Brand Name: Valium (diazepam (dye AH zeh pam))

Why is Valium prescribed?

Valium is used to relieve anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures and to control agitation caused by alcohol withdrawal.

Valium 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. Valium 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 also is 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, with it's main ingredient Alprazolam, (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Librax), clonazepam (Klonopin), clorazepate (Tranxene), estazolam (ProSom), flurazepam (Dalmane), Ativan, with it's main ingredient 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); Prozac, with it's key ingredient 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, with it's main ingredient Valium, with it's main ingredient Diazepam.
• 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 Valium cause?

Side effects from Valium are common and include:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• tiredness
• weakness
• dry mouth
• diarrhea
• upset stomach
• changes in appetite

• restlessness or excitement
• constipation
• difficulty urinating
• frequent urination
• blurred vision
• changes in sex drive or ability

• 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

How should I store Valium?

Keep Valium 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