Diazepam Oral Tablet (DIAZEPAM - ORAL)

This medicine is used for the following purposes:

  • alcohol withdrawal
  • anxiety
  • movement disorder
  • muscle spasms
  • relaxation or sleep

Brand Name(s): Valium

Generic Name: Diazepam

Instructions

This medicine may be taken with or without food.

Keep the medicine at room temperature. Avoid heat and direct light.

Avoid grapefruit juice while on this medicine.

If you are using this medicine regularly, it is important to take each dose of medicine on time. Keep taking the medicine even if you feel well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Cautions

Though it helps many people, this medicine may sometimes cause addiction, especially if it is used for a long time. This risk for addiction may be higher if you have a substance use disorder - such as overuse of or addiction to drugs or alcohol. Speak with your doctor about the benefits and risks of using this medicine.

If you stop this medicine suddenly, after using it regularly for a long time, you may have withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor may ask you to slowly reduce your dose before stopping it. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any symptoms of withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms can include headaches, restlessness, hallucinations, confusion, depression, nausea, or seizures.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

If possible, avoid using with alcohol, marijuana, or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

Call the doctor if there are any signs of confusion or unusual changes in behavior.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. This medicine can pass through breast milk to the baby.

This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • loss of balance
  • blurry vision
  • dizziness or drowsiness

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
  • decreased awareness or responsiveness
  • shallow, irregular breathing
  • confusion
  • fainting
  • hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
  • mood changes
  • muscle weakness
  • shakiness
  • shortness of breath

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

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