Valium
Generic Name: Diazepam
What is Valium?
Valium is an antianxiety medication belonging to a drug class known as benzodiazepines. Valium is used to treat anxiety disorders, the symptoms of sudden alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasms, and seizures.What is the most important information I should know about Valium?
Due to the sleepiness and fatigue Valium can cause, you should not drive or operate dangerous machinery until you know how this drug affects you. Do not drink alcohol or take other medications that can make you tired or drowsy while you are taking Valium.If you are taking Valium as part of seizure therapy, do not suddenly stop taking it as this may worsen or even cause seizures. In addition, you may be at increased risk for other certain types of seizures therefore, your doctor may increase the dosage of your other anticonvulsant medication.
Use Valium with caution if you have any type of kidney or liver problems. If you take Valium for a long time, your doctor will likely perform blood tests to check your liver health and also the number of disease-fighting cells in your blood.
Talk to your doctor before increasing your Valium dose or before stopping therapy. Suddenly stopping Valium may cause you to experience symptoms of withdrawal that include shaking, stomach and muscle cramps, vomiting, sweating, insomnia, and seizures.
You may develop a physical or mental dependence on Valium, especially if you take it for a long time or if you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse.
Who should not take Valium?
Do not take Valium if you are pregnant, if you have an eye disorder known as acute narrow-angle glaucoma, or if you are allergic to diazepam or any other ingredient in Valium.Do not use Valium if you have been diagnosed with psychosis, severe breathing problems, liver disease, sleep apnea (stopping breathing temporarily during sleep), or a condition known as myasthenia gravis (a disease characterized by long-lasting fatigue and muscle weakness).
What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Valium?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Valium. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have myasthenia gravis, kidney or liver problems, acute narrow-angle glaucoma, sleeping problems, or if you drink alcohol regularly. Also, tell your doctor if you have a history of drug abuse, breathing problems, or mental disorders and if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Anxiety Disorders
Adults: The usual dosage is 2-10 milligrams (mg) taken two to four times a day.
Elderly: The usual starting dosage is 2-2.5 mg taken once or twice daily. Dose may be increased gradually as needed and tolerated.
Children (>6 months): The usual dosage is 1-2.5 mg given three to four times a day. Dose may be increased gradually as needed and tolerated.
Muscle Spasms (in Combination with Other Therapy)
Adults: The usual dosage is 2-10 mg taken three or four times a day.
Elderly: The usual starting dosage is 2-2.5 mg taken once or twice daily. Dose may be increased gradually as needed and tolerated.
Children (>6 months): The usual dosage is 1-2.5 mg given three to four times a day. Dose may be increased gradually as needed and tolerated.
Seizure Disorders (in Combination with Other Therapy)
Adults: The usual dosage is 2-10 mg taken two to four times a day.
Elderly: The usual starting dose is 2-2.5 mg taken once or twice daily. Dose may be increased gradually as needed and tolerated.
Children >6 months: The usual starting dose is 1-2.5 mg given three or four times a day. Dose may be increased gradually as needed and tolerated.
Sudden Alcohol Withdrawal
Adults: The starting dose is 10 mg taken three or four times daily during the first 24 hours. The dose is then reduced to 5 mg, three or four times daily as needed.
How should I take Valium?
Take Valium exactly the way your doctor prescribes. Valium may work better when taken without food.What should I avoid while taking Valium?
Do not drink alcohol or take other medications that can make you tired or drowsy while you are taking Valium.Avoid suddenly stopping Valium therapy without first talking to your doctor. Do not take more than is prescribed without your doctor's approval.
Avoid taking Valium with meals, because food may decrease the effect of Valium and delay the time it takes to work in your body.
What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Valium?
If Valium is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Valium with the following: alcohol, antacids, antianxiety medicines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, barbiturates, cimetidine, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, ketoconazole, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), narcotics, omeprazole, phenothiazines, phenytoin, and sleep medicines.What are the possible side effects of Valium?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: difficulty walking, muscle weakness, loss of coordination, drowsiness, tiredness, constipation, blurred vision
Can I receive Valium if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Taking Valium during pregnancy should be avoided. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.Women taking Valium should not breastfeed because Valium passes into breast milk.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Valium?
If you miss a dose of Valium, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.How should I store Valium?
Store at room temperature away from light in a tightly closed container.
I'm Beth Isaac, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
