he info about Valium (diazepam) on this provided is beneficial to consumers looking for a quick reference. It is supplemental to the information already provided by your psychiatrist or doctor.
It is not intended for the purpose of diagnosing you. Furthermore, as mentioned in our disclaimer we do not own any of the brand names and trademarks associated with Valium or diazepam.
Valium was one of the first benzodiazepine drugs ever administered. It is made up of several components, and therefore this medication is used for several purposes.
Manufacturer: |
Hoffmann-La Roche |
Brand/Trade Name: |
Valium |
Generic Name (Active Ingredient): |
diazepam |
Potentially Addictive? |
It can be very addictive. |
Approved Strengths: |
Tablets: 2mg, 5mg, or 10mg. |
Dose Form: |
Tablet, Capsule, and Liquid |
Appearance |
Varied |
FDA Approval: |
1960s |
FDA Approved Usage: |
Usually for anxiety-related symptoms; Various mental illnesses of which anxiety is a primary or secondary symptom; Insomnia |
Anxiolytic-This is the portion of medication which takes action against anxiety symptoms. It helps stop feelings of fear or dread and physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat or sweaty palms. It also helps calm the body as a whole, and the nerves.
Sedative/Hypnotic-For people who have trouble sleeping this medication can help. This is partly accomplished as irritability and excitement is reduced, as well as restlessness. At too high of a dose any medication with this property might put a person in a stupor or trancelike state before falling asleep.
Muscle relaxant-This component is what helps a person relax. It often is used to help a person fall asleep. It also is used to help relieve tension in people so they can get a better night’s sleep, or so they can relax and have fun.
Amnesic-Medications such as Valium are made in part with the ability to help bring a person back to reality. It helps restore portions of a person that had been otherwise forgotten.
Anticonvulsant-Sometimes this drug is used to help control seizures. It is not usually the first choice for seizure sufferers but rather is often used for anxiety disorders. However, it can slow brain activity down which would otherwise result in convulsive activity.
The response time of diazepam is quite fast. It only takes 15 to 30 minutes for this medication to be distributed in the bloodstream at the very most. If it is distributed via IV the response time in patients is reduced to only one to five minutes.
The maximum dosage level per day is 10mg, but usually it is only 2 to 4 mg for most patients. Usually the approved amount is up to 4mg.
There are common side effects, which are usually minor, which may be associated with using Valium. Sometimes serious problems can occur in users as well.
The risk of major health complications is quite low if you use this medication as directed by the proper authorities. However, you run a higher risk if you misuse it or overdose or if you combine it with the wrong substances.
One of the most common side effects associated with using Valium is wanting to sleep too long. This is a condition known as somnolence, which is a severe form of drowsiness. Hypersomnia, which is the need to sleep longer than normal times, also could occur.
Other side effects might include these:
Sometimes, instead of correcting anxiety, seizures, insomnia, depression, muscle tension, or other physical or mental symptoms the problem could worsen. Therefore, instead of being relaxed a person may become increasingly anxious, may have worse muscle cramps than before, or have a worse convulsive attack than previously.
The best way to stop using Valium is with the help of a qualified medical professional or mental health doctor. It should never be stopped abruptly as this can cause withdrawal symptoms such as violent shakes, convulsions, anxiety attacks, extreme irritability or even shock.
Make sure never to take more than the amount indicated on your prescription label. Furthermore, any advice your doctor or psychiatrist gives you about using Valium you should take it to heart.
Beware also that this drug is often very highly addictive. Therefore, it can be very easy to overdose. That is why this medication is usually only prescribed on a short-term basis.
If you take too much of this drug you could at the worst end up unconscious or dead. At the very least you might vomit or become very drowsy, and or possibly irritable. You could also experience the opposite effect and have heart trouble, either a much slowed or very fast heartbeat.
If you forgot to take your last dose take the next one as soon as you remember. However, if it is soon enough to your next dose you should just take it at that regularly scheduled time. In either case never take a double dose of it. This is how problems could occur.
If you have just accidentally or intentionally overdosed call for help immediately. You should dial your local emergency line if you are experiencing complications such as extreme dizziness as if you are going to faint or if you feel very sick or if you are heaving.
If you are not yet experiencing any bad reactions immediately and it is not after hours you can talk to your doctor about precautionary measures. Another option would be to call a local poison control center. However, if it is after hours you most likely will have to go to the emergency room even if you are not yet experiencing problems.