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Valium |
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What is Valium and why is it prescribed? Valium is used in the treatment of anxiety disorders and for short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety. It is also used to relieve the symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal, to relax muscles, to relieve the uncontrolled muscle movements caused by cerebral palsy and paralysis of the lower body and limbs, to control involuntary movement of the hands, to relax tight, aching muscles, and, along with other medications, to treat convulsive disorders such as epilepsy. Valium can be habit-forming or addictive. You may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop using this drug abruptly. Discontinue or change your dose only on your doctor's advice. How should you take Valium? Follow your doctors directions for taking Valium. If you are taking Valium for epilepsy, make sure you take it every day at the same time. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember if it is within an hour or so of the scheduled time. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Valium away from heat, light, and moisture. Are there any Valium side effects? Valium side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Valium side effects may include drowsiness, fatigue, light-headedness, and loss of muscle coordination. Less common or rare Valium side effects may include anxiety, blurred vision, changes in salivation, changes in sex drive, confusion, constipation, depression, difficulty urinating, dizziness, double vision, hallucinations, headache, inability to hold urine, low blood pressure, nausea, overstimulation, rage, seizures, skin rash, sleep disturbances, slow heartbeat, slurred speech and other speech problems, stimulation, tremors, vertigo, and yellowing of eyes and skin. Side effects due to rapid decrease in dose or abrupt withdrawal from Valium include abdominal and muscle cramps, convulsions, sweating, tremors, and vomiting. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Valium? If Valium is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Valium slows down the central nervous system and may intensify the effects of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Valium with Antiseizure drugs (such as Dilantin), Antidepressant drugs (such as Elavil and Prozac), Barbiturates (such as phenobarbital), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Digoxin (Lanoxin), Disulfiram (Antabuse), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Isoniazid (Rifamate), Levodopa (Larodopa, Sinemet), Major tranquilizers (such as Mellaril and Thorazine), MAO inhibitors (antidepressant drugs such as Nardil), Narcotics (such as Percocet), Omeprazole (Prilosec), Oral contraceptives, Propoxyphene (Darvon), Ranitidine (Zantac), or Rifampin (Rifadin). Are there any special warnings about Valium? Valium may cause you to become drowsy or less alert. If you have liver or kidney problems, use this medication cautiously. |
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