Valium also known as Diazepam
Most Common Medical Uses
Valium affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety, seizures, and muscle spasms. Valium is used to relieve anxiety, nervousness, and tension associated with anxiety disorders. It is also used to treat certain types of seizure disorders and muscle spasms. Valium may also be used for purposes other than those here.
How to Take Valium
Take Valium exactly as directed by your doctor. Take each oral dose with a full glass of water. To ensure the correct dose, measure the liquid forms of Valium with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Do not take Valium more often or in larger doses than is prescribed. Valium is habit forming. You can become physically and psychologically dependent on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if Valium is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose.
Possible Side Effects
Stop taking Valium and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; or hives); sores in the mouth or throat; yellowing of the skin or eyes;a rash; hallucinations or severe confusion; or changes in your vision. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Valium and talk to your doctor if you experience drowsiness, dizziness, or clumsiness; depression; nausea, vomiting. diarrhea, or constipation. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Precautions
Do not take Valium if you have narrow-angle glaucoma. Valium may worsen this condition. o Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease; have liver disease; have asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or another respiratory disease; or if you are depressed or have suicidal thoughts. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or breast feeding a baby. If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Valium. You may require a lower dose of this medication.
Valium Interactions
Valium may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor. Antacids may decrease the effects of Valium. Separate doses of an antacid and Valium by several hours whenever possible. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Valium. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication. A double dose could be dangerous.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
Notes
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Lorazepam will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. Avoid alcohol while taking lorazepam. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by lorazepam. Alcohol may also increase the risk of having a seizure if lorazepam is being taken for a seizure condition. Lorazepam is habit forming. You can become physically and psychologically dependent on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if lorazepam is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose.
