Valium (Diazepam): Uses & Side Effects
Valium is the trade name for a medication that includes Diazepam, which belongs to the benzodiazepine class of pharmaceuticals. Classified as a controlled drug, listed under Schedule IV and available only prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. It is frequently prescribed for a range of mental and neurological conditions, such as anxiety disorders, agitation, insomnia, and muscle spasms, as well as for sedation before medical procedures.
Valium (Diazepam) works by boosting the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the central nervous system. This mechanism decreases the excitability of nerve cells, resulting in reduced anxiety and tension in the body.
Indications for Use
- Valium is used in monotherapy and complex treatment of patients with neurotic conditions (including in combination with anxiety syndrome, hysteria, hypochondria, neurasthenia and reactive depression), psychosis, dysphoria and organic diseases of the central nervous system.
- Valium is prescribed for insomnia (mainly with difficulty falling asleep), as well as in combination with other drugs for patients with alcohol withdrawal syndrome (including accompanied by anxiety, restlessness, nervous tension, transient reactive state and psychoneurosis).
- The drug is used in the treatment of patients with skeletal muscle spasm due to local injuries, as well as patients with spastic conditions associated with damage to the spinal cord or brain.
- Diazepam can be prescribed in combination therapy for patients with myositis, arthritis, bursitis, arthrosis, rheumatic spondylitis and progressive chronic polyarthritis, which are accompanied by tension of skeletal muscles.
- As part of combination therapy, Valium is prescribed to patients with vertebral syndrome, angina pectoris, tension headache, and arterial hypertension.
- Diazepam can be recommended for psychosomatic disorders in obstetric and gynecological practice, for climacteric and menstrual disorders.
How to Use
The method of administering Valium (Diazepam) may vary based on the specific reason for its prescription. Generally, the medication is taken orally in the form of tablets, capsules, or soluble tablets. The dosage will depend on the patient's condition, age, and other individual factors, with an initial dose typically ranging from 2 to 10 mg, which can be adjusted based on the response to treatment
It's important to note that Valium may cause drowsiness and sluggishness; therefore, caution is advised when driving or operating heavy machinery after taking the drug. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid alcohol and other potent medications, as these can enhance Valium's effects and potentially lead to serious consequences.
The duration of Valium treatment varies according to the patient's needs. It may be prescribed for short-term use to alleviate symptoms or for long-term use to sustain therapeutic effects. However, the medication should not be discontinued without consulting a doctor, as this may result in undesirable effects.
Overall, the administration of Valium should be tailored to the individual patient, taking their specific condition and other factors into account. Always adhere to your doctor's instructions and do not exceed the recommended dosage. If you experience any side effects or believe your dosage needs adjustment, consult your doctor for guidance.
Contraindications
- Valium is not used to treat individuals with individual intolerance to the active component of the tablets.
- It is not prescribed to patients with suicidal tendencies, myasthenia, alcohol dependence (except for cases of acute withdrawal), drug dependence, as well as epilepsy or epileptic seizures in the anamnesis.
- Valium is contraindicated in patients with hypercapnia, closed-angle glaucoma and acute attack of glaucoma, spinal and cerebral ataxia, porphyria and hepatitis.
- Valium should not be prescribed to patients with sleep apnea and severe respiratory or heart failure.
- Caution should be exercised when prescribing the medication to patients with impaired renal and hepatic function.
- Valium in pediatric practice should be taken only for the treatment of children over 3 years of age.
- Potentially unsafe activities that require alertness should be avoided while taking Diazepam.
Side Effects
According to reviews, Valium (Diazepam) therapy is tolerated quite well. However, various negative effects may occur when taking it. Most often, patients report symptoms from the nervous system. Sleep disorders in the form of drowsiness or insomnia, increased fatigue, lethargy are possible.
The development of depressive states, decreased concentration, confusion, headaches were also noted.
Treatment with the drug should be carried out under regular monitoring of blood tests. Leukopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia may develop against the background of therapy. Dyspeptic pain, nausea, heartburn, and problems with appetite were noted from the digestive system. An increase in liver transaminases is possible.
If negative effects increase against the background of Valium treatment, it is necessary to contact a medical institution to adjust the dose or replace the drug.
Also, during the treatment with Valium, patients reported abnormalities in kidney function, urinary retention, and dysmenorrhea. The development of tachycardia and a drop in blood pressure are not excluded. Allergic reactions may occur. With abrupt cessation of treatment, there is a possibility of withdrawal syndrome. It manifests itself in an increase in side effects.