Valium

Valium - Diazepam

Valium, the brand name for the prescription drug diazepam, is a very popular and commonly prescribed medication. Valium is a member of the benzodiazepine family. Benzodiazepines are sedatives that cause dose-related depression of the central nervous system. They are useful in treating anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and muscle spasms. Valium is used for the short-term relief of symptoms related to anxiety disorders. Valium is also used for the treatment of agitation, tremors, delirium, seizures, and hallucinations as a result of alcohol withdrawal. Valium is also used for relief of muscle spasms in certain neurological diseases. Valium is used to abort active seizures and can be combined with other drugs in treating severe recurrent seizures.

Alcohol should be avoided by patients taking benzodiazepines. Valium can lead to addiction (dependency), especially at higher dosages over prolonged periods of time. Because of Valium's addicting potential, dosages should never be increased by the patient. In patients addicted to Valium, abrupt discontinuation of the medicine can lead to symptoms of withdrawal (insomnia, headaches, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, sweating, anxiety, and fatigue). Seizures can occur in more severe cases of withdrawal. Consequently, patients on Valium for extended periods of time should slowly taper the medication under a doctor's supervision rather than abruptly stopping the medication. Tagamet can prolong the effects of Valium and dosages may need to be decreased when these drugs are used together.

The most frequent side effects of Valium are drowsiness, fatigue, and ataxia (loss of balance). Rarely, diazepam causes a paradoxical reaction with excitability, muscle spasm, lack of sleep, and rage. Confusion, depression, speech problems, and double vision are also rare side effects of diazepam. Valium has also been associated with serious fetal problems and should not be taken by pregnant women.

Due to Valium’s tendency to have its consumer develop a physical or mental dependence on it, it is necessary that the prescription is followed exactly. Overdosing on Valium can be very dangerous and taken over long periods of time increase the chance of side effects and dependency (addiction). Additionally, Valium should never be discontinued abruptly since that can also lead to negative side effects.