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The Effects of Valium

Dear Anai,

I have a friend who has anxiety disorder, and is currently pregnant. She is still taking Valium, but I worry this may harm her baby. Is there anything you can tell me about Valium in pregnancy? She claims it is doctor prescribed and is safe. But I somehow don't think so. Thank you for any help you may give me on this topic.

Concerned Friend.

Answer:

Valium (generic name: Diazepam) is classified as a benzodiazepine. It is commonly used for persons with anxiety issues. It is considered highly addictive, so not typically given to men or women who have a clear history of addictive behaviour. Withdrawal symptoms have been noted when stopping this drug. Valium is used for temporary means. It will ease the anxious feelings of the anxiety disorder, but will not rid of them completely. Studies show that anti-depressants have overruled anti-anxiety benzodiazepine 2 to 1. Anti-depressants have successfully helped millions of anxiety patients overcome their fears by blocking certain signals to the brain while raising serotonin levels.

There are other uses for Valium aside from general anxiety. Those who are experiencing acute alcohol withdrawal are given Valium to counteract the physical and mental disturbances caused by drop of alcohol level in the body. Other factors a doctor may choose to prescribe this benzodiazepine are assisting anti-convulsive medications in cases of Epilepsy and Cerebral Palsy (as a muscle relaxant).

Side effects of this medication are minimal. these include fatigue, loss of balance, dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, changes in sexual performance and drive, increased or decreased saliva production, nightmares, slurred speech, hallucinations, depression, low blood pressure, slow heart rate and possible seizures due to changes in brain wave patterns.

Withdrawal symptoms include:

• vomiting
• nausea
• seizures
• convulsions
• muscle cramping
• abdominal pain
• anxiety attacks
• panic attacks
• tremors
• dizziness
• rapid or irregular heartbeat
• irritability
• mood swings

Valium is dangerous to an unborn baby. It raises the risks of serious birth defects, both physical and mental. Valium has shown to slow brain waves and alter normal brain function in unborn babies as well as those who are breast fed. Just as it changes brain wave patterns in adults, it alters the fetus' brain waves in a more serious way.

During those nine month inside the mother's womb, the baby solely relies on the mother for protection and life itself. Anything the mother ingests, the baby ingests. Valium is just one of the many drugs that can alter a baby's life before he or she is even pushed out into the world.

The only time Valium can be given to the mother (if necessity only) is when she is in an non-pregnant state. If planning to breast feed, she will be asked to discontinue Valium until she is done breast feeding for good, or asked to bottle feed with formula only. Valium passes through breast milk and does affect a nursing infant.

Copyright ©1997 Anai Rhoads.