Uses

Diazepam is used to treat anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and seizures. It is also used to relieve muscle spasms and to provide sedation before medical procedures. This medication works by calming the brain and nerves. Diazepam belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines.

 

How to use Valium

See also Warning section.

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking diazepam and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

If you are using the concentrated solution, use the medicine dropper provided and mix the measured dose with a small amount of liquid or soft food (such as applesauce, pudding). Take all of the mixture right away. Do not store the mixture for later use.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. Properly stop the medication when so directed.

When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.

Though it helps many people, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

 

What Is Valium?

Valium (diazepam) is a benzodiazepine prescribed for the treatment of anxiety, seizures, muscle spasms, and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Valium is available as a generic drug.

 

What Are Side Effects of Valium?

Valium may cause serious side effects including:

weak or shallow breathing,
severe drowsiness,
lightheadedness,
depressed mood,
thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself,
confusion,
hallucinations,
anxiety,
panic attacks,
trouble sleeping,
hyperactivity,
agitation,
aggression,
hostility,
unusual risk-taking behavior, and
new or worsening seizures
Get medical help right away, if you have any of the symptoms listed above.

 

Common side effects of Valium include:

 

drowsiness,
tired feeling,
dizziness,
spinning sensation,
fatigue,
constipation,
ataxia (loss of balance),
memory problems,
restlessness,
irritability,
muscle weakness,
nausea,
drooling,
dry mouth,
slurred speech,
blurred or double vision,
skin rash,
itching, or
loss of interest in sex.
Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in your chest; shortness of breath; and sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out;
Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors.
This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

 

Dosage for Valium

Valium usual oral dose is 2-10 mg given 2-4 times daily.

What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Valium?
Drug interactions with Valium include alcohol, barbiturates, and narcotics, cimetidine (Tagamet), ketoconazole (Nizoral), omeprazole (Prilosec) fluvoxamine (Luvox), and fluoxetine (Prozac).

 

Valium During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Valium use during pregnancy may cause adverse effects in the fetus and it is secreted in breast milk so it should be avoided while breastfeeding. If Valium is discontinued abruptly after long term use, it may lead to seizures, insomnia, headaches, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, sweating, anxiety, and fatigue.

 

Additional Information

Our Valium Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.