Valium

Generic Name: Diazepam (dye AH zeh pam)
Brand Names: Diastat, Valium

What is the most important information I should know about Valium?

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Valium will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.

• Avoid alcohol while taking Valium. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by Valium. Alcohol may also increase the risk of having a seizure if Valium is being taken for a seizure condition.

• 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.

What is Valium?

• Valium is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. 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 listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Valium?

• Do not take Valium if you have narrow-angle glaucoma. Valium may worsen this condition.

• You may not be able to take Valium, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

• Valium is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that Valium is known to harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

• Valium passes into breast milk. Do not take Valium without first talking to your doctor if you are 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.

How should I take Valium?

• Take Valium exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

• 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.

• Store Valium at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a 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.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention.

• Symptoms of a Valium overdose include sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, a slow heart beat, difficulty breathing, difficulty walking and talking, an appearance of being drunk, and unconsciousness.

What should I avoid while taking Valium?

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Valium will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.

• Avoid alcohol while taking Valium. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by Valium. Alcohol may also increase the risk of having a seizure if Valium is being taken for a seizure condition.

• 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.

What other drugs will affect Valium?

• 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.

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