Valium (Diazepam)
Valium (Diazepam) is used in the treatment of anxiety disorders and for short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety. It belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines.
Diazepam is also used to relieve the symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal, to relax muscles, to relieve the uncontrolled muscle movements caused by cerebral palsy and paralysis of the lower body and limbs, to control involuntary movement of the hands (athetosis), to relax tight, aching muscles, and, along with other medications, to treat convulsive disorders such as epilepsy.
Take Diazepam only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of Valium, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of Valium side effects. If too much Diazepam is taken, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence).
Diazepam Dosage
The dose of Benzodiazepines will be different for different patients. Follow your doctors orders or the directions on the Valium label. The following information includes only the average doses of Benzodiazepines. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The number of capsules or tablets, or the amount of solution that you take, or the number of injections you receive, depends on the strength of Diazepam. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are taking Benzodiazepines.
Diazepam dosage for anxiety:
- Adults — 2 to 10 mg of Valium two to four times a day.
- Children 6 months of age and older — Dose is based on body weight or size and must be determined by your doctor.
- Children younger than 6 months of age — Use is not recommended.
- Older adults — 2 to 2.5 mg of Diazepam one or two times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed.
Diazepam dosage for sedation during withdrawal from alcohol:
- Adults — At first, 10 mg of Valium three or four times a day. Your doctor will set up a schedule that will gradually decrease your dose.
- Children — Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Diazepam dosage for control of seizures:
- Adults — 2 to 10 mg of Valium two to four times a day.
- Children 6 months of age and older — Dose is based on body weight or size and must be determined by your doctor.
- Children younger than 6 months of age — Use is not recommended.
- Older adults — 2 to 2.5 mg of Valium one or two times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed.
Diazepam dosage for relaxing muscles:
- Adults — 2 to 10 mg of Valium three or four times a day.
- Children 6 months of age and older — Dose is based on body weight or size and must be determined by your doctor.
- Children younger than 6 months of age — Use is not recommended.
- Older adults — 2 to 2.5 mg of Valium one or two times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed.
If you miss a dose of Diazepam
If you are taking Valium regularly (for example, every day as for epilepsy) and you miss a dose, take it right away if you remember within an hour or so of the missed dose. However, if you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage — How to store Diazepam
- Keep Valium out of the reach of children. Overdose of Benzodiazepines may be especially dangerous in children.
- Store Diazepam away from heat and direct light.
- Do not store the capsule or tablet form of Diazepam in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause Valium to break down.
- Keep the liquid form of Diazepam from freezing.
- Keep the oral disintegrating tablet form of Valium in a tightly sealed bottle and discard any cotton that was included in the bottle.
- Do not keep outdated Valium or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded Diazepam is out of the reach of children.
Side effects of Diazepam
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON Diazepam side effects persist or become bothersome:
Blurred vision; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; fatigue; headaches; in-coordination; short-term memory loss; weakness.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE Valium 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.
