Valium is a benzodiazepine that works by enhancing the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain. Valium is generally prescribed to treat anxiety disorders or sometimes for sleeping problems. It is also used sometimes with other medications to treat muscle spasms and stiffness, or seizures. It is also used as a sedative before surgery or to treat alcohol withdrawal.
Before this medicine is taken, make sure that you don’t have the below-given allergies or conditions. Valium should not be taken by people who have these allergies.
- Sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep)
- Severe liver disease
- Myasthenia gravis ( muscle weakness disorder)
- Narrow-angle glaucoma
- Severe breathing problem
- Uncontrolled or untreated open-angle glaucoma
Also to make sure that valium is safe for you, let your doctor know if you have ever had the below-given conditions.
- Seizures
- Glaucoma
- Alcohol or drug addiction
- Breathing problems
- Mood disorder, depression, or suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Kidney or liver disease
Some people said that they had thoughts about suicide while taking valium. Hence, it is ideal to stay alert to changes in your mood or any such symptoms. Make sure to have someone from your family watch for sudden changes in your behavior.
Valium should not be used if you are pregnant or may become pregnant, as it is very harmful to the unborn baby. Using this medication during pregnancy may lead to life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the newborn baby, and the baby will need medical treatment for several weeks after birth.
Valium should be taken just as prescribed by your doctor to avoid any serious conditions and overdosing. Never use valium in large amounts or for much longer than prescribed. And let your doctor know if you feel an increased urge to use more of this medication.
Keep this medicine in place, where it is out of reach of everyone. Never share valium with anyone as misuse of this medication leads to overdose, addiction, or death. Also, remember that giving away or selling this medicine is against the law.
If you are taking the liquid form of this medication, make sure that you measure the quantity with the help of the supplied measuring device and not with a regular kitchen spoon. Valium should be used only for a short time. It should not be used for longer than 4 months unless a doctor prescribes it.
Stopping the use of valium after using it for a long time, without asking your doctor may cause increased seizures or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Here are some of the possible side effects that could occur by using valium.
- Drowsiness
- Muscle weakness
- Feeling tired
- Problems with balance or muscle movement
Make sure to get medical help right away, if you have symptoms like unusual movement of muscles, sudden and severe changes in behavior or mood, being more active or talkative, hallucination, confusion, suicidal thoughts or actions, seizures; after you stop taking valium.
Some withdrawal symptoms of valium are known to last up to 12 months or longer after stopping this medicine suddenly. Taking valium along with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow down breathing may cause severe side effects or death. Let your doctor know if you are using a sleeping pill, an opioid medication, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.
Intake of alcohol while using this medicine causes dangerous side effects or death. Hence, avoid alcohol and grapefruit products. Also, it is recommended to avoid hazardous activity, or driving till you know how this medication is working on you. Drowsiness or dizziness may cause accidents, falls, or severe injuries.
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