DIAZEPAM

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Valium
GENERIC NAME(S): DIAZEPAM

Description: Diazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine w/ anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, sedative, muscle relaxant and amnestic properties.

Uses

Diazepam is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety, acute alcohol withdrawal, and seizures, also used to relieve muscle spasms and to provide sedation before medical procedures. It works by enhancing the effects of a certain natural chemical in the body (GABA).

How to use diazepam
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. Use exactly as prescribed. Do not take more or less for best treatment outcome.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise

Warnings

Warnings not available

Side Effects

Side effects may range from mild to serious complications. Consult your doctor immediately when you feel the following symptoms: Drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, constipation, blurred vision, or headache’ mental/mood changes (e.g., memory problems, agitation, hallucinations), slurred speech, clumsiness, trouble walking, decreased/increased interest in sex, tremor, trouble urinating, sleep disturbances, stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea, vomiting, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, persistent sore throat or fever.

Seek emergency medical help if you expereince allergies (rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing) or the symptoms mentioned above while taking this drug.

Precautions

Inform your doctor of your allergies (food or drugs), medical conditions and medical history before taking this drug, especially of: glaucoma (narrow-angle), a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis), breathing trouble during sleep (sleep apnea), liver disease, kidney disease, lung/breathing problems (e.g., COPD), drug or alcohol abuse, glaucoma (open-angle).

Do not perform activities that require alertness such as driving and using machinery because thid drug can make you dizzy. .

It may cause restlessness or mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations) instead of calm in children and older adults.

For pregnant and nursing (breastfeeding) women, consult your doctor before using this medication.

Interactions

Before using this drug, tell your doctor of the current medications, products (herbal/nonprescription) that you are taking especially of: certain anti-depressants (e.g., fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, nefazodone), cimetidine, clozapine, digoxin, disulfiram, kava, ketoconazole, omeprazole, phenytoin, sodium oxybate, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclics such as amitriptyline), tranquilizers.

Smoking can decrease the effectiveness of this drug.

Overdose & Brands

Overdose
Get medical emergency help immediately when you experience symptoms of overdose.

Missed Dose
Take it as soon as you remember. Do not increase the dose to catch up. If it is less than 6 hours until the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Contact your doctor.

Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Discard the drug properly- do not throw in toilet or sink.

Brands
Available Brands
Anxiol [ Tai Yu ] Pamizep [ Shine Pharma ]
Trankil [ Rotexmedica GmbH ] Valium [ Roche ]
Valzepam [ LBS ]

Also marketed as
Vexepam [ Mercury Lab ]