What is Valium?
Valium is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen). It is believed that diazepam can increase the activities of neurotransmitters within the brain.
Valium is a medicine used for treating anxiety disorders and withdrawal symptoms.
Valium can be used with other drugs to relieve muscle spasms, stiffness, and seizures.
Warnings
It is not recommended to use Valium when you have an allergy to diazepam or other similar medications (Ativan, Klonopin, Xanax, and others) or if you suffer from myasthenia gravis or severe liver diseases and small-angle glaucoma or a serious breathing disorder and sleep apnea.
Diazepam can slow down or cease breathing, particularly in the case of recent use of alcohol or an opioid drug.
MISUSE OF THIS MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Make sure the medication is stored in a safe place so that others can't access it.
Don't stop taking this medication without consulting with your physician. There is a risk of dangerous withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly quit the medication after long-term usage. The withdrawal symptoms can last for 12 months or more.
Get medical assistance immediately If you stop taking Valium and experience symptoms like abnormal movements of your muscles, becoming more energetic or talkative, or having sudden and extreme changes in your mood or behavior such as hallucinations, confusion, seizures, and thoughts of suicide.
Before you Take this Medicine
It is not recommended to take Valium If you have an allergy to diazepam or you suffer from:
- Myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness-related disorder);
- An extreme breathing problem;
- Sleep apnea (breathing ceases during sleep);
- Narrow-angle glaucoma;
- Untreated or uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma
- A severe liver disease that is severe.
Valium shouldn't be given to children under six months old. Don't give the medication to children without seeking a medical professional's guidance.
To make sure that this medicine is appropriate for you, tell your physician if you've previously had:
- Breathing issues;
- Glaucoma;
- Kidney or liver disease
- Seizures (unless you're using diazepam to treat seizures);
- A dependency on alcohol or drugs or
- Depression is a mental disorder or suicidal ideas or behaviors.
Some people think about suicide when taking Valium. Keep an eye on shifts in mood or signs. Family members or caregivers must also be aware of abrupt changes in your behavior.
Could harm the unborn baby. Do not use it if you are expecting or you may be pregnant. If you are using Valium during your pregnancy, the baby may be born with withdrawal symptoms that could be life-threatening and could require medical attention for a few weeks.
Do not begin or stop medication for seizures during pregnancy unless you have a doctor's approval. Diazepam may harm the unborn baby; however, having an epileptic seizure during pregnancy could cause harm to both the mother and the baby. The benefits of preventing seizures could outweigh the risk factors. Talk to your doctor as soon as you discover that you are pregnant.
There are other seizure medications more secure to use during pregnancy.
It is not recommended to breastfeed.
How to Take Valium?
Use Valium precisely as directed by your physician. Follow the directions on the prescription label, and read the instructions or medication guides. Do not take Valium in more significant quantities or longer than what is prescribed. Inform your doctor if you strongly urge to take more of this medication.
Don't share this medicine with anyone else, especially those with an addiction history. A MISUSE of this medicine can lead to addiction, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Ensure the medicine is kept away from the reach of others needing it. The selling or distribution of the medicine is against the law.
Use the device that comes with it (not the kitchen spoon).
Valium is recommended for a brief period. Taking this medication for more than four months without consulting your physician is not recommended.
Do not stop taking Valium without consulting your physician. You may have more seizures or potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medication suddenly following lengthy usage.
You'll require regular medical tests.
Keep your medicine at room temperature and free of heat, moisture, or light. Store your medicine in a safe place that is secure and where nobody can access it in a way that isn't safe.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
Do not take the medicine for as long as you can, but avoid any missed doses if you are nearing the time to take the next dose. Don't take two doses at a time.
What Happens If I Overdose?
Get medical attention immediately, contact emergency medical attention, or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. A diazepam overdose can cause death when taken in combination with alcohol, opioid medications, or other substances that result in drowsiness or slow breathing.
The symptoms of an overdose can include extreme drowsiness, diminished stability or coordination, limp and weak muscles, slow breathing, or even coma.
Avoid this
Do not drink or consume alcohol. Dangerous side effects or even death can occur.
Grapefruit can interact with diazepam and could cause adverse negative side effects. Beware of the use of grapefruit-related products.
Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you understand the effects of this medication on you. Dizziness or drowsiness could result in accidents, falls, or even severe injuries.
Side Effects of Valium
See a doctor immediately If you are experiencing symptoms of an allergy reaction Valium: hives or breathing difficulties and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.
Diazepam can slur or even slow your breathing, particularly when you've recently taken an opioid or alcoholic drink. Anyone who cares for you needs to seek urgent medical treatment if you suffer from prolonged breathing, pauses, or blue-colored lips or if it is difficult to get up.
Inform your doctor immediately when you notice any abrupt or new changes in your mood or behavior, which could include the onset of depression or anxiousness, panic attacks or trouble sleeping, or feeling impulsive or agitated and aggressive, anxious, more active or talkative, or if you have thoughts of suicide or harming yourself.
See your doctor right away if you are suffering from:
- Severe dizziness or extreme drowsiness
- Trouble breathing
- Anxiety, confusion, or paranoia.
- New or worsening seizures.
The symptoms of dizziness and drowsiness may persist for longer for older people. Take care to avoid falling or injury that is accidental.
Common Valium side effects can include:
- Drowsiness;
- Fatigue;
- Weakness in the muscles or
- Difficulties with balance or balance or movement.
After stopping taking Valium, get medical assistance when you experience symptoms like the unusual movement of your muscles that are more talkative or active or experiencing sudden and extreme changes in your mood or behavior and hallucinations, confusion, suicidal ideas, or behaviors.
Specific withdrawal symptoms can last for 12 months or more after abruptly stopping the medication. Inform your doctor when you experience persistent depression, anxiety, and memory problems, as well as thinking and sleep problems, hearing ringing in your ear, and a burning or prickly sensation or a creeping sensation in your skin.
This is a partial list of all side effects. Others could happen. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with Other Drugs
Utilizing Valium along with other medications that cause you to sleep or cause breathing problems can result in dangerous adverse side effects or even deaths. Ask your doctor prior to taking opioids, such as a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or a medication to treat seizures or anxiety.
Other drugs can be incompatible with diazepams, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about any other medications you take.
