Valium
Generic Name:
Diazepam
Brand Names:
Diazepam Intensol, Valium
Valium Description:
Valium is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant that acts on certain chemicals and receptors in the brain to relieve symptoms of anxiety. A derivative of benzodiazepine, Valium is primarily prescribed as an antianxiety medication, but it also has sedative, anticonvulsant (anti-seizure), and muscle-relaxant properties.
A Schedule IV drug under the Controlled Substances Act, Valium has the potential for abuse and addiction, especially in patients with a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
Valium Side Effects:
In rare cases, Valium may cause inappropriate behavior and other unwanted behavioral problems, particularly in children or in the elderly. Amnesia may accompany these episodes. If inappropriate behavioral changes occur, discontinue treatment with Valium and talk with a doctor.
Serious side effects of Valium include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Irregular or shallow breathing
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Loss of strength
- Extreme sleepiness
For more information see our Valium side effects page.
Valium Uses:
Valium is primarily used in the short-term management and treatment of anxiety disorders to provide relief from anxiety symptoms.
Valium may also be prescribed during alcohol withdrawal treatment to help relieve symptoms of tremor, agitation, confusion, and hallucinations.
The medication is sometimes prescribed in the treatment of seizure disorders when used in conjunction with anticonvulsant drugs.
Valium can relax muscles and relieve painful muscle spasms caused by inflammation or injury in muscles and joints, or in patients with cerebral palsy, paraplegia, athetosis, stiff-man syndrome, and other disorders.
Valium Interactions:
Talk with your doctor before combining Valium treatment with any of the following medications, as serious drug interactions could occur:
- Anticonvulsant drugs
- Barbiturates
- Cimetidine
- CNS depressants
- Fluoxetine
- Fluvoxamine
- Ketoconazole
- MAO inhibitors
- Narcotics
- Omeprazole
- Other antidepressants
- Phenothiazines
- Phenytoin
- Psychotropic agents
Valium Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Valium is available as a tablet in various strengths: 2 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg.
Dosage depends on the condition being treated and many other factors, so you should consult your doctor to determine the most appropriate dosing schedule. General dosing recommendations including the following:
- For anxiety treatment, Valium is typically prescribed as 2 to 10 mg taken 2 to 4 times daily.
- For alcohol withdrawal, 10 mg is recommended to be taken 3 or 4 times during the first 24 hours, and then 5 mg to be taken 3 or 4 times daily as needed.
- For muscle spasms, 2 to 10 mg is recommended to be taken 3 or 4 times per day.
- For seizure disorders, 2 to 10 mg is recommended to be taken 2 to 4 times per day.
- Elderly or debilitated patients will need a low dose of 2 to 2.5 mg to be taken 1 or 2 times daily.
Missing a Dose of Valium
If a dose of Valium is missed, take the dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and wait to return to your regular dosing schedule.
Valium Overdose
A Valium overdose is usually indicated by drowsiness, confusion, and lethargy, but serious cases of overdose can involve symptoms of diminished reflexes, low blood pressure, slowed breathing, coma, and even death. Overdose of Valium in combination with other CNS depressants or with alcohol can be fatal.
Valium FDA Approval:
November 15, 1963
Valium Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Other Warnings
Valium may produce psychological and physical dependence to the drug, and patients should always consult their doctor before increasing doses or discontinuing treatment. The risk for drug dependence increases with duration of treatment, and those with a history of drug or alcohol abuse are at a greater risk for addiction and dependence.
Withdrawal symptoms may occur with abrupt discontinuation of Valium, with withdrawal symptoms consisting of tremor, stomach cramps, muscle cramps, vomiting, sweating, headache, severe anxiety, restlessness, confusion, insomnia, and irritability.
Sources:
- http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/Safety-RelatedDrugLabelingChanges/ucm119276.htm
- http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/index.cfm?fuseaction=Search.Overview&DrugName=VALIUM
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR602809
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR602791
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