Uses
Generic name: Diazepam
Brand names: Valium
Valium is used in the treatment of anxiety disorders and for short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety. It belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. It is also used to relieve the symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal, to relax muscles, to relieve the uncontrolled muscle movements caused by cerebral palsy and paralysis of the lower body and limbs, to control involuntary movement of the hands (athetosis), to relax tight, aching muscles, and, along with other medications, to treat convulsive disorders such as epilepsy.
Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE and you are using it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include excessive daytime drowsiness, unusual weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, clumsiness, or unsteadiness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Precautions
DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Exceeding the recommended dose or taking this medicine for longer than prescribed may be habit-forming. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: THIS MEDICINE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other.
VALIUM (DIAZEPAM) and ALCOHOL Description: Drinking ALCOHOL (or taking any products containing alcohol) while being treated with DIAZEPAM may result in excessive sedation or drowsiness. Drinking alcohol while being treated with diazepam is not recommended. If you are drinking alcohol you may experience excessive drowsiness. Use care if you will be operating machinery or driving a car.
VALIUM (DIAZEPAM) and FOOD (GRAPEFRUIT JUICE) Description: Drinking GRAPEFRUIT JUICE while being treated with DIAZEPAM may result in large amounts of diazepam in your blood which may cause more side effects of diazepam than usual. Drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with diazepam is not recommended. If you are already drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with diazepam and are experiencing changes in mental awareness, loss of balance, or slurred speech, contact your physician.
VALIUM (DIAZEPAM) and FOOD Description: Taking DIAZEPAM with FOOD may result in an increased amount of diazepam in your blood. Taking diazepam with food may change how well diazepam works for you. It is recommended to try to avoid taking diazepam with a high fat meal if possible. If you take diazepam with a high fat meal, you may experience increased drowsiness or decreased concentration.
VALIUM (DIAZEPAM) and FOOD (CAFFEINE) Description: Taking DIAZEPAM with CAFFEINE may result in diazepam not working as well for you. Diazepam may interact with certain foods. These foods containing caffeine include but are not limited to coffee, soft drinks, and chocolate. Caffeine may cause diazepam to not work as well for you. It is recommended to avoid or reduce caffeine at nighttime if you are taking diazepam to help you sleep.
Overdose
Valium overdose symptoms can include confusion, sleepiness, or coma. Seek medical treatment immediately if you suspect an overdose.
Missed Dosage
IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE and you are using it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once
Storage
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
