5 Things You Need to Know About Valium

1. Valium Eases Anxiety

Valium, or diazepam, is one of the best-known anti-anxiety drugs. Doctors prescribe it most often to treat anxiety disorders and for short-term relief from extreme nervousness and tension. Valium enhances the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical in the brain that normally inhibits or stabilizes brain activity. When GABA is imbalanced, it can lead to overactivity, causing anxiety or other psychological disorders.

2. Relieve Muscle as Well as Mental Pains

Valium is also prescribed to relieve severe symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal, such as hallucinations, delirium, agitation, tremors and seizures. It also aids people afflicted with some neurological diseases by helping to relax muscles and relieve uncontrolled muscle movements associated with cerebral palsy and lower body paralysis. Valium also helps people suffering from convulsive disorders, such as epilepsy, by easing seizures and other involuntary physical movements.

3. Don't Deviate From Your Dose

Valium is habit-forming, even addictive, so following your doctor's orders is critical. Never take more than the prescribed dose or more often than your doctor advises. Taking it for awhile can lead to dependence, so to avoid significant withdrawal symptoms, don't stop taking it abruptly or without consulting your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; however, if it's close to your next dose, skip it. Never take a double dose, which can cause a life-threatening reaction.

4. Anticipate Side Effects

As with any prescription drug, side effects can occur, although they vary widely from one person to another. The most common side effects of Valium are drowsiness, fatigue, a loss of balance or dizziness, depression, headaches, dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea or constipation. Side effects typically subside within a week or two after beginning your medication. However, if your side effects don't go away, give your doctor a call.

5. Keep Your Doctor in the Loop

To deter health risks, tell your doctor about other health conditions or drugs you're taking before taking a prescription for Valium. Do not take Valium if you suffer from narrow-angle glaucoma, kidney disease, liver disease or a variety of respiratory diseases or depression. Tagamet, Prilosec, Luvox, Prozac and Nizoral create dangerous drug reactions when taken with Valium, so do not take it if you're on any of these other medications. Valium can cause fetal abnormalities or negative effects in infants, so don't take Valium if you're pregnant or nursing.