Taking Valium and Suboxone is highly dangerous and thus inadvisable. A study from 2020 suggests that 31% of deaths that occurred from Suboxone treatment involved a benzodiazepine like Valium. Therefore, official Suboxone guidelines urge practitioners to exercise caution when prescribing benzos with Suboxone.
If you are struggling with anxiety and opioid use disorder, it is highly recommended to get support from Drug Counseling NJ Center, which specializes in treating dual disorders.
Overview of the Article
- Valium’s mechanism of action
- Possible dangers of Valium and Suboxone
- Issues with the prescription of two drugs
- Safe treatments addressing anxiety and addiction
Table of Contents
Valium Uses and Working
Valium is a brand name for the drug “diazepam.” The medication can help your CNS relax, which can be used to treat a few medical conditions, including:
- Anxiety
- Seizures
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Muscle spasms
Someone struggling with anxiety and opioid use disorder (OUD) can find themselves wondering if they can take Valium and Suboxone together. The safest course of action is to avoid it.
Potential Risks of Mixing Valium and Suboxone
Both Valium and Suboxone (basically buprenorphine) are central nervous system depressants. CNS depressants essentially slow down all the processes of the body. When taken in high dosages, depressants can slow down to the point where body functions stop, resulting in:
- Slowed oxygen supply to the brain
- Lower heart rate
- Low breathing
The interaction of Valium and Suboxone may lead to the following issues:
- Respiratory depression
- Overdose
- Death
A. Respiratory Depression
Respiratory depression, also known as hypoventilation, is a condition when the lungs do not get enough oxygen due to shallow breathing.
- Breathing can slow down to the point of stopping
- Carbon dioxide can accumulate in the body
- In severe cases, organ failure may also occur
Benzo or opioid-induced respiratory depression can be highly fatal. The dangers should not be underestimated.
B. Increased Chances of Overdose and Death
Previous literature suggested that benzodiazepines decreased the risk of overdosing. However, a recent study suggests that taking valium and suboxone together may result in both fatal and non-fatal overdoses.
The study suggests that there was also an increase in all-cause mortality (death without any certain reason) among individuals who were taking both benzodiazepines and buprenorphine (Suboxone/Subutex) simultaneously.
NOTE: DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE ON VALIUM, ESPECIALLY DURING OUD TREATMENT.
Signs of Valium Addiction
How to Treat Mental Illnesses and OUD Simultaneously?
Mental health issues like anxiety or insomnia can pose challenges while a person is trying to recover. For the safe administration of care, specialized dual diagnosis treatment is important.
Understanding Dual Diagnosis Treatment
A person with anxiety may need Valium, especially in severe cases. It is entirely up to your healthcare provider to decide whether you need Valium. However, a safe way to treat comorbidity is by opting for a dual diagnosis treatment that includes:
- Subscribing to programs aimed at mental well-being
- Getting in touch with a counselor who is an expert on dual diagnosis
- Taking medications as well as therapy simultaneously
An effective dual diagnosis treatment is highly personalized, which means:
- The dosage of medications will be adjusted according to assessing your medical history, tolerance to said drug, etc.
- Therapeutic techniques also differ from person to person
- If other medical interventions like rapid detox are necessary, the provider may also recommend them
Call us at 844.445.2565 if you are in the confines of New Jersey. We offer specialized and highly personalized dual diagnosis treatment program in NJ. You can also fill out this form so our assistant can contact you.
Did you know? Nearly a quarter of the individuals who were receiving buprenorphine also received benzodiazepines at some point during their treatment period.
Did you know? Nearly a quarter of the individuals who were receiving buprenorphine also received benzodiazepines at some point during their treatment period.
About ChoicePoint: A Co-Occurring Addiction Treatment Center in New Jersey
ChoicePoint is a New Jersey-based rehab center that is focused on treating substance use disorders and co-morbidity. We offer an addiction treatment program for students, pregnant women, veterans, and the LGBQT+ community. All levels of care are available at our rehab:
We also accept insurance from most NJ state-funded and privately-funded providers. You need to verify your insurance, and the treatment may be initiated.
Please note that this assessment is an initial self-screening and is not meant to be a medical assessment or clinical diagnosis of addiction. For proper diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment with ChoicePoint.
Question/Answer Section
Under some circumstances, Valium may be prescribed to you by your Suboxone provider. However, read on the following queries to stay safe.
Can Low-Dose Valium Be Taken at Night if Taking Suboxone During the Day?
Only your healthcare provider decides whether you should take Valium alongside Suboxone. Most doctors stay away from prescribing the two together because there is still a risk of respiratory depression even if taken at different times of the day. Interaction is possible because drugs stay in your system for a long time. Suboxone doctors in NJ are available online. Schedule an appointment to adjust your medicine dosage to avoid fatal consequences.
How Much Valium Should I Take to Get High? What Happens if You Take 50MG?
It depends on tolerance and your condition. Even a small dose of Valium and Suboxone together can be fatal. Healthcare providers can assess your situation and prescribe a low dose if necessary.
Can I Take Valium to Combat Opioid Withdrawal?
No. Unless your doctor says otherwise, you should not take Valium or any other drug to combat opioid withdrawal. Suboxone or other buprenorphine medications like Subutex pill will slowly and gradually ease withdrawal symptoms.
Does Buprenorphine Help With Anxiety?
Buprenorphine is not a treatment for anxiety. However, it may help with anxiety that occurs as a result of opioid use. If the symptoms persist, talk to your Suboxone doctor about how to cope with stress and other symptoms during recovery.
Where Can I Get Valium for Opioid Withdrawal?
Your doctor is highly unlikely to prescribe Valium for opiate withdrawal for a few reasons:
- Valium is not used to treat opioid withdrawal
- Benzos, especially Valium, are highly addictive themselves
- Due to the fatal combination, doctors are urged to stay cautious
- Even if Valium is prescribed with Suboxone, it is for a very short period
If you are suffering from anxiety and addiction (comorbidity), talk to a dual-diagnosis specialist.
Sources
- Park, T. W., Larochelle, M. R., Saitz, R., Wang, N., Bernson, D., & Walley, A. Y. (2020). Associations between prescribed benzodiazepines, overdose death, and buprenorphine discontinuation among people receiving buprenorphine. Addiction, 115(5), 924–932. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.14886
- HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. (n.d.). https://www.suboxone.com/pdfs/prescribing-information.pdf
Medical Disclaimer:
ChoicePoint aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues. Our team of licensed medical professionals research, edit and review the content before publishing. However, this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice please consult your physicians or ChoicePoint's qualified staff.
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