Generic Name

Diazepam Tablets (dye-AZ-e-pam)

Brand Name

Valium

Valium is used for

The management of anxiety disorders. It may also be used to treat agitation, shakiness, and hallucinations during alcohol withdrawal and to relieve certain types of muscle pain and other disorders as determined by your doctor

Valium is a benzodiazepine. It works by slowing down the movement of chemicals in the brain. This results in a reduction in nervous tension (anxiety) and muscle spasm, and also causes sedation

How to take

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE and you are using it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once

Side effects

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); anxiety; chest pain; difficulty breathing; difficulty sleeping; difficulty speaking; hallucinations; inability to control urination; increased muscle spasms; interrupted breathing; involuntary eye movement; sleep disturbances; stimulation; sudden rage; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider

How to use Valium

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

• Take Valium by mouth with or without food
• If you miss a dose of Valium and you are taking it regularly, take 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 take 2 doses at once

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

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. VALIUM (DIAZEPAM) and ALCOHOL Description: Drinking ALCOHOL (or taking any products containing alcohol) while being treated with DIAZEPAM may result in excessive sedation or drowsiness. Drinking alcohol while being treated with diazepam is not recommended. If you are drinking alcohol you may experience excessive drowsiness. Use care if you will be operating machinery or driving a car. VALIUM (DIAZEPAM) and FOOD (GRAPEFRUIT JUICE) Description: Drinking GRAPEFRUIT JUICE while being treated with DIAZEPAM may result in large amounts of diazepam in your blood which may cause more side effects of diazepam than usual. Drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with diazepam is not recommended. If you are already drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with diazepam and are experiencing changes in mental awareness, loss of balance, or slurred speech, contact your physician

OVERDOSE

Symptoms may include clumsiness; coma; confusion; deep sleep; loss of consciousness; slow reflexes.

Proper storage of Valium

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