Diazepam is the generic name for Valium, a prescription drug doctors prescribe to treat symptoms of anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).Valium may also be prescribed to treat the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal known as "delirium tremens." Additionally, the drug can treat muscle spasms from injury, inflammation, or nerve disorders. Doctors sometimes prescribe Valium along with other medications to treat convulsions or seizures.
Valium belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which work by increasing the effects of GABA, a neurotransmitter that moderates the activity of nerve signals in the brain. If you don't have enough GABA, your body may be in an excited state and cause you to have anxiety, get muscle spasms, or have seizures. When you take this drug, you'll have more GABA in your body. This will help decrease your anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures.
Drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, blurred vision, or unsteadiness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes (such as memory problems, agitation, hallucinations, confusion, restlessness, depression), trouble speaking, trouble walking, muscle weakness, shaking (tremors), trouble urinating, yellowing eyes/skin, signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills).
Before taking Diazepam, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to oxazepam or temazepam; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis), lung/breathing problems (such as COPD, sleep apnea), mental/mood disorders (such as depression, thoughts of suicide, psychosis), personal or family history of a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol), glaucoma, liver disease, kidney disease.
It's possible to have a fatal overdose if you mix Diazepam with other drugs that also cause central nervous system depression.
Take Diazepam exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not stop taking diazepam on your own. If you miss a dose of Valium, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Don't double your dose to make up for a missed dose.
Do not use Diazepam tablets after the expiry date stated on the label/carton/bottle. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.