Diazepam

Diazepam is the generic version of Valium. It is used to relieve anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures and to control agitation caused by alcohol withdrawal. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Do NOT use Diazepam if

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Diazepam
• you have acute narrow-angle glaucoma, severe liver disease, kidney problems, or a mental state in which contact with reality is lost (psychosis)
• you are taking an HIV protease inhibitor (eg, ritonavir) or sodium oxybate (GHB)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Diazepam side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior;
• unusual risk-taking behavior, decreased inhibitions, no fear of danger;
• depressed mood, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;
• hyperactivity, agitation, hostility;
• hallucinations;
• feeling light-headed, fainting;
• muscle twitching, tremor;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• urinating less than usual or not at all.

Less serious diazepam side effects may include:

• drowsiness, tiredness;
• blurred vision;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• muscle weakness, lack of balance or coordination;
• slurred speech;
• nausea, vomiting, constipation;
• headache;
• drooling;
• skin rash;
• loss of interest in sex.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

Overdosage

Symptoms
Hypotension, respiratory or cardiac arrest, drowsiness, confusion, somnolence, impaired coordination, diminished reflexes, lethargy, ataxia, hypotonia, hypnosis, coma, death.

Most important fact about Diazepam

Valium can be habit-forming or addictive. You may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop using Diazepam abruptly. Discontinue or change your dose only on your doctor's advice.