Description

Valium (Diazepam)

In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive world, anxiety and other disorders are becoming common. People often consult a healthcare practitioner to get relief from their anxiety issues. One of its solutions can be Valium (Diazepam)!

Valium is a brand name for Diazepam, often used to treat anxiety, seizures, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, twitches, or muscle spasms. It belongs to the benzodiazepine medication group that enhances the function of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Also, it calms down the nervous system.

What You Must Know?

Valium (Diazepam), if prescribed, can be used to cure

• Anxiety disorders- including the one before surgery
• Epilepsy
• Alcohol withdrawal symptoms
• Muscle Stiffness
• Any other condition detected by your healthcare professional.

Along with Valium, another name for diazepam is Libervant. It is also available as a Nasal spray and rectal gel. Your medical professional will decide how to prescribe it, considering your symptoms or condition.

How Medication Works?

The medication helps in calming down your nervous system and brain. Also, it reduces anxiety and alcohol termination symptoms. Hence, it stimulates relaxation for surgery.

Valium slows down brain activity, which is often helpful in reducing nervousness. It also relaxes muscles, treating insomnia in a few cases.

Dosage

Valium (Diazepam) must be taken according to the prescribed dosage. It comes in two forms: tablets and solutions. One must follow the doctor’s instructions, the instructions on the prescription label, and medical guides.

The general dose prescribed for treating anxiety disorders in adults is 2-10 mg. It should be consumed around 2-4 times daily for the best results. However, it may differ according to patients, their symptoms, and their health conditions.

The dosage differs in case of alcohol withdrawal symptoms, muscle spasms, seizures, etc. Additionally, the dosage would be different if appropriate for children.

It should be taken at regular intervals and not more than what is prescribed. Increasing the dosage without notifying or asking the healthcare provider can cause serious concerns. Also, it should not be stopped instantly without consulting the doctor.

Valium should be inhaled by mouth. If it is upsetting your stomach, you may take it with food or milk. However, it’s best to ask your caregiver if any such issues arise.

The medication needs to be taken cautiously. You should not chew or swallow the Buccal film. Rather, it should be placed inside the cheek and wait to be dissolved. Do not drink liquids right after taking Diazepam.

Also, do not use the home measuring spoon while taking the concrete oral solution. It is advised to look at the patient instruction sheet in the container to get the right dosage and learn how to use the oral syringe.

While you are getting treatment for anxiety, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, etc., it is advised not to self-medicate. Instead, look for a trusted healthcare provider to get meaningful results. Any misuse may cause death, addiction, or overdose.

Side Effects

The common side effects that Valium (Diazepam) may pose include

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Muscle weakness
• Nausea
• Fatigue or Tiredness
• Pain
• Itching
• Lack of balance

If you face any of these symptoms, know that these are the common side effects of taking Diazepam. However, taking it for a prolonged period may cause severe side effects that require immediate help.

Reach out to your healthcare provider if you notice any side effects like

• Allergic reaction to Valium
• Breathing difficulties such as slow or no breath
• Seizures
• Panic Attacks
• Suicidal thoughts or actions
• Hallucinations
• Confusion
• Dependency or Addiction
• Irritability, talking more, or being restless
• Swelling along your face, lips, throat, or tongue.

You must stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately in the above cases. They will best guide you on what to do in such a situation. After prolonged use, your body might show withdrawal symptoms.

Hence, if you want to stop using Valium, please do not stop taking it at once. Instead, tap it off or leave as per your doctor’s direction. Communicate clearly with your healthcare professional about what you are going through to get the best treatment.

Is a Prescription Necessary?

Yes, to buy Valium, you must have your doctor’s prescription. As it serves as a central nervous system depressant and belongs to the Benzodiazepine group, a trusted doctor’s prescription is a must!

This medication can cause adverse effects like death and addiction if overdosed, which is why it is not available without a doctor’s instruction. It is a controlled substance medicine and, if sold without a prescription, can be termed as illegal.

The availability of the medicine may differ depending on your country or the area in which you live.

Warnings

You should not take Valium if you have

• Severe allergic reaction to Diazepam or similar medications like Xanax, etc., or any other sort of allergies, say food, dyes, etc.
• Myasthenia Gravis
• Severe liver disease
• Serious breathing issues
• Sleep apnea
• Narrow-angle Glaucoma
• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Drug interactions like Alprazolam, Cannabis, etc.
• Kidney or other diseases

Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should not take Valium. It can have profound effects on them and the baby. The dose for old-age patients should be adjusted, considering their other health issues.

Children under 6 months of age should not be using this medicine. If the need arises, consult a trusted healthcare professional. Calculating the risks and benefits is necessary.

Please do not use it unless prescribed by a doctor. Also, do not stop using Diazepam all at once; instead, you should gradually reduce the amount to leave it.

Do not recommend it to others with similar symptoms, as it might harm them. Keep it in a safe place out of the reach of children and thieves.

Precautions

Using Valium often requires taking precautions where needed. Your healthcare professional must ensure that the medication is showing any improvement. You must also visit regularly to monitor it for you or your child.

Blood tests might also help you determine how the medication is working. If you are pregnant or planning to have a baby, you must notify your doctor to avoid any inconvenience.

Valium can cause severe breathing issues, which is why it should not be used with opioid medications. If you or your attendants observe any serious side effects, say trouble breathing or difficulty waking up, immediately consult your doctor.

Driving should be avoided once you take this medicine as it can cause double vision, drowsiness, loss of alertness, etc. Any other activities that require you to be alert should also be avoided while taking Valium.

Apart from this, if you or your child observe any strange behaviors, do reach out and communicate them to your doctor for better treatment and results. If you feel that the medicine is not working for you, discuss your concerns with your doctor so that whatever is best can be opted for.

In case you miss a dose, do not take two at once. Take the next only, and do not overdose!

Also, Valium should not be taken with alcohol, eating grapefruit, or drinking grapefruit juice. It can pose serious risks like severe dizziness.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting or stopping any medication.