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Valium is a physician-approved medication used for the treatment of anxiety disorder, short-term anxiety symptoms, seizures, stiff person syndrome, athetosis, muscle spasticity caused by upper motor neuron disorders and muscle spasms. It is also used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
More About Valium And Its Use:
Valium belongs to a class of medicines called Antianxiety Agents; Anxiolytics, Benzodiazepines; Skeletal Muscle Relaxants and Anticonvulsants. Diazepam, sold under the brand name Valium works by calming the brain and nerves. Valium was the second Benzodiazepine to be discovered in the U.S.A. and was approved for use in 1960.
It slows down activity in your brain and spinal cord, to help control anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures. It works by enhancing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. It is a very commonly prescribed medication used to treat anxiety disorder in the USA.
How Is Valium Taken?
Valium is taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor in the prescription. Any overdose or underdose or completely stopping it immediately can hharmthe health of a person.
Key points to remember before consuming Valium are:
- Read the medication guide before taking it.
- Swallow the whole tablet. Do not crush, chew or break it.
- If you cannot swallow the capsule, you may open it and sprinkle the medicine onto a tablespoon of applesauce. Stir this mixture well and swallow it without chewing. Drink water after swallowing the mixture. Take the mixture within 2 hours of mixing.
- In the case of oral liquid, measure the liquid using the marked dropper that comes with the Ativan liquid package and dilute it with juice, water, soda or pudding. Do not store the mixture for further use.
Strengths Of Valium Available:
Valium is available both online and offline in the market in 2 different varieties. These are:
- Valium 5 mg, a small round-shaped, grey-coloured tablet.
- Valium 10 mg, a small round-shaped, light blue-coloured tablet.
Dosages:
The dosage of taking Valium differs from adults to children. The dosages are:
Dosage For Anxiety:
- The average dosage for adults is 2 mg to 10 mg taken two to four times per day.
- The initial dosage for children is 1 mg to 2.5 mg taken three to four times per day.
- The usual starting dosage for older adults is 2 mg to 2.5 mg taken once or twice a day.
- The dose may alter by the doctor as per the requirement.
Dosage For Acute Alcohol Withdrawal:
- The average dosage for adults is 10 mg taken three to four times per day and may be reduced to 5 mg taken at the same time interval.
- The initial dosage for children is 1 to 2.5 mg taken three or four ddays
- The usual dosage for older adults is 2 mg to 2.5 mg taken one or two times per day.
- The dose may alter by the doctor as per the requirement.
Dosage For Treatment Of Muscle Spasms:
- The standard dosage for adults is 2 mg to 10 mg taken three or four times per day.
- The initial dosage for children is 1 to 2.5 mg taken three to four every day.
- The usual starting dosage for older adults is 2 mg to 2.5 mg taken once or twice a day.
- The dose may alter by the doctor as per the requirement.
Dosage For Treatment Of Epilepsy:
- The standard dosage for adults is 2-10 mg taken twice a day.
- The initial dosage for children is 1-2.5 mg taken three to four days.
- The usual starting dosage for older adults is 2-2.5 mg once or twice daily.
- The dose may alter by the doctor as per the requirement.
The Function Of Valium In The Human Body:
Valium works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. It works on the brain and CNS ( Central Nervous System ) and produces a calming effect. It slows down the movement of unbalanced brain chemicals, reducing anxiety. It works by boosting the impact of a natural chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid, which is made in the brain.
Overdose, Missed Dose And Withdrawal Symptoms:
Overdose:
Overdose is a condition when a person takes an extra dose of medicine than the doctor prescribes for him/her. An overdose of any medication is dangerous to our health, so an overdose of Valium also has some bad effects on our health.
Overdose of Valium leads to drowsiness, loss of balance, limp or weak muscle, coma and respiratory problems, which may lead to death.
Missed Dose:
Taking medicine at an improper time and irregularly leads to a missed dose. People after missing a dose usually take a double dose which leads to overdose. In case you miss a dose, do not panic. Take the dose immediately or continue with your regular dose or consult your doctor.
Withdrawal Symptoms:
Symptoms that are shown when any medicine is stopped suddenly or accidentally are called withdrawal symptoms. All anti-anxiety pills have their withdrawal symptoms, hence Valium. The symptoms are headache, sweating, tremors, difficulty concentrating, confusion, increased blood pressure, heart palpitations, rapid heart rate, nausea, abdominal cramps and vomiting.
Side Effects Of Using Valium:
Valium is a medication that belongs to the class of Benzodiazepines. As Benzodiazepines have side effects, Valium also has. It has both minor and major side effects.
Minor Side Effects:
The minor side effects are:
- Drowsiness
- Tired Feeling
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Muscle weakness
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Skin rash and Itching
Major Side Effects:
The major side effects are:
- Spinning Sensation
- Ataxia
- Memory problem
- Drooling
- Slurred speech
- Blurred or double vision
Valium Alternatives:
Finding the exact alternatives is not possible, but there are some similar medications which are prescribed instead of Valium.
Natural Alternatives:
The natural alternatives are:
- Ashwagandha
- Kava Kava
- L-Theanine
- Magnesium
- Probiotics
Medicinal Substitute:
The medicinal substitutes are:
Other Medicines And Food That React With Valium:
A person should make it clear in front of the doctor before taking Valium if he/she is taking any other medication or food items or beverages. It can be a danger to take Valium with some medicines and specific food items.
Medicine Interactions:
Do not take these medicines with Valium:
- Clozapine
- Fluvoxamine
- Orlistat
- Sodium Oxybate
- Opioid pain or cough relievers
- Cannabis
- Other drugs for sleep and anxiety
- Muscle relaxants
- Antihistamines
Other Food And Beverages Interaction:
Food items and beverages which should not be taken with Valium are:
- Grapefruit
- Grapefruit Juice
- Alcohol
Important:-
Alcohol reacts vigorously with Valium. So drinking alcohol while taking Valium leads to many side effects such as extreme sleepiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, severe weakness and difficulty in breathing which may lead to death.
Precautions Needed Before Taking Valium:
There are some precautions which are needed to be taken by patients suffering from an anxiety disorder before taking Valium. These are:
- Test whether you are allergic to Valium or other Benzodiazepines.
- Do not take any other Benzodiazepines ( Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, Versed, etc.) while taking Valium as it can cause some serious allergic reactions.
- Test whether you have any kidney disease, liver disease, glaucoma, lung/ breathing problems and mental disorder.
- As drowsiness is one of its side effects, one should not drive, should not operate any machine or do any serious work as it can be dangerous.
- Valium can also reverse its effect of calming anxiety in old adults. So regular check-ups must be needed.
- Valium can also show its reverse effect in the case of children and cause restlessness, shaking and mood change.
- Using Valium while pregnant can harm your unborn baby.
- Breastfeeding mothers are advised to first consult a doctor and follow the advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Valium different from Ativan?
The difference between Valium and Ativan is based on their dosages that is Ativan can be taken 4-5 times a day whereas Valium can be taken a maximum of up to 3 times a day.
Is Valium affordable for all?
Yes, the generic form of Valium is affordable for all. It costs less than the Valium capsules.