Valium is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen). It is thought that diazepam works by enhancing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Valium is used to treat anxiety disorders, or alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Valium is sometimes used with other medications to treat muscle spasms and stiffness, or seizures.
You should not use Valium 10mg if you are allergic to diazepam or similar medicines (Klonopin, Xanax, and others), or if you have myasthenia gravis, severe liver disease, narrow-angle glaucoma, a severe breathing problem, or sleep apnea.
MISUSE OF THIS MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription.
Fatal side effects can occur if you use Valium 10mg with opioid medicine, alcohol, or other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 6 months old.
safety information
You should not use Valium 10mg if you are allergic to diazepam or similar drugs (Klonopin, Xanax, and others), or if you have:
myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness disorder);
severe liver disease;
a severe breathing problem;
sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep); or
alcoholism, or addiction to drugs similar to diazepam.
To make sure Valium 10mg is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
glaucoma;
asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing problems;
kidney or liver disease;
epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
a drug or alcohol addiction; or
mental illness, depression, or suicidal thoughts or behavior.
When treating seizures, do not start or stop taking Valium 10mg during pregnancy without your doctor’s advice. Diazepam may cause harm to an unborn baby, but having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both the mother and the baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking Valium for seizures.
When treating anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, or muscle spasms: If you take this medicine while you are pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Warnings
You should not use Valium if you are allergic to diazepam or similar medicines (Ativan, Klonopin, Xanax, and others), or if you have myasthenia gravis, severe liver disease, narrow-angle glaucoma, a severe breathing problem, or sleep apnea.
Diazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol.
MISUSE OF THIS MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.
Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use. Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer.
Get medical help right away if you stop using Valium and have symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or thoughts about suicide.
Side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Valium 10mg: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Diazepam can slow or stop your breathing, and death may occur. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
weak or shallow breathing;
severe drowsiness, feeling like you might pass out;
depressed mood, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;
confusion, hallucinations;
anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping;
hyperactivity, agitation, aggression, hostility;
unusual risk-taking behavior; or
new or worsening seizures.
The sedative effects of diazepam may last longer in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking this medicine.
Common Valium 10mg side effects may include:
drowsiness;
tired feeling;
muscle weakness; or
loss of coordination.
When treating seizures, do not start or stop taking Valium 10mg during pregnancy without your doctor’s advice. Diazepam may cause harm to an unborn baby, but having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both the mother and the baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking Valium for seizures.
When treating anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, or muscle spasms: If you take this medicine while you are pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Valium if you are allergic to diazepam, or if you have:
myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness disorder);
a severe breathing problem;
sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep);
narrow-angle glaucoma;
untreated or uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma; or
severe liver disease.
Valium should not be given to a child younger than 6 months old. Do not give this medicine to a child without a doctor’s advice.
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
breathing problems;
glaucoma;
kidney or liver disease;
seizures (unless you are taking diazepam to treat a seizure disorder);
a drug or alcohol addiction; or
depression, a mood disorder, or suicidal thoughts or behavior.
Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking Valium 10mg. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your family or caregivers should also watch for sudden changes in your behavior.
May harm an unborn baby. Do not use if you are pregnant or may become pregnant.If you use Valium 10mg during pregnancy, your baby could be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, and may need medical treatment for several weeks.
Do not start or stop seizure medication during pregnancy without your doctor’s advice.Diazepam may harm an unborn baby, but having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Preventing seizures may outweigh these risks. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
