
http://www.rain-tree.com/maracuja.htm

Passiflora for lowering benzodiazepine (eg valium) addiction article:
http://www.ualberta.ca/~csps/JPPS6(2)/K.Dhawan/anxiolytic.htm

Answer 2

If you take valium in excess,you will get addicted to it;you know like always feeling depressed if you have not taken it on a day.Try other methods of dealing with anxiety.Exercise helps,breathing exercises in particular.Intake of liquids is also known to help.

Answer 3

As long as you are taking the proper dose and not over doing it, you should be fine, but you should talk to your doctor about an alternative medication. Valium is habit forming and if you take it too long you could get addicted to it.

Answer 4

I would say minimal. Often it is difficult to determine between anxiety and stress; even the symptoms of being depressed. Valium or diazepam will relieve anxiety and reduce stress.

Answer 5

Same as other prescription tranquillisers and sleeping pills, tolerance (they stop working), dependence/addiction (you can't stop taking the drug due to severe withdrawal symptoms mental and physical). Withdrawal can resemble the origional condition being treated. See this web site for information http://www.bcnc.org.uk/