How does valium affect the brain

Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have found that a naturally occurring protein secreted only in discrete areas of the mammalian brain may act as a Valium-like brake on certain types of epileptic seizures. The protein is known as diazepam binding inhibitor, or DBI. It calms the rhythms of a key brain circuit and so could prove valuable in developing novel, less side-effect-prone therapies not only for epilepsy but possibly for anxiety and sleep disorders, too.

Valium, which is notoriously addictive, prone to abuse and dangerous at high doses, was an early drug treatment for epilepsy, but it has fallen out of use for this purpose because its efficacy quickly wears off and because newer, better anti-epileptic drugs have come along.

In fact, it is found in every cell of the body, where it is an intracellular transporter of a metabolite called acyl-CoA. Other endogenous internally produced substances have been shown to cause effects similar to psychoactive drugs. In , endogenous proteins called endorphins, with biochemical activity and painkilling properties similar to that of opiates, were isolated. A more recently identified set of substances, the endocannabinoids, mimic the memory-, appetite- and analgesia-regulating actions of the psychoactive components of cannabis, or marijuana.

DBI binds to receptors that sit on nerve-cell surfaces and are responsive to a tiny but important chemical messenger, or neurotransmitter, called GABA. Side effects should be taken seriously, as some may indicate an emergency.

Patients should stop taking Valium and contact emergency services right away if any of the following occur:.

Even in the cases of drug abuse, overdoses occurring from Valium alone are rare. An overdose is more likely to occur when the drug is mixed with other drugs. Research has shown that a large percentage of overdoses come from mixing substances. Valium is absorbed very readily into the body demonstrated by the speed at which it crosses the blood brain barrier and the placental barrier. Because of its ability to travel all around the body, doctors often advise expectant mothers to seek out a drug other than Valium while pregnant.

Use during pregnancy can lead to birth defects like cleft pallet, withdrawal symptoms for newly born babies, respiratory problems, and feeding issues. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse, do not hesitate to reach out.

Qualified and passionate providers are ready to help you take your first steps towards recovery. Contact a dedicated treatment provider today to find a rehab.

There are many different forms of addiction. Get the information you need to help you overcome yours. Michael Muldoon. Mayo Clinic Diazepam Oral Route. Medline Plus Diazepam.

National Alliance on Mental Health Diazepam. RXList Valium. All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional. Call Calls to numbers on a specific treatment center listing will be routed to that treatment center. All calls are private and confidential. Find out more about Rehab Spot. Chats will be received and answered by one of treatment providers listed below, each of which is a paid advertiser:. All chats are private and confidential.

Get Help Today - OR -. Is your loved one struggling with addiction? Get Help. All the BZ drugs additionally have anticonvulsant, sedative-hypnotic, and muscle-relaxant properties 4, 77, 88, , Two of the BZ drugs, Valium diazepam and Librium chlordiazepoxide have been the best sellers of the BZ drug family and the most frequently prescribed drugs in the world 7, 15, 17, 77, , , , The impact of Valium and Librium on human psychomotor and cognitive functions is the focus of this review of research.

Since millions of people are using these drugs, how do Valium and Librium affect alertness and responsiveness, for example, in driving a car to work, or operating a machine in a factory ? Tranquilizing drugs like Valium and Librium were hailed when they replaced sedatives like barbiturates because they did not cloud the mind. Is decision-making or mental alertness affected in those who use Valium or Librium 69?