Thursday, January 29, 2009

Diazepam Drug Information




Diazepam belongs to a class of drugs named benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines affect various chemicals in the brain that regulate anxiety due to certain unbalances in the body’s metabolism.



Diazepam (Valium) is prescribed for the treatment of anxiety pathologies and for the relief of its symptoms. Valium can also be treated to sooth agitation, hallucinations caused by the abstinence syndrome, tremors, and for some muscle spasms. Diazepam is sometimes even prescribed to prevent seizures and insomnia. Your doctor will determine the best use for this medication.

Valium (Diazepam) has many other treatment possibilities than the ones mentioned here.

Diazepam’s Dosage Information

This medication should not be used if you suffer of allergic reactions to diazepam or any other benzodiazepines, like Ativan (Lorazepam), Tranxene (Clorazepate), Librium (chlordiazepoxide), or Xanax (alprazolam). Diazepam may cause birth defects in babies yet to be born. Valium should not be used during pregnancy.

You should consult your doctor before taking any medication, especially if you have any of the following conditions: glaucoma, liver or kidney disease, suicidal tendencies, or a drug/alcohol dependency. Diazepam should not be taken with alcohol, because it can increase the side effects of the alcohol. Sleep aid medications should also be avoided. Diazepam increases the effectiveness of medications that cause drowsiness. Diazepam may also be addictive. This medication should never be share with someone else, only if prescribed by a doctor. The medication should be placed in a secure location to avoid substance abuse by others.

Precautions for taking Diazepam

Diazepam should not be taken if you are allergic to the drug class of benzodiazepines, like Oxazepam (Serax), Lorazepam (Ativan), Clorazepate (Tranxene), Chlordiazepoxide (Librium), and Alprazolam (Xanax) or if you have a “narrow angle” type of glaucoma.

Alert your doctor, if you have any of the following conditions, before taking Valium:


1) Glaucoma.
2) Kidney or liver disease.
3) A seizure disorder.
4) Depression history.
5) Suicidal tendencies.
6) Breathing problems, such as: asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder.
7) Drug or alcohol addiction.

If a patient suffers from any of these conditions, several specific tests may be conducted in order to ensure the safety of the procedure and the dosage may need adjustment.


As previously noted, Diazepam may cause birth pathologies. It should only be used during pregnancy, if a doctor approves the treatment. Your doctor should be alerted if you become pregnant during the treatment, so birth control devices should be use to avoid pregnancy. Valium could pass into the milk of a lactating mother and harm the feeding baby. Older adults have longer side effects rates. Diazepam causes drowsiness and dizziness. This medication should not be given to any child under 6 months of age.

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