What is the most important information I should know
about prescription valium?
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery,
or performing other hazardous activities. Prescription
valium will cause sleepines and may cause dizziness. If
you experience sleepiness or dizziness, stay away from
these activities.
• Do not use alcohol while taking prescription valium.
Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by
prescription valium. Alcohol may also increase the risk
of having a seizure if prescription valium is being taken
for a seizure condition.
• Prescription valium is habit forming. You can
become physically and psychologically dependant on the
drug. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of drug
or take it for longer than is directed by your physician.
Withdrawal effects may occur if prescription valium is
stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use.
Your physician may recommend a gradual reduction in dose.
What is prescription valium?
• Prescription valium is in a class of drugs called
benzodiazepines. Prescription valium affects chemicals
in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety,
seizures, and muscle spasms.
• Prescription valium is used to relieve anxiety,
nervousness, and tension associated with anxiety disorders.
It is also used to treat certain types of seizure disorders
and muscle spasms.
• Prescription valium may also be used for purposes
other than those listed in this drug guide.
What should I discuss with my physician before taking
prescription valium?
• Do not take prescription valium if you have narrow-angle
glaucoma. Prescription valium may make matters worse.
• Before using this drug, tell your physician if
you
• have kidney problems;
• have liver problems;
• have asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or another
respiratory problems; or
• are depressed or have suicidal intentions.
• You may not be able to take prescription valium,
or you may need a dosage change or special monitoring
during treatment if you have any of the problems listed
above.
• Prescription valium is in the FDA pregnancy category
D. This means that prescription valium is known to hurt
an unborn baby. Do not take this drug without first talking
to your physician if you are pregnant.
• Prescription valium passes into breast milk. Do
not take prescription valium without first talking to
your physician if you are breast-feeding a baby.
• If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more
likely to notice side effects from prescription valium.
You may require a lower dose of this drug.
How should I take prescription valium?
• Take prescription valium specifically directed
by your physician. If you do not comprehend these instructions,
ask your pharmacist, nurse, or physician to tell you about
them.
• Take each oral dose with a cup of water.
• To ensure the right dose, measure the liquid forms
of prescription valium with a dose-measuring spoon or
cup, not with a normal table spoon. If you do not have
a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you
can obtain one.
• Your physician or nurse will give you detailed
instructions for administration of the Diastat rectal
gel. In general, application of the rectal gel is as follows:
• Remove the surrouding cover from the drug syringe
and lubricate the rectal tip with lubricating jelly.
• Turn the individual on their side facing you.
Bend the upper leg forward and separate the buttocks to
expose the rectum.
• Gently put the syringe tip into the anus. The
rim should be touching against the rectal opening. Slowly
count out loud to three while slowly pushing the plunger
in until it stops. Slowly count to three before removing
the syringe. Slowly count to three and hold the butt cheeks
together to prevent leakage.
• Keep the individual on their side facing you,
note the time the drug was given, and observe the individual
for signs of seizure, skin color, breathing, or any unusual
reaction.
• Do not take prescription valium more often or
in larger doses than is prescribed.
• Prescription valium is habit forming. You can
become physically and psychologically dependent on the
drug. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of drug
or take it for longer than is directed by your physician.
Withdrawal effects may occur if prescription valium is
stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use.
Your physician may recommend a gradual reduction in dose.
• Store prescription valium at room temperature
away from moisture and heat.
