DIAZEPAM

What is the brand name for this medicine?
Valium

What is this medicine used for?
This medicine is used for general anxiety disorders, panic disorders and can be used before surgery to relax you. This medicine may also be used to prevent seizures, as a muscle relaxant, and for patients coming off of alcohol.

How does this medicine work?
This medicine works by increasing a chemical in your brain (gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA) that calms you.

How is this medicine taken?
Follow the directions your doctor has given you. This medicine can be taken on an empty stomach or with food or milk. Do not stop this medicine abruptly with talking to your doctor. Avoid uninterrupted and prolonged use of this medicine.

What if I miss a dose?
Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

How is this medicine stored?
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Keep away from heat and light.

Are there side effects?
Side effects include,drowsiness, dizziness, short term memory loss, fatigue, lightheadedness, headache, anxiety and depression. Other reported side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and clumsiness.

Are there precautions with this medicine?
Avoid alcohol with this medicine because of the additive drowsiness effects. Be cautious when operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle. Make sure you know how the drug affects you first. Talk to your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease.

What about interactions with other drugs?
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you drink alcohol or take other sedative medications including barbiturates or opioid pain medications. Cimetidine (Tagamet), valproic acid (for seizures) and some antidepressants; Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft can increase the effects, and side effects of diazepam.

Can I take this medicine if I’m pregnant or breast-feeding?
If you are or plan to become pregnant, talk to you doctor about the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnacny.  For nursing mothers, this medication is excreted in breast milk and should not be used while breast-feeding.