$Unique_ID{BRK03123} $Pretitle{} $Title{diazepam} $Subject{Diazepam Intensol Roxene Valium Roche Valrelease Vazepam Major Sedative/hypnotic anxiety muscle spasms convulsions seizures alcohol withdrawal depressant central nervous system brain spinal cord nervousness} $Volume{} $Log{ Valium 5 mg*0312301.scf Valium 10 mg*0312302.scf Valrelease*0312303.scf} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. diazepam ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers) diazepam (various manufacturers) Diazepam Intensol (Roxene) Valium (Roche) Valrelease (Roche) Vazepam (Major) TYPE OF DRUG Sedative/hypnotic INGREDIENT diazepam DOSAGE FORMS Oral solution (5 mg per 5-ml spoonful) Oral intensol solution (5 mg per ml) Tablets (2 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg) Sustained-release capsules (15 mg) STORAGE This medication should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed, light-resistant container. USES Diazepam is prescribed to treat symptoms of anxiety and sometimes to treat muscle spasms, convulsions, seizures, or alcohol withdrawal. It is not clear exactly how this medicine works, but it may relieve anxiety by acting as a depressant of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Diazepam is currently used by many people to relieve nervousness. It is effective for this purpose for short periods, but it is important to try to remove the cause of the anxiety as well. TREATMENT The oral intensol solution should be mixed with a nonalcoholic liquid or semi-solid food such as water, juice, soda or soda-like beverages, applesauce, or pudding. Use only the calibrated dropper provided. Stir the liquid or food gently for a few seconds after adding the oral intensol solution. The entire amount of the mixture should be consumed immediately. Do not store prepared mixtures for future use. The tablet or capsule form of this medication should be taken exactly as directed by your doctor. It can be taken with food or a full glass of water if stomach upset occurs. Do not take this medication with a dose of antacids, since they may retard its absorption. If you are taking this medication regularly and you miss a dose and remember within an hour, take the missed dose immediately. If more than an hour has passed, skip the dose you missed and wait for the next scheduled dose. Do not double the next dose. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Bitter taste in the mouth, constipation, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness (after a night's sleep), dry mouth, excessive salivation, fatigue, flushing, headache, heartburn, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, sweating, or vomiting. These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). Dry mouth can be relieved by chewing sugarless gum or by sucking on ice chips or hard candy. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about blurred or double vision, chest pain, difficulty in urinating, fainting, falling, fever, joint pain, hallucinations, mouth sores, nightmares, palpitations, rash, severe depression, shortness of breath, slurred speech, sore throat, uncoordinated movements, unusual excitement, unusual tiredness, or yellowing of the eyes or skin. INTERACTIONS This medication interacts with several other types of medications: 1. To prevent oversedation, this drug should not be taken with alcohol, other sedative drugs, or central nervous system depressants (such as antihistamines, barbiturates, muscle relaxants, pain medicines, narcotics, medicines for seizures, and tranquilizers), or with antidepressants. 2. This medication may decrease the effectiveness of carbamazepine, levodopa, and oral anticoagulants (blood thinners) and may increase the effects of phenytoin. 3. Disulfiram, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), isoniazid, fluoxetine, valproic acid, propranolol, metoprolol, and cimetidine can increase the blood levels of diazepam, which can lead to toxic effects. 4. Concurrent use of rifampin may decrease the effectiveness of diazepam. BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above. WARNINGS * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to diazepam or other benzodiazepine tranquilizers (such as alprazolam, flurazepam, halazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam, prazepam, temazepam, and triazolam). * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had liver disease, kidney disease, epilepsy, lung disease, myasthenia gravis, porphyria, mental depression, or mental illness. * This medicine can cause drowsiness. Avoid tasks that require alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous machinery. * This medication has the potential for abuse and must be used with caution. Tolerance may develop quickly; do not increase your dosage of the drug without first consulting your doctor. It is also important not to stop taking this drug suddenly if you have been taking it in large amounts or if you have used it for several weeks. Your doctor may want to reduce your dosage gradually. * This is a safe drug when used properly. When it is combined with other sedative drugs or alcohol, however, serious side effects can develop. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. This medicine may increase the chance of birth defects if it is taken during the first three months of pregnancy. In addition, too much use of this medicine during the last six months of pregnancy may cause the baby to become dependent on it, resulting in withdrawal side effects in the newborn. Also, use of this medicine during the last weeks of pregnancy may cause excessive drowsiness, slowed heartbeat, and breathing difficulties in the infant. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. This medication can pass into breast milk and cause excessive drowsiness, slowed heartbeat, and breathing difficulties in nursing infants. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.