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Valium

What is Valium?

Valium is the brand name of diazepam, a prescription sedative used to treat muscle spasms, anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and seizures.

Important information:

Valium is a controlled substance that may slow breathing and possible lead to death when combined with other sedatives. It may impair coordination, judgment, and memory or cause paranoia. Valium can be habit-forming.Valium should not be taken by individuals with severe liver disease, severe breathing problems, sleep apnea, or alcoholism.

Before taking this medicine:

Valium should be taken as directed and never in amounts larger than recommended. Misuse of Valium may cause addiction or overdose. Valium should be taken for a short amount of time, usually no longer than 4 months without a doctor’s advice. Do not stop taking Valium suddenly.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take your missed dose as soon as you remember but skip if it is close to the time you need to take your next scheduled dose. Do not double doses.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek medical attention right away as a diazepam overdose may be fatal. Symptoms of overdose include loss of coordination or balance, drowsiness, severe muscle weakness, and fainting.

What should I avoid while taking Valium?

Alcohol should be avoided while taking Valium to avoid very serious interactions that may be life-threatening. Avoid driving until you know how Valium will affect you as the medication can impair thinking and reaction time. Avoid grapefruit and products with grapefruit to avoid side effects.

Valium side effects:

The most common side effects of Valium include fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of coordination, and drowsiness. Rare but very serious side effects include loss of bladder control, muscle tremors, shallow breathing, seizures, hyperactivity, aggression, depression, thoughts of suicide, reduced inhibitions that lead to risky behavior, and confusion or unusual thoughts.

Valium dosing information:

The usual daily dosage of Valium is 2 mg to 10 mg depending on the indication. To manage anxiety disorders, 2 mg to 10 mg may be given two to four times a day. To relieve symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal, a dosage of 10 mg three to four times during the first 24 hours then a reduced dosage of 5 mg up to four times a day is standard. Geriatric patients are typically prescribed 2 mg to 2.5 mg once or twice daily.

What other drugs will affect Valium?

Valium should never be taken with other drugs that slow breathing or cause sleepiness. Diazepam may interact with omeprazole, cimetidine, disulfiram, phenytoin, antifungal medications, some heart and blood pressure medications, some antibiotics, and many HIV/AIDS drugs.

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