Diazepam
( T-Quil, Valrelease, Valium )
Diazepam is an
antianxiety agent ( benzodiazepines. ) Used primarily for short-term relief of
mild to moderate anxiety. It may also be used to treat symptoms of acute alcohol
withdrawals, to help control epilepsy, or to relieve muscle spasms.
Warnings
Narcotics may
increase the sedative effects of this drug. Do not take other sedative,
benzodiazepines, or sleeping pills with this drug. The combinations could be
fatal. Do not drink alcohol when taking benzodiazepines. Alcohol can lower blood
pressure and decrease your breathing rate to the point of unconsciousness.
The
habit-forming potential is high. It is possible to become dependent in only two
weeks. This drugs should not be taken for more then four weeks ( Yudofsky, Hales
and Ferguson . ) Do not stop taking this drug abruptly, this could cause
psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms.
Do not take this
drug if you are pregnant. Some studies have found that taking this drug may lead
to serious birth defects. If this drug is used in late pregnancy it may cause
"
floppy infant" syndrome.
Do not take this
drug if planning to become pregnant. Do not take if you are breast-feeding.
Do not give this
drug to anyone under six mounts old and never use on hyperactive or psychotic
children. Only use drug in small doses if over sixty with close monitoring.
Do
not use if: You had
negative reactions to other benzodiazepines, if you have a history of drug
dependence, if you have had a stroke, if you have multiple sclerosis, if you
have Alzheimer's disease, if you are seriously depressed or if you have other
brain disorders.
Diazepam ( Symptoms or Effects )
Common:
Clumsiness / Sleepiness.
Rare: Abdominal
cramps, blurred vision, dry mouth, racing heartbeat / palpitations, shaking /
slurred speech, urination problems, convulsions, hallucinations, memory loss,
trouble breathing, staggering / trembling, headache or confusion.
See
physician always: Abdominal
cramps, blurred vision, dry mouth, racing heartbeat / palpitations, shaking /
slurred speech, urination problems, convulsions, hallucinations, memory loss,
trouble breathing, staggering / trembling, headache or confusion.
See
physician if severe:
Clumsiness / Sleepiness.
See
physician NOW:
Confusion.