Valium (diazepam)

Brand Names

Valium, Seduxen and Apozepam

What is Valium (diazepam)

Valium (diazepam) belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines. It affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and may cause anxiety.

Side effects of Valium (diazepam)

You should immediately call emergency medical help if you notice any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Valium: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. If you have these serious side effects, you should stop using Valium and call your doctor:

• confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;
• unusual behavior with risk-taking signs, decreased inhibitions, no fear of danger;
• depression, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;
• hyperactivity, agitation, aggression, hostility;
• new or worsening seizures;
• weak or shallow breathing;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• muscle twitching, tremor;
• loss of bladder control;
• urinating less than usual or not at all.

Less serious Valium side effects may be:

• drowsiness, tired feeling;
• memory problems;
• dizziness, spinning sensation;
• feeling restless or irritable;
• muscle weakness;
• nausea, constipation;
• drooling or dry mouth, slurred speech;
• blurred vision, double vision;
• mild skin rash, itching;
• loss of interest in sex.

Indication

Valium is used to treat anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, or muscle spasms. Valium is sometimes used with other medications to treat seizures.

Valium may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Precautions

Valium is a habit forming and only the person whom it was prescribed for should be used. Do not share Valium with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. The medication should be kept in a place where others cannot get to it. Never use Valium if you have allergic reaction to diazepam or similar drugs (Ativan, Klonopin, Restoril, Xanax, and others), or if you have:

• myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness disorder);
• severe liver disease;
• narrow-angle glaucoma;
• a severe breathing problem;
• sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep).

Do not give Valium to a child younger than 6 months old.

To be sure on safely taking Valium, inform your doctor if you have any of these conditions:

• open-angle glaucoma;
• asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing problems;
• kidney or liver disease;
• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
• a history of mental illness, depression, or suicidal thoughts or behavior;
• a history of drug or alcohol addiction.

Do not drink alcohol while using Valium. It increases the effects of alcohol.

Do not take more than your doctor has prescribed. An overdose of Valium can be fatal.

Dosage forms

Adults:	Usual Daily Dose:
Management of Anxiety Disorders and Relief of Symptoms of Anxiety.	Depending upon severity of symptoms—2 mg to 10 mg, 2 to 4 times daily
Symptomatic Relief in Acute Alcohol Withdrawal.	10 mg, 3 or 4 times during the first 24 hours, reducing to 5 mg, 3 or 4 times daily as needed
Adjunctively for Relief of Skeletal Muscle Spasm.	2 mg to 10 mg, 3 or 4 times daily
Geriatric Patients,or in the presence of debilitating disease.	2 mg to 2.5 mg, 1 or 2 times daily initially; increase gradually as needed and tolerated
PEDIATRIC PATIENTS:
Because of varied responses to CNS-acting drugs, initiate therapy with lowest dose and increase as required. Not for use in pediatric patients under 6 months.	1 mg to 2.5 mg, 3 or 4 times daily initially; increase gradually as needed and tolerated