Diazepam

Generic Name: diazepam (dye AZ e pam)
Brand names: Valium, Valrelease

How to use Diazepam

Use Diazepam as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Diazepam is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Diazepam at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Diazepam . Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.
• Do not use Diazepam if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.
• If you miss a dose of Diazepam and you are using it regularly, use it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Diazepam .

Special warnings about Diazepam

Valium 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 Diazepam cautiously.

Important safety information

When used for long periods of time or at high doses, Diazepam may not work as well and may require higher doses to obtain the same effect as when originally taken. This is known as TOLERANCE. Talk with your doctor if Diazepam stops working well. Do not take more than prescribed.

Some people who use Diazepam for a long time may develop a need to continue taking it. People who take high doses are also at risk. This is known as DEPENDENCE or addiction. If you stop using Diazepam suddenly, you may have WITHDRAWAL symptoms. These may include convulsions, tremor, stomach and muscle cramps, vomiting, or sweating. Do not suddenly stop using Diazepam without first checking with your doctor.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

Treatment of Anxiety Disorders and Short-Term Relief of the Symptoms of Anxiety

The usual dose, depending upon severity of symptoms, is 2 milligrams to 10 milligrams 2 to 4 times daily.

Acute Alcohol Withdrawal

The usual dose is 10 milligrams 3 or 4 times during the first 24 hours, then 5 milligrams 3 or 4 times daily as needed.

Relief of Muscle Spasm

The usual dose is 2 milligrams to 10 milligrams 3 or 4 times daily.

Convulsive Disorders

The usual dose is 2 milligrams to 10 milligrams 2 to 4 times daily.

CHILDREN

Valium should not be given to children under 6 months of age.

The usual starting dose for children over 6 months is 1 to 2.5 milligrams 3 or 4 times a day. Your doctor may increase the dosage gradually if needed.

OLDER ADULTS

The usual dosage is 2 milligrams to 2.5 milligrams once or twice a day, which your doctor will increase as needed. Your doctor will limit the dosage to the smallest effective amount because older people are more apt to become oversedated or uncoordinated.

Proper storage of Diazepam

Store Diazepam at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Diazepam , as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and away from pets.