Valium Side Effects
Common Valium side effects might include: drowsiness,
fatigue, light-headedness, and loss of coordination. Operating
automobiles or heavy machinery is not recommended while
taking Valium. Be aware of how this medication affects
you before attempting any potentially dangerous activities.
Less common Valium side effects: abdominal cramps, constipation,
dry mouth, hyperventilation, blurred vision, nausea, chest
pain, change in sex drive, confusion, headache, change
in appetite, insomnia, unusual dreams, change in salivation,
low blood pressure, racing heartbeat, fainting, nasal
congestion, difficulty urinating, sweating, weight change,
skin irritation, twitching or tremors, nervous or anxious
state, sun sensitivity, respiratory infection, memory
impairment, menstrual difficulties, and loss of coordination.
Speak to your doctor about any of these effects; your
dosage may need to be adjusted or treatment discontinued.
Rare Valium side effects: difficulty concentrating, slurred
or unusual speech, double vision, fear, altered sense
of taste, lack of inhibition, muscle cramps or spasms,
urination problems, tingling, incontinence, warmth, weakness,
change in muscle tone, or yellow eyes and skin. Speak
to your doctor if you experience any of these effects;
your treatment may need to be discontinued.
Valium treatment should be discontinued if any of the
following occur: hyperexcitement, muscle spasm, anxiety,
hallucinations, rage, tremors, insomnia, sleeping difficulties
or overstimulation.
Cautions: Valium has been known to interact undesirably
with certain medical conditions. Tell your doctor if you
have, or have a history of, any of the following conditions:
Alcohol or drug abuse - may increase likelihood of Valium
dependence
Allergic reaction to Valium, or other benzodiazepine.
Always tell your doctor about any allergies before starting
a medication.
Brain disease - may increase likelihood of side effects
from Valium
Breathing difficulties such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema,
or any other chronic lung disease - Valium may worsen
this condition.
Difficulty swallowing - This condition may become more
pronounced in children.
Epilepsy or seizures - Abruptly starting or stopping treatment
with Valium may increase seizures. Although Valium can
be used as an aid to anti-convulsive therapy, it should
be used cautiously and strictly according to a doctor's
instructions in these cases.
Glaucoma - Valium should not be prescribed to patients
with acute narrow-angle glaucoma. Patients receiving treatment
for open angle glaucoma should consult their doctor, as
Valium may be an acceptable treatment for them.
Hyperactivity
Kidney or liver problems - In isolated cases, Valium has
been reported to cause jaundice. If you experience yellowing
of the skin or eyes, seek medical treatment immediately.
More Valium may end up in your bloodstream if you have
a pre-existing kidney or liver condition, increasing the
likelihood of side effects.
Major Depression - The central nervous system depressant
effects of Valium may worsen this condition.
Myasthenia gravis - This autoimmune disorder characterized
by muscle weakness may be aggravated by Valium treatment.
Porphyria - Valium (diazepam) is listed as an unsafe drug
for porphyria, an enzyme deficiency that can cause fragile
skin that is sensitive to sunlight, digestive difficulties,
anxiety, and reddish-brown urine.
Psychosis or other serious mental illness - Valium has
not proved to be an effective treatment for these conditions,
and is not recommended.
Sleep apnea (temporary suspension of breathing during
sleep) - Valium may worsen this condition. Individuals
with sleep apnea should not generally use sedatives as
sleep aids.
