Valium - Diazepam

diazepam

Valium is used to treat anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and muscle spasms. It may also be used to treat seizures, insomnia, and other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Diazepam is a benzodiazepine that belongs to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) depressants, which slow down the nervous system. Although diazepam is used for a variety of medical conditions, it is used in multiple sclerosis primarily for the relief of muscle spasms and spasticity.

How to use Valium:

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor.

Dosages should be determined on an individual basis, depending upon the condition to be treated, the severity of symptoms, the body weight of the patient, and any comorbid conditions the patient may have.

Typical dosages for healthy adults range from 2 mg per dose to 10 mg per dose taken 2 to 4 times per day, depending on such factors as body weight and condition being treated. For the elderly or people with liver disorders, initial dose is at the low end of the range, with the dose being increased as required.

If you miss a dose of this medicine and you are using it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Side effects:

Side effects that may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medication and do not require medical attention unless they continue for several weeks or are bothersome include excessive daytime drowsiness, unusual weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, clumsiness or unsteadiness; slurred speech; abdominal cramps or pain; blurred vision or other changes in vision; changes in sexual drive or performance; constipation; diarrhea; dryness of mouth; fast or pounding heartbeat; muscle spasm; trouble with urination; trembling; unusual tiredness or weakness.

Unusual side effects that should be discussed with your physician as soon as possible: behavior problems, including difficulty concentrating and outbursts of anger; confusion or mental depression; convulsions; hallucinations; low blood pressure; muscle weakness; skin rash or itching; sore throat, fever, chills; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual excitement or irritability.

Symptoms of overdose that require immediate emergency help: continuing confusion; unusually severe drowsiness; shakiness; slowed heartbeat; shortness of breath; slow reflexes; continuing slurred speech; staggering; unusually severe weakness.

If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Precautions:

Do not exceed the recommended dose or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Exceeding the recommended dose or taking this medicine for longer than prescribed may be habit-forming. Do not drive, operate machinery and or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Stopping this medication suddenly may cause withdrawal side effects. Reduce the amount gradually before stopping completely.

For women: This medicine has been shown to cause harm to the human fetus. If you plan to become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Drug interactions:

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.

Diazepam adds to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (e.g., antihistamines, sedatives, tranquilizers, prescription pain medications, seizure medications, muscle relaxants, sleeping medications). Consult your physician before taking any of these CNS depressants while you are taking diazepam. Taking an overdose of this medication or taking it with alcohol or other CNS depressants may lead to unconsciousness and possibly death.

Drinking ALCOHOL (or taking any products containing alcohol) while being treated with diazepam may result in excessive sedation or drowsiness. Drinking alcohol while being treated with diazepam is not recommended. If you are drinking alcohol you may experience excessive drowsiness. Use care if you will be operating machinery or driving a car.

Drinking GRAPEFRUIT JUICE while being treated with diazepam may result in large amounts of diazepam in your blood which may cause more side effects of diazepam than usual. Drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with diazepam is not recommended. If you are already drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with diazepam and are experiencing changes in mental awareness, loss of balance, or slurred speech, contact your physician.

Taking diazepam with FOOD may result in an increased amount of diazepam in your blood. Taking diazepam with food may change how well diazepam works for you. It is recommended to try to avoid taking diazepam with a high fat meal if possible. If you take diazepam with a high fat meal, you may experience increased drowsiness or decreased concentration.

Taking diazepam with CAFFEINE may result in diazepam not working as well for you. Diazepam may interact with certain foods. These foods containing caffeine include but are not limited to coffee, soft drinks, and chocolate. It is recommended to avoid or reduce caffeine at nighttime if you are taking diazepam to help you sleep.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.