What Is Valium(diazepam)?
Valium (diazepam) is a benzodiazepine prescribed for the treatment of anxiety, seizures, muscle spasms, and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Valium is available as a generic drugs.
What Are Side Effects of Valium?
Common side effects of Valium include:
- drowsiness,
- tired feeling,
- dizziness,
- spinning sensation,
- fatigue,
- constipation,
- ataxia (loss of balance),
- memory problems,
- restlessness,
- irritability,
- muscle wekness,
- nausea,
- drooling,
- dry mouth,
- slurred speech,
- blurred or double visiom,
- skin rash,
- itching, or
- loss of interest in sex.
Serious side effects of Valium include :
- respiratory depression,
- low white blood cell counts (neutropenia), and
- depression.
What are the important side effects of Valium (diazepam)?
The most common side effects of valium are:
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Euphoria
- Ataxia (loss of balance)
Other important side effects include:
- Paradoxical reactions with excitability
- Muscle spasm
- Lack of sleep
- Rage
- Confusion
- Speech problems
- Double vision
Possible serious side effects:
- Respiratory depression
- Neutropenia
- Depression
Warnings
You should not use Valium if you are allergic to diazepam or similar medicines (Ativan, Klonopin, Xanax, and others), or if you have myasthenia gravis, severe liver disease, narrow-angle glaucoma, a severe breathing problem, or sleep apnea.
Diazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol.
MISUSE OF THIS MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.
Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use. Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Valium if you are allergic to diazepam, or if you have:
- myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness disorder);
- a severe breathing problem;
- sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep);
- narrow-angle glaucoma;
- untreated or uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma; or
- severe liver disease.
Valium should not be given to a child younger than 6 months old. Do not give this medicine to a child without a doctor’s advice.
How should I take Valium?
Take Valium exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Never use Valium in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of this medicine.
Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medicine where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Measure liquid medicine with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Valium should be used for only a short time. Do not take this medicine for longer than 4 months without your doctor’s advice.
Do not stop using Valium without asking your doctor. You may have increased seizures or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use.
