Valium Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Valium (diazepam) is an anti-anxiety agent (benzodiazepine) used primarily for short-term relief of mild to moderate anxiety and the associated nervousness and tension. It may also be used to treat symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal, to help control epilepsy or to relieve muscle spasms. Valium (diazepam) affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety, seizures and muscle spasms. Valium (diazepam) may also be used for other purposes. Diazepam is a member of the benzodiazepine family. Benzodiazepines are sedatives that cause dose-related depression of the central nervous system. They are useful in treating anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and muscle spasms.

Valium Dosage

• The usual dose, depending upon severity of symptoms, is 2 milligrams to 10 milligrams 2 to 4 times daily.

Your doctor will limit the dosage to the smallest effective amount because older people are more apt to become oversedated or uncoordinated.

Uses of 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.
• Valium (diazepam) 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 (diazepam) may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Side Effects of Valium

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Valium. Side effects may include:

• Anxiety
• drowsiness
• fatigue
• light-headedness
• loss of muscle coordination
• Abdominal and muscle cramps
• convulsions
• sweating
• tremors
• vomiting

Warnings and precautions before taking Valium:

• Valium may cause you to become drowsy or less alert; therefore, you should not drive or operate dangerous machinery or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know how Valium affects you.
• If you have liver or kidney problems, use Valium cautiously.
• Since an increase in cough reflex and laryngospasm may occur with peroral endoscopic procedures, the use of a topical anesthetic agent and the availability of necessary countermeasures are recommended.
• Avoid alcohol while taking valium. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by Valium.

Drug Interaction :- If Valium is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Valium with any of the following:

• Antiseizure drugs such as Dilantin
  
• Antidepressant drugs such as Elavil and Prozac
  
• Antipsychotic drugs such as Mellaril and chlorpromazine
  
• Barbiturates such as phenobarbital
  
• Cimetidine (Tagamet)
  
• Digoxin (Lanoxin)
  
• Disulfiram (Antabuse)
  
• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  
• Isoniazid (Rifamate)
  
• Levodopa (Larodopa, Sinemet)
  
• MAO inhibitors (antidepressant drugs such as Nardil)
  
• Narcotics such as Percocet
  
• Omeprazole (Prilosec)
  
• Oral contraceptives
  
• Propoxyphene (Darvon)
  
• Ranitidine (Zantac)
  
• Rifampin (Rifadin)

Overdose

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of Valium overdose may include:

• Coma
• confusion
• diminished reflexes
• sleepiness
• dizziness
• a slow heart beat
• difficulty breathing
• difficulty walking and talking
• an appearance of being drunk
• unconsciousness.