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Brand Names: Diastat, Valium
What is the most important information I should know about Valium (diazepam)?
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardousactivities valium identification. Valium (diazepam) will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness valium identification. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities valium identification.
• Avoid alcohol while taking Valium (diazepam) valium identification. Alcohol may increase drowsinessand dizziness caused by Valium (diazepam) valium identification. Alcohol may also increase the riskof having a seizure if Valium (diazepam) is being taken for a seizure condition valium identification.
• Valium (diazepam) is habit forming valium identification. You can become physically and psychologicallydependent on the medication valium identification. Do not take more than the prescribed amount ofmedication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor valium identification. Withdrawaleffects may occur if Valium (diazepam) is stopped suddenly after several weeksof continuous use valium identification. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose valium identification.
What is Valium (diazepam)?
• Valium (diazepam) is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines valium identification. Valium(diazepam) affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and causeanxiety, seizures, and muscle spasms valium identification.
• Valium (diazepam) is used to relieve anxiety, nervousness, and tensionassociated with anxiety disorders valium identification. It is also used to treat certain types ofseizure disorders and muscle spasms valium identification.
• Valium (diazepam) may also be used for purposes other than those listedin this medication guide valium identification.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Valium (diazepam)?
• Do not take Valium (diazepam) if you have narrow-angle glaucoma valium identification. Valium(diazepam) may worsen this condition valium identification.
• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you
· have kidney disease;
· have liver disease;
· have asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or another respiratory disease;or
· are depressed or have suicidal thoughts valium identification.
• You may not be able to take Valium (diazepam), or you may require a dosageadjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditionslisted above valium identification.
• Valium (diazepam) is in the FDA pregnancy category D valium identification. This means thatValium (diazepam) is known to harm an unborn baby valium identification. Do not take this medicationwithout first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant valium identification.
• Valium (diazepam) passes into breast milk valium identification. Do not take Valium (diazepam)without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby valium identification.
• If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experienceside effects from Valium (diazepam) valium identification. You may require a lower dose of this medication valium identification.
How should I take Valium (diazepam)?
• Take Valium (diazepam) exactly as directed by your doctor valium identification. If you donot understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor toexplain them to you valium identification.
• Take each oral dose with a full glass of water valium identification.
• To ensure the correct dose, measure the liquid forms of Valium (diazepam)with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon valium identification. If you donot have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one valium identification.
• Your doctor or nurse will give you detailed instructions for administrationof the Diastat rectal gel valium identification. In general, application of the rectal gel is as follows:
· Remove the protective cover from the medication syringe and lubricatethe rectal tip with lubricating jelly valium identification.
· Turn the person on their side facing you valium identification. Bend the upper leg forwardand separate the buttocks to expose the rectum valium identification.
· Gently insert the syringe tip into the rectum valium identification. The rim should be snugagainst the rectal opening valium identification. Slowly count out loud to three while gently pushingthe plunger in until it stops valium identification. Slowly count to three before removing the syringe valium identification. Slowly count to three and hold the buttocks together to prevent leakage valium identification.
· Keep the person on their side facing you, note the time the medicationwas given, and observe the person for signs of seizure, skin color, breathing,or any unusual reaction valium identification.
• Do not take Valium (diazepam) more often or in larger doses than is prescribed valium identification.
• Valium (diazepam) is habit forming valium identification. You can become physically and psychologicallydependent on the medication valium identification. Do not take more than the prescribed amount ofmedication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor valium identification. Withdrawaleffects may occur if Valium (diazepam) is stopped suddenly after several weeksof continuous use valium identification. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose valium identification.
• Store Valium (diazepam) at room temperature away from moisture and heat valium identification.
What happens if I miss a dose?
• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember valium identification. However, if it is almosttime for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularlyscheduled dose valium identification. Do not take a double dose of this medication valium identification. A double dosecould be dangerous valium identification.
What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention valium identification.
• Symptoms of a Valium (diazepam) overdose include sleepiness, dizziness,confusion, a slow heart beat, difficulty breathing, difficulty walking and talking,an appearance of being drunk, and unconsciousness valium identification.
What should I avoid while taking Valium (diazepam)?
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardousactivities valium identification. Valium (diazepam) will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness valium identification. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities valium identification.
• Avoid alcohol while taking Valium (diazepam) valium identification. Alcohol may increase drowsinessand dizziness caused by Valium (diazepam) valium identification. Alcohol may also increase the riskof having a seizure if Valium (diazepam) is being taken for a seizure condition valium identification.
• Valium (diazepam) may increase the effects of other drugs that causedrowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (usedto treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, andmuscle relaxants valium identification. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking,and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor valium identification.
What are the possible side effects of Valium (diazepam)?
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop takingValium (diazepam) and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctorimmediately:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; or hives);
· sores in the mouth or throat;
· yellowing of the skin or eyes;
· a rash;
· hallucinations or severe confusion; or
· changes in your vision valium identification.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur valium identification. Continueto take Valium (diazepam) and talk to your doctor if you experience
· drowsiness, dizziness, or clumsiness;
· depression;
· nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation;
· difficulty urinating;
· vivid dreams;
· headache;
· dry mouth;
· decreased sex drive; or
· changes in behavior valium identification.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur valium identification. Talk to yourdoctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome valium identification.
What other drugs will affect Valium (diazepam)?
• Valium (diazepam) may increase the effects of other drugs that causedrowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (usedto treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, andmuscle relaxants valium identification. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking,and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor valium identification.
• Antacids may decrease the effects of Valium (diazepam) valium identification. Separate dosesof an antacid and Valium (diazepam) by several hours whenever possible valium identification.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Valium (diazepam) valium identification. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-countermedicines valium identification.
Where can I get more information?
• Your pharmacist has additional information about Valium (diazepam) writtenfor health professionals that you may read valium identification.
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