Valium (Diazepam) is used in the treatment of anxiety disorders and for short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety. It belongs to a class of drugs known as Benzodiazepines.

How to Take

Take Valium (Diazepam) exactly as prescribed. If you are taking Valium (Diazepam) for epilepsy, make sure you take it every day at the same time.

Warnings and Precautions

Valium (Diazepam) should be used for only a short period of time. Do not take this medication for longer than 4 months without your doctor's advice. Do not stop using Valium (Diazepam) suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may have increased seizures or withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking Valium (Diazepam). Withdrawal symptoms include tremor, sweating, trouble sleeping, muscle cramps, stomach pain, vomiting, and unusual thoughts or behaviour. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. Contact your doctor if this medicine seems to stop working as well in treating your symptoms.

Important Information

Valium (Diazepam) can be habit-forming or addictive. You may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop using Valium (Diazepam) abruptly. Discontinue or change your dose only on your doctor's advice.

Valium (Diazepam) may cause you to become drowsy or less alert; therefore, you should not drive or operate dangerous machinery or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know how Diazepam affects you.

If you have liver or kidney problems, use Valium (Diazepam) cautiously.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Valium (Diazepam).

Side effects may include:

Anxiety, drowsiness, fatigue, light-headedness, loss of muscle coordination

Side effects due to a rapid decrease in dose or abrupt withdrawal from Valium (Diazepam):

Abdominal and muscle cramps, convulsions, sweating, tremors, vomiting

Missed Dose

Take it as soon as you remember if it is within an hour or so of your scheduled time. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

Overdose

Seek medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of Valium (Diazepam) can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, limp or weak muscles, fainting, shallow breathing, or breathing that stops.

Storage

Store Valium (Diazepam) at room temperature, 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C), in a tight, light-resistant container. Store it away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Valium (Diazepam) out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Please note, all the information given above is a summary. You should visit your doctor or health care provider to get more details about this medicine. Do not share Valium (Diazepam) with the others who it was not prescribed for. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Do not store this medication with an end term of its storage.