Description
Valium (Diazepam) 10mg is a prescription medicine used in the treatment of short-term anxiety. It can also be used to treat acute alcohol withdrawal, to relieve muscle spasm and as adjunctive therapy for seizures. This medicine relaxes the nerve cells and calms the brain.
Diazepam may be taken with or without food. However, take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor as it has a high potential of habit-forming. If you have missed any doses, take it as soon as you remember it and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor as it can cause withdrawal effects like depression and difficulty sleeping.
The most common side effects of this medicine include drowsiness, fatigue, muscle weakness, and impaired coordination. If any of these side effects do not subside on their own or get worse, let your doctor know. Also, do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you.
This medicine may cause weight gain. But, a well balanced diet and regular exercise can help to reduce extra weight. If you have been taking this medicine for a long time then regular monitoring of blood and liver functions may be required.
USES OF VALIUM (DIAZEPAM) 10mg TABLET
Short-term anxiety
Anxiety refers to sudden feeling of nervousness, fear, excessive worry and getting panicky. Feeling nervous at times of normal social situations, like exams, job interviews, speaking on stage (stage fear) etc., is considered normal. The type of anxiety that occurs for short time, like an hour, day, or a week, and goes away is called as short term anxiety. You may feel symptoms of anxiety, like, shakiness of hands, excessive sweating, pounding heartbeat, headaches, frequent urination or diarrhea, or muscle twitches, temporarily for the time being.
Alcohol withdrawal
Alcohol withdrawal presents with a wide range of undesired after-effects. These after-effects or alcohol withdrawal symptoms occur when a person who is heavy alcohol drinker, suddenly stops or significantly reduces alcohol consumption. These symptoms may range from mild to very severe. The person may suffer from symptoms like shakiness of hands, anxiety, restlessness, fast heart rate, sweating, etc.
Muscle spasm
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a nervous system disorder characterized by recurrent episodes (not a single attack) of seizure or convulsion. A seizure is an abnormal electrical discharge in the brain cells resulting in a temporary disturbance of sensory, motor or mental functioning.
BENEFITS OF VALIUM (DIAZEPAM) 10mg
In Short term anxiety
Diazepamreduces the symptoms of excessive anxiety and worry that are triggered only at the time of stressful conditions that last for a shorter duration. These could be job interviews, exams, stage performances, etc. It can effectively manage feelings of restlessness, tiredness, difficulty concentrating and feeling irritable. Diazepam will therefore help you go about your daily activities more easily and be more productive. Keep taking this medicine even if you feel well. Stopping suddenly can cause serious problems.
In Alcohol withdrawal
Diazepam is a medicine used, along with social support and counseling, to help people recover from alcohol addiction and to avoid having the urge to drink alcohol again. Diazepam starts working from the very first dose and is a very safe and effective way of treating alcohol addiction.
In Muscle spasm
Diazepam effectively relieves muscle stiffness or spasm, thereby improving muscle movement. Take it as prescribed by the doctor to get the most benefit. Do not take more or for longer than needed as that can be dangerous and it also has habit-forming potential. In general, you should take the lowest dose that works, for the shortest possible time. This will help you to go about your daily activities more easily and have a better, more active, quality of life.
In Epilepsy
Diazepam slows down electrical signals in the brain which cause seizures (fits). It can also help reduce symptoms such as confusion, uncontrollable jerking movements, loss of awareness, and fear or anxiety. The medicine can allow you to do some activities that you would otherwise be forbidden or scared to do (such as swimming and driving). It can take a few weeks for this medicine to work (because the dose has to be increased slowly) and during this time you may still have seizures.
SIDE EFFECTS OF VALIUM (DIAZEPAM) 10mg
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them.
Common side effects of Diazepam:
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Impaired coordination
HOW TO USE VALIUM (DIAZEPAM) 10mg
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Diazepam may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
HOW VALIUM (DIAZEPAM) 10mg WORKS
Diazepam is a benzodiazepine. It works by increasing the action of a chemical messenger (GABA) which suppresses the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.
SAFETY ADVICE
Alcohol
UNSAFE
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Diazepam
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Diazepam is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
Breastfeeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Diazepam is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby. Please consult your doctor.
Driving
UNSAFE
Diazepam may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.
Diazepam can make you sleepy, forgetful, and have poor co-ordination. This may affect your ability to drive.
Kidney
CAUTION
Diazepam should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Diazepam may be needed if it is to be given for a long period. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
CAUTION
Diazepam should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Diazepam may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
