Valium, known generically as diazepam, is a medication that belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. Often prescribed for its sedative, anxiolytic, and muscle-relaxing properties, Valium has been a staple in the treatment of various conditions for decades. Understanding its uses, proper dosage, and potential side effects is crucial for anyone considering or currently using this medication.
| Medication: | Valium (Diazepam) |
| Strength: | 5 mg |
| Price: | $2.20 |
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Valium (Diazepam)
Valium (diazepam) as a medication can treat a variety of conditions like muscle spasms, twitches, anxiety, seizures, restless leg syndrome, and sleep disorders.
In some cases, people would use Valium to reduce the withdrawal symptoms from alcohol. This medication belongs to the benzodiazepine family, and it acts as an anxiolytic, meaning that it can lower anxiety.
This drug works by calming the body’s central nervous system. Valium suppresses brain activity to slow the transmission of electric signals. This reaction creates a calming effect to relieve your symptoms of anxiety and worry. When you take it as directed, Valium is beneficial for the brain.
Uses
Valium sees a broad category of uses, but it was primarily meant to treat anxiety, muscle twitches, muscle spasms, and seizures. In some cases, they have used Valium off-label to treat insomnia. Off-label treatment happens when a physician prescribes you a medicine to treat a condition different from the one listed.
This is a legal and common practice. In fact, 1 out of every 5 prescriptions written were intended for off-label use.
Valium vs Ambien
Despite being able to treat insomnia, Valium belongs to a different drug family than Ambien. Valium belongs to the benzodiazepine family, whereas Ambien belongs to a class of drugs known as sedative-hypnotics. Both drugs shouldn’t be taken long term to deal with insomnia because of the potential for long-term side effects.
Dosage – How Much Should You Take?
Only take the dosage as directed by your doctor. Do not take more than prescribed, and do not take it for longer, or more frequently than ordered by your doctor. You can start to form a mental and physical dependence on the drug when taken for too long.
Each patient will receive a different level of dosage, so follow your doctor’s orders.
You do have an average dosage level. However, do not change your dosage to this unless directed otherwise by your doctor. The number of doses, how much you take, and the length of time you take it will depend on your specific medical condition.
Oral doses will usually be taken from 2 mg to 10 mg for adults at 2 to 4 times per day. Older adults will usually take 2 mg to 2.5 mg at 1 to 2 times per day. Children usually take it at 1 mg to 2.5 mg 3 to 4 times per day.
Keep in mind that this can vary because doses will differ depending on what it was intended to treat. For example, the dose will differ for seizures, muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal, and anxiety. Whenever you miss a dose, you should take it as soon as possible.
If the two doses are too close together, however, skip the dose you missed. Don’t double up on doses.
If you’ve been taking this drug long term, you should never stop suddenly. Sudden stopping of this medication can lead to serious and potentially fatal withdrawal.
Side Effects
Some of the most common side effects that you can encounter while taking valium include:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Muscle weakness
- Tiredness
- Headache
Common would mean that it happens in 1 out of every 100 people who take Valium.
Some of the more serious side effects that you can encounter include:
- Keep falling over
- Skin or eyes turn yellow
- Hallucinations
- Severe drowsiness
- Shallow breathing
- Depression
- Agitation
- Aggression
- Hostility
- Worsening seizures
- Unusual risk taking
- Loss of vision
- Blurry vision
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience the symptoms listed above.
Warnings
Pregnant women or women who breastfeed should beware of taking Valium since it can harm the fetus or the child through the breast milk. You should also be aware of how this drug can interact with omeprazole, alcohol, barbiturates, ketoconazole, fluvoxamine, and fluoxetine.
Valium (diazepam) does have a risk of abuse and addiction, which can lead to overdose and death. You should also avoid taking this drug with alcohol because it can lead to serious consequences. Beware of taking it with opioid medications like Codeine and Hydrocodone.
When you use Valium as directed and consult with your doctor, in most cases, you will be fine.
Summary
Valium belongs to a list of drugs that were some of the most successful ever made, and it was first patented in 1963. The FDA primarily approved it for treating anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, and seizures in the short term.
It is not meant for long-term usage because of the risk of addiction. The longer someone uses it, the greater their risk of addiction. Speak with your doctor before you start taking Valium to treat a medical condition.
FAQs
Is Valium Compared to Xanax?
Both Valium and Xanax fall under the class of drugs known as benzodiazepine. They were primarily meant to treat anxiety and panic disorders in the short term.
It is not recommended that you would take either of them for over the long term due to the potential for long-term consequences.
Can Diazepam Cause Depression?
In some cases, diazepam can cause people to have suicidal thoughts or even take suicidal actions. You should stop taking diazepam immediately if you experience either of those symptoms or even depression. Tell your doctor immediately.