Home Index Discussion Forums About Us Links Affiliate Program

Valium (diazepam)

Other names: Diazepam Intensol, Diastat, Dizac, Valrelease

About Valium

Valium Side Effects

Valium Interactions

Valium Dosages

Valium and Pregnancy

Valium and Children

Valium and Seniors

What Valium Treats

Non Prescription Alternatives - Click Here

About Valium

Valium is a muscle relaxant and anti-anxiety medication, also occasionally used to treat sleep disorders. Valium is in the group of drugs known as benzodiazepines, a class of antidepressants, anti-panic agents, and muscle relaxants. Valium is only available by prescription.

Valium slows the central nervous system, and is prescribed for anxiety related disorders and conditions that cause severe muscle spasms and convulsions. Valium can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly, always follow your doctor's guidelines concerning how much to take, and when and how to stop treatment with Valium. Certain patients have conditions that make Valium an unsuitable treatment, so discuss any allergies or other medical conditions you may have with your doctor when planning your treatment.

Store Valium away from light and heat.

       

Valium Side Effects

Common Valium side effects might include: drowsiness, fatigue, light-headedness, and loss of coordination. Operating automobiles or heavy machinery is not recommended while taking Valium. Be aware of how this medication affects you before attempting any potentially dangerous activities.

Less common Valium side effects: abdominal cramps, constipation, dry mouth, hyperventilation, blurred vision, nausea, chest pain, change in sex drive, confusion, headache, change in appetite, insomnia, unusual dreams, change in salivation, low blood pressure, racing heartbeat, fainting, nasal congestion, difficulty urinating, sweating, weight change, skin irritation, twitching or tremors, nervous or anxious state, sun sensitivity, respiratory infection, memory impairment, menstrual difficulties, and loss of coordination. Speak to your doctor about any of these effects; your dosage may need to be adjusted or treatment discontinued.

Rare Valium side effects: difficulty concentrating, slurred or unusual speech, double vision, fear, altered sense of taste, lack of inhibition, muscle cramps or spasms, urination problems, tingling, incontinence, warmth, weakness, change in muscle tone, or yellow eyes and skin. Speak to your doctor if you experience any of these effects; your treatment may need to be discontinued.

Valium treatment should be discontinued if any of the following occur: hyperexcitement, muscle spasm, anxiety, hallucinations, rage, tremors, insomnia, sleeping difficulties or overstimulation.

Cautions: Valium has been known to interact undesirably with certain medical conditions. Tell your doctor if you have, or have a history of, any of the following conditions:

  • Alcohol or drug abuse - may increase likelihood of Valium dependence
  • Allergic reaction to Valium, or other benzodiazepine. Always tell your doctor about any allergies before starting a medication.
  • Brain disease - may increase likelihood of side effects from Valium
  • Breathing difficulties such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or any other chronic lung disease - Valium may worsen this condition.
  • Difficulty swallowing - This condition may become more pronounced in children.
  • Epilepsy or seizures - Abruptly starting or stopping treatment with Valium may increase seizures. Although Valium can be used as an aid to anti-convulsive therapy, it should be used cautiously and strictly according to a doctor's instructions in these cases.
  • Glaucoma - Valium should not be prescribed to patients with acute narrow-angle glaucoma. Patients receiving treatment for open angle glaucoma should consult their doctor, as Valium may be an acceptable treatment for them.
  • Hyperactivity
  • Kidney or liver problems - In isolated cases, Valium has been reported to cause jaundice. If you experience yellowing of the skin or eyes, seek medical treatment immediately. More Valium may end up in your bloodstream if you have a pre-existing kidney or liver condition, increasing the likelihood of side effects.
  • Major Depression - The central nervous system depressant effects of Valium may worsen this condition.
  • Myasthenia gravis - This autoimmune disorder characterized by muscle weakness may be aggravated by Valium treatment.
  • Porphyria - Valium (diazepam) is listed as an unsafe drug for porphyria, an enzyme deficiency that can cause fragile skin that is sensitive to sunlight, digestive difficulties, anxiety, and reddish-brown urine.
  • Psychosis or other serious mental illness - Valium has not proved to be an effective treatment for these conditions, and is not recommended.
  • Sleep apnea (temporary suspension of breathing during sleep) - Valium may worsen this condition. Individuals with sleep apnea should not generally use sedatives as sleep aids. (See Sleep Disorders)

Valium Dependence: Valium has been known to be habit-forming. Withdrawal symptoms may occur if treatment is discontinued abruptly. Follow your doctor's advice about how much, and how often, you should take Valium. If you are considering stopping Valium treatment, ask your doctor how to safely decrease and then stop Valium.

Physical withdrawal symptoms should not be interpreted as addiction unless you crave the medication even when you feel well, or desire to take it more often than suggested by your doctor. Physical withdrawal is common in individuals who have been taking Valium for long periods of time, and can be minimized by following your doctor's advice.

Non Prescription Alternatives - Click Here

Valium Interactions

Valium slows the central nervous system, and should be taken with care with medications that do the same thing. When Valium is taken with certain other medications, the rate of side effects may increase, and the action of either medication may be increased or altered. Certain medications can cause an undesirable build-up of Valium in the body. Stimulants may decrease the effectiveness of your treatment. Read the labels of herbal supplements and over the counter medications to check for interactions. Ask your doctor's advice about combining Valium with any of the following:

Valium Dosages

Valium is available in scored tablets in dosages of 2mg (white), 5mg (yellow), and 10mg (blue).

Diazepam dosage and tablet availability may be different if the tablets are not manufactured under the Valium brand name.

Therapeutic dosages of Valium rarely exceed 10 mg, taken 4 times per day. Higher dosages are not recommended as they can increase the risk of dependence, and the likelihood of acute withdrawal symptoms if the drug is discontinued abruptly. Do not take two doses of Valium at the same time.

Valium overdose symptoms can include confusion, sleepiness, or coma. Seek medical treatment immediately if you suspect an overdose.

Valium and Pregnancy

Valium has been known to increase the risk of birth defects when taken in the first trimester of a pregnancy. It is not recommended for pregnant women, or women who are planning to become pregnant.

Valium and Children

Valium is not recommended for children under six months of age. Older children should be started on the lowest dose possible (1-2 mg) and increased only as needed. Valium is not usually recommended as a long term treatment for children.

Valium and Seniors

Older adults taking Valium are usually encouraged to start with smaller doses (2-2.5 mg) and limit intake to the smallest effective dose. Seniors are more likely to become too heavily sedated, or experience decreased muscle coordination.

What Valium Treats

Valium is currently prescribed as a treatment for:

  • Anxiety disorders and temporary relief for symptoms of anxiety. Depending on symptoms, 2-10 mg, 2-4 times per day.
  • Symptom relief for acute alcohol withdrawal. 10 mg, 3-4 times within first 24 hours, then reducing to 5 mg, 3-4 per day as necessary.
  • As an aid to the relief of skeletal muscle spasm and tremor as in cerebral palsy. (Valium is not a complete therapy for these sorts of disorders.) 2-10 mg, 3-4 times per day.
  • As an aid to treatment of convulsive disorders such as epilepsy. (Valium is not a complete therapy for these sorts of disorders, and may be mixed with another medication.) 2-10 mg, 2-4 times per day.
  • Valium may be prescribed in low doses to treat the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Non Prescription Alternatives - Click Here

Valium is a trademark of Roche Pharmaceuticals

Back to top

 

If you know someone this information may help, let them know.
 Tell a friend:  

The information contained in this document is provided for educational purposes and information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician or Health professional, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only, please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor, physician or Health professional can say if a medication, a drug alternative or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.
Valium Abstract

© 2004 - prescription-drugs-alternatives.com

HOME   |  INDEX   |  SITE MAP   |  CONTACT US   |  TERMS & CONDITIONS