Valium and Migraines
For people who have experienced migraines, their only thought is how to make the pain go away. These chronic headaches cause significant pain that may last for hours or even days. There are many different types of migraines, including:
- Classic – Before the actual pain begins, the individual experiences an aura which is a visual sensory illusions, such as jagged bands of light obscuring vision, or a shimmering light around the edges of objects. Other senses, such as hearing and smell, may also be affected.
- Ocular – These migraines affect vision and can include seeing flashes of light, zigzagging patterns, blind spots or stars.
- Retinal – These migraines typically affect one eye and may cause short-lasting, diminished vision or blindness.
- Basilar Artery – These involve the basilar artery in the brainstem, and can cause pain, vertigo, speech and vision problems and poor coordination.
- Rebound – These headaches occur when pain medication is overused.
Many migraines, regardless of type, are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.
Although there’s no cure, medications can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
Treatment Options for Migraines
The categories of medications used to treat migraines include:
- Beta-blockers to relax blood vessels
- Calcium channel blockers to reduce the amount of blood vessel constriction
- Antidepressants which have been shown to be effective in preventing migraines
- Anticonvulsants, recently approved by the FDA, for preventing migraines (See Diazepam abuse.)
- Pain relievers to treat the pain associated with migraines
Valium and Migraines
Valium depresses the nervous system and provides pain relief. For many, taking Valium as directed has few side effects and seems to work effectively. In a recent survey, over 70 percent of migraine sufferers who took Valium for relief indicated that they would recommend Valium as an effective treatment for migraines, noting that Valium was easy to use and had fewer side effects.
The risks associated with Valium use for migraines are tolerance and abuse. The longer a person takes Valium, the greater the potential that they will build a tolerance and thus require an increased dosage to get the benefits they initially received. Further, when in the midst of a migraine episode, rational thought is often replaced by the desire to relieve the pain which sets the stage for a person to abuse Valium as a treatment option. Keep in mind that one of the withdrawal effects of Valium is headaches, so a person can enter into a vicious cycle of migraine pain, followed by Valium abuse, followed by a headache associated with withdrawal, then back to more Valium use.
Get Help for Valium Abuse
Effectively managing Valium use is often difficult without proper medical supervision and support. If you or someone you know needs Valium addiction help, call our toll free number today at (888) 371-5703. We are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you might have about Valium addiction treatment. We are here to help. Take a look at this Valium addictions video.