Valium
Valium is used for:
The management of anxiety disorders. It may also be used to treat agitation, shakiness, and hallucinations during alcohol withdrawal and to relieve certain types of muscle pain and other disorders as determined by your doctor.
Valium is a benzodiazepine. It works by slowing down the movement of chemicals in the brain. This results in a reduction in nervous tension (anxiety) and muscle spasm, and also causes sedation.
Before using Valium:
Some medical conditions may interact with Valium . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
* if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
* if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
* if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
* if you have glaucoma or a predisposition for glaucoma, liver problems, lung problems or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), muscle problems, depression, suicidal tendencies, a blood disorder known as porphyria, or a history of alcohol or other substance abuse or dependence
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Valium . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
* Hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), rifampin, or St. John's wort because they may decrease Valium 's effectiveness
* Clozapine, diltiazem, disulfiram,HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), narcotic pain relievers (eg, morphine, codeine), nefazodone, omeprazole,sodium oxybate (GHB), or valproic acid because side effects such as increased sedation and confusion may occur
* Hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), narcotic pain relievers (eg, morphine, codeine), sodium oxybate (GHB), succinylcholine, or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Valium
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Valium may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Valium:
Use Valium as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
* Take Valium by mouth with or without food.
* If you miss a dose of Valium and you are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Valium .
Side effects of Valium:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Blurred vision; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; fatigue; headaches; incoordination; short-term memory loss; weakness.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); anxiety; chest pain; difficulty breathing; difficulty sleeping; difficulty speaking; hallucinations; inability to control urination; increased muscle spasms; interrupted breathing; involuntary eye movement; sleep disturbances; stimulation; sudden rage; yellowing of the skin or eyes.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
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