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Diazepam
Generic Name: Diazepam Tablets (dye-AZ-e-pam)
Brand Name: Valium
The management of anxiety disorders. It may also be used to treat agitation, shakiness, and hallucinations during alcohol withdrawal and to relieve certain types of muscle pain and other disorders as determined by your doctor.
Diazepam is a benzodiazepine. It works by slowing down the movement of chemicals in the brain. This results in a reduction in nervous tension (anxiety) and muscle spasm, and also causes sedation.
Diazepam®
Do NOT use Diazepam if:
you are allergic to any ingredient in Diazepam
you have acute narrow-angle glaucoma, severe liver disease, kidney problems, or a mental state in which contact with reality is lost (psychosis)
you are taking an HIV protease inhibitor (eg, ritonavir) or sodium oxybate (GHB)
How to use Diazepam:
Use Diazepam as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions. Take Diazepam by mouth with or without food.
If you miss a dose of Diazepam and you are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Important safety information:
Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Diazepam; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
If you are taking Diazepam for seizures, carry an ID card at all times that says you have seizure disorder and you take Diazepam.
Diazepam should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 6 months old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding: Diazepam may cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using this medicine while you are pregnant. Diazepam is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while using Diazepam.
When used for long periods of time or at high doses, Diazepam may not work as well and may require higher doses to obtain the same effect as when originally taken. This is known as TOLERANCE. Talk with your doctor if Diazepam stops working well. Do not take more than prescribed.
Some people who use Diazepam for a long time may develop a need to continue taking it. People who take high doses are also at risk. This is known as DEPENDENCE or addiction. If you stop taking Diazepam suddenly, you may have WITHDRAWAL symptoms. These may include convulsions, tremor, stomach and muscle cramps, vomiting, or sweating.
Possible side effects of Diazepam:
Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Blurred vision; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; fatigue; headaches; incoordination; pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site; short-term memory loss; weakness.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); anxiety; chest pain; difficulty breathing; difficulty sleeping; difficulty speaking; hallucinations; inability to control urination; increased muscle spasms; interrupted breathing; involuntary eye movement; sleep disturbances; stimulation; sudden rage; yellowing of the skin or eyes.
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