Medication
Information
VALIUM from Roche (Generic: DIAZEPAM) is used for
anxiety, skeletal muscle relaxant or as directed
by your physician.
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.
Diazepam is used for the short-term relief of
symptoms related to anxiety disorders. Diazepam is
also used for the treatment of agitation, tremors,
delirium, seizures, and hallucinations as a result
of alcohol withdrawal. Diazepam is also used for
relief of muscle spasms in certain neurological
diseases. Diazepam is used to abort active
seizures and can be combined with other drugs in
treating severe recurrent seizures.
Diazepam may be taken with or without food.
Diazepam is metabolized by the liver and excreted
mainly by the kidney. Dosages of diazepam may need
to be lowered in patients with abnormal kidney
function.
Valium Precautions
Alcohol should be avoided by patients taking
benzodiazepines. Diazepam can lead to addiction
(dependency), especially at higher dosages over
prolonged periods of time. Because of diazepam's
addicting potential, dosages should never be
increased by the patient. In patients addicted to
diazepam, abrupt discontinuation of the medicine
can lead to symptoms of withdrawal (insomnia,
headaches, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness,
sweating, anxiety, and fatigue). Seizures can
occur in more severe cases of withdrawal.
Consequently, patients on diazepam for extended
periods of time should slowly taper the medication
under a doctor's supervision rather than abruptly
stopping the medication. Benzodiazepine, such as
diazepam, can cause fetal problems and should not
be used in pregnancy or in breast feeding mothers.
Tagamet can prolong the effects of diazepam and
dosages may need to be decreased when these drugs
are used together.
Valium Side Effects
The most frequent side effects of diazepam are
drowsiness, fatigue, and ataxia (loss of balance).
Rarely, diazepam causes a paradoxical reaction
with excitability, muscle spasm, lack of sleep,
and rage. Confusion, depression, speech problems,
and double vision are also rare side effects of
diazepam. |
