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Is Valium Addictive?

Posted on Tue, 22 Aug 2017

Question: Is valium addictive?
Are there any nonaddictive muscle relaxants available?

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Yes Valium is addictive.

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

Yes Valium is having addiction potential. The drug is a benzodiazepine and is known to result in dependence.

Cyclobenzaprine or Tizanidine are muscle relaxants that are relatively safe if abuse potential is considered. But you are 78 and the drugs should be started only after consulting a doctor.

Thanks and Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (49 minutes later)

Thank you for a clear answer. I have no idea if I have a potential for addiction: I simply do not want to even risk it.
I will research the 2 drugs you mentioned...am seeing a Dr. tomorrow.I have another question regarding tight muscles and a possible solution: Medical marijuana is legal in my state. Would the use of this in the form of a patch or lotion be an option for relaxing the muscles? What are the side effects of med. marijuana?

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Medical marijuana patch is available for muscle spasms.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

If you are taking Valium in prescribed doses and don't increase the dose by self then I don't think there is any addiction.

Medical marijuana is still under research for a number of conditions. It has been legalised in some states and its roles in muscle spasm is proved by some studies. You can consult your doctor for that too. Patch form has not much side effects and is tolerated easily. Impaired sensation around patch site, paraesthesia etc are seen with patch and are mild.

Thanks

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D