| Medication: | Diazepam (Generic Valium) |
| Tablet Strength: | 10 mg |
| Price: | from $2.90 per pill |
| How to Buy | Get Started |
Valium (Diazepam)
If you have ever dealt with symptoms of anxiety, or know someone that has, then you’ve likely heard of Valium. Known for its calming abilities, it is often used to treat anxiety in people but has other medical uses that are also common. These uses range from treating withdrawal symptoms from alcoholics to calming muscle spasms.
However, like many medications, this is not something that you should begin taking blindly. Knowing what side effects you could experience and how to take the proper doses can help you remain healthy while you’re taking Valium. This article will go through the main information about Valium and detail all you should know about this specific medication.
What is Valium?
Valium, also known as Diazepam, is a benzodiazepine that affects the balance of chemicals in the brain that are associated with anxiety and its many symptoms. As mentioned, it can be used for anxiety, symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, and to stop muscle spasms. Valium can also be used with several other medications to help lessen seizures in some people.
Valium Info
Although this medication is safe for use with a doctor’s recommendation, it can lead to harmful effects if not taken as specifically directed, or if taken by someone without a prescription. Valium is addictive and can increase the risk of overdose or death in those who abuse it.
There are also some fatal side effects that can occur if you use Valium with alcoholic beverages or other medications.
You should not be taking Valium if you have:
- Liver disease
- Narrow-angle glaucoma
- Trouble breathing normally
- Sleep apnea
- Myasthenia gravis
What To Know Before Starting Valium
If you have not yet been prescribed Valium, but your doctor has mentioned that it could work for you, it is important to let them know if you’ve had:
- Glaucoma
- Breathing problems
- Kidney or liver diseases
- Epilepsy or other seizure disorders
- Are mentally ill or have suicidal ideations
- Have a history of alcohol or drug abuse
Talking to your health care provider about any of these previous conditions can ensure that they decide if Valium is safe for use. Also, if you are a woman who is taking Valium and become pregnant, you should consult your doctor right away. Whether you continue the medication or stop for the length of your pregnancy should be discussed.
If there is another option for use while you are pregnant, then your doctor can recommend that for you during the length of your pregnancy.
Taking Valium
Valium (Diazepam) is a drug that can be addictive, so you should abide by the recommendations from your doctor for dosage. Following your doctor’s prescribed doses will prevent addiction and overuse. However, it is also important that you do not abruptly stop taking this medication without your doctor’s consent. This could cause unwanted symptoms and side effects.
You also need to keep track of the amount you have on hand to ensure that no one else has access or is stealing your medication. Because it is addictive, this can be an issue that is extremely important to keep under control.
You don’t want to take this medication for longer than the prescribed length of time, or else you will run the risk of becoming addicted to it.
Missing Doses
If you happen to miss a dose of Valium, you can take the dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is close to the next scheduled time, then just continue to take the doses as usual. Don’t take more than one dose or pill to make up for the missed one.
What if I Overdose?
An overdose of Valium could be fatal, so you need to get medical attention immediately. If you have any of these serious symptoms then you should call an ambulance right away:
- Severe drowsiness
- Loss of coordination or balance
- Weakened or limp muscles
- Fainting
Things to Avoid While Taking Valium
Grapefruit has been shown to cause side effects in those taking Valium, so products with grapefruit ingredients should be avoided. You also need to avoid driving and working with machinery until you are sure how Valium will make you feel after a dose.
You need to avoid alcohol as well, which could cause dangerous side effects.
Valium Effects
There are some normal side effects that can occur from taking Valium, these are:
- Tiredness
- Feeling drowsy
- Weakened muscles
- Loss of balance or coordination
If these effects are not severe, then they are likely nothing to worry about. However, there are some effects that you should be aware of. If you have any of these side effects, you should consult a doctor:
- Shallow breathing
- Severe drowsiness or feeling like you will pass out
- Depression or thoughts of suicide
- Confused thoughts or hallucinations
- Panic attacks or anxiety
- Increased hostility or aggression
- Unusually risky behavior
- New or worsened seizures