Author: Charles Frank

VALIUM- diazepam tablet

Problems start to arise when benzodiazepines are taken at higher dosages than recommended, or when they are taken for more than two to four weeks. Benzodiazepines are potentially addictive and the risk of becoming emotionally and physically dependent on them increases the more you take. This is when the same dose no longer gives the same effect, and a dosage increase is needed to ease symptoms again. Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur.

International Patients

Diazepam belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Want a calmer brain? Try this

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine. The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label.

To prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have any withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, trouble sleeping, restlessness, hallucinations/confusion, depression, nausea, or seizures. Diazepam is used to treat anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and seizures. It is also used to relieve muscle spasms and to provide sedation before medical procedures.

Diazepam is used to relieve symptoms of anxiety and alcohol withdrawal. This medicine may also be used to treat certain seizure disorders and help relax muscles or relieve muscle spasm. Diazepam buccal film is used as short-term treatment for seizure clusters (also known as acute repetitive seizures) in patients 2 to 5 years of age. Benzodiazepines belong to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) depressants, which are medicines that slow down the nervous system. Suddenly stopping this medication may cause serious (possibly fatal) withdrawal, especially if you have used it for a long time or in high doses.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

What are the differences between benzodiazepines?

To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. If you are using the concentrated solution, use the medicine dropper provided and mix the measured dose with a small amount of liquid or soft food (such as applesauce, pudding). Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor.

Drug Interactions

Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take. This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication. You may report side effects to FDA at FDA-1088 or at /medwatch.

Diazepam (Ingredient)

  1. When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well.
  2. Your doctor may want you or your child to gradually reduce the amount you are using before stopping it completely.
  3. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.
  4. If you are using the concentrated solution, use the medicine dropper provided and mix the measured dose with a small amount of liquid or soft food (such as applesauce, pudding).
  5. Some people develop a paradoxical reaction to benzodiazepines – this is the opposite reaction to what you would expect.
  6. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.

Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug. When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well. The information below refers to products available in the United States that contain diazepam.

Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully. Before taking diazepam, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other benzodiazepines (such as oxazepam, temazepam); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.

If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Benzodiazepines should only be taken at the lowest dose for the shortest possible length of time.