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Valium
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Medication Information
Valium is used to relieve
anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures and to control
agitation caused by alcohol withdrawal.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other
uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more
information.
How should Valium be used?
Valium comes as a
tablet, extended-release (long-acting) capsule, and
concentrate (liquid) to take by mouth. Do not open,
chew, or crush the extended-release capsules; swallow
them whole. It usually is taken one to four times a day
and may be taken with or without food. Follow the
directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask
your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not
understand. Take Valium exactly as directed.
Valium concentrate (liquid) comes with a specially
marked dropper for measuring the dose. Ask your
pharmacist to show you how to use the dropper. Dilute
the concentrate in water, juice, or carbonated beverages
just before taking it. It also may be mixed with
applesauce or pudding just before taking the dose.
Valium can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger
dose, take it more often, or for a longer time than your
doctor tells you to. Tolerance may develop with
long-term or excessive use, making the drug less
effective. This medication must be taken regularly to be
effective. Do not skip doses even if you feel that you
do not need them. Do not take Valium for more than 4
months or stop taking this medication without talking to
your doctor. Stopping the drug suddenly can worsen your
condition and cause withdrawal symptoms (anxiousness,
sleeplessness, and irritability). Your doctor probably
will decrease your dose gradually.
Other uses for Valium
Valium is also used to treat irritable bowel syndrome
and panic attacks. Talk to your doctor about the
possible risks of using this drug for your condition.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking Valium,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are
allergic to Valium, alprazolam (Xanax),
chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Librax), clonazepam
(Klonopin), clorazepate (Tranxene), estazolam
(ProSom), flurazepam (Dalmane), lorazepam (Ativan),
oxazepam (Serax), prazepam (Centrax), temazepam
(Restoril), triazolam (Halcion), or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and
nonprescription medications you are taking, especially
antihistamines; cimetadine (Tagamet); digoxin
(Lanoxin); disulfiram (Antabuse); fluoxetine (Prozac);
isoniazide (INH, Laniazid, Nydrazid); ketoconazole
(Nizoral); levodopa (Larodopa, Sinemet); medications
for depression, seizures, pain, Parkinson's disease,
asthma, colds, or allergies; metoprolol (Lopressor,
Toprol XL); muscle relaxants; oral contraceptives;
probenecid (Benemid); propoxyphene (Darvon);
propranolol (Inderal); ranitidine (Zantac); rifampin
(Rifadin); sedatives; sleeping pills; theophylline
(Theo-Dur); tranquilizers; valproic acid (Depakene);
and vitamins. These medications may add to the
drowsiness caused by Valium. if you use antacids, take
Valium first, then wait 1 hour before taking the
antacid.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had
glaucoma; seizures; or lung, heart, or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to
become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become
pregnant
- while taking Valium, call your doctor immediately.
- if you are having surgery, including dental
surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are
taking Valium. you should know that this drug may make
you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery
until you know how this drug affects you.
- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness
caused by this drug.
- tell your doctor if you use tobacco products.
Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of
this drug.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
If you take
several doses per day and miss a dose, skip the missed
dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not
take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication
cause?
Side effects from Valium are common and
include:
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- tiredness
- weakness
- dry mouth
- diarrhea
- upset stomach
- changes in appetite
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe
or do not go away:
- restlessness or excitement
- constipation
- difficulty urinating
- frequent urination
- blurred vision
- changes in sex drive or ability
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call
your doctor immediately:
- seizures
- shuffling walk
- persistent, fine tremor or inability to sit still
- fever
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- severe skin rash
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- irregular heartbeat
What storage conditions are needed for
Valium?
Keep this medication in the container it
came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.
Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat
and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any
medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to
your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your
medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of
overdose, call your local poison control center at
1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not
breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What other information should I know?
Keep all
appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your
doctor will order certain lab tests to check your
response to Valium.
Valium can cause false results in urine tests for
sugar using Clinistix and Diastix. Diabetic patients
should useTesTape to test their urine for sugar.
If you are taking Valium to control seizures and have
an increase in their frequency or severity, call your
doctor. Your dose may need to be adjusted. If you use
Valium for seizures, carry identification (Medic Alert)
stating that you have epilepsy and that you are taking
Valium.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your
pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your
prescription. |
