Valium ®
Generic Name: Diazepam (dye-AZ-e-pam)
Drug Class: Antianxiety Agent
Contents
Drug Uses
This medicine is used for general anxiety disorders, panic disorders and
can be used before surgery to relax you. This medicine may also be used to
prevent seizures, as a muscle relaxant, and for patients coming off of alcohol.
General Information
This information is for educational purposes only. Not every known side effect,
adverse effect, or drug interaction is in this database. If you have questions
about your medicines, talk to your health care provider.
How it Works
This medicine works by increasing a chemical in your brain (gamma-aminobutyric
acid or GABA) that calms you.
How to Take It
Follow the directions your doctor has given you. This medicine can be taken
on an empty stomach or with food or milk. Do not stop this medicine abruptly
with talking to your doctor. Avoid uninterrupted and prolonged use of this
medicine.
Possible Side Effects
- drowsiness, dizziness or clumsiness
- short term memory loss
- fatigue
- lightheadedness
- headache
- anxiety, depression
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- constipation
Warnings/Precautions
- Avoid alcohol with this medicine because of the additive drowsiness
effects.
- Talk to your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease.
- Do NOT drive a car or perform other tasks that may be dangerous, until
you know how this medicine affects you.
- Before taking diazepam, talk to your doctor if you have kidney or liver
disease.
Overdose
- Seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your
local or regional poison control center.
Drug Interactions
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you drink alcohol or take other
sedative medications including barbiturates or opioid pain medications.
Cimetidine (Tagamet), valproic acid (for seizures) and some antidepressants;
Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft can increase the effects, and side effects of
diazepam.
Missed Dose
Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next
dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double
doses.
Storage
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 Throw away any medication that is outdated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.
Pregnancy/Nursing
If you are or plan to become pregnant, talk to you doctor about the benefits
and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. For nursing mothers, this
medication is excreted in breast milk and should not be used while breast-feeding.
More Information
For more information, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or health care provider.
Copyright © 2004 PharmClips,
Inc. All rights reserved. Information expires March 1, 2005. Published
March 1, 2004.
This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions,
precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This is general
information and should not in any event be construed as specific instructions
for individual patients. The publisher does not accept any responsibility
for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from
the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained
herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property
as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty,
expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material.
The reader is advised to check with their health care provider before
making any changes in their drug regimen. |
