Valium drug: Uses, indications and precautions when using

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One of the most popular drugs used today to treat anxiety or to treat alcohol withdrawal patients is Valium. To use the most effectively, it is necessary to know the main uses, indications as well as contraindications and side effects caused by the drug.

1. What disease does Valium treat?

Valium or Diazepam is a drug used to treat anxiety, alcohol withdrawal or patients suffering from seizures. It is also used to relieve muscle spasms and increase sedation in patients before certain procedures or surgery, with the aim of making surgery more comfortable. This medication works by calming the irritation of the brain and nervous system. In addition, Diazepam is also known as a drug in the group of Benzodiazepines.

2. How to use Valium

Before using Valium as well as each time you use it again, consumers should read the instructions for use of the drug provided by a qualified pharmacist. This medicine can be taken with or without food, depending on the doctor's prescription. If using Valium in liquid form, it is necessary to measure the dose accurately using specialized measuring tools or spoons. Note: Do not use household spoons in the family because it may be the wrong dose, affecting the health of the patient. Alternatively, if the medication is to be taken in a concentrated form, the dropper supplied can be used and mixed the measured amount of medication with a small amount of liquid and soft food. Use the mixture immediately after it has been mixed and do not leave it for the next day.
The dose of the drug is based on the patient's current medical condition, age, and response to treatment. Absolutely do not increase the dose or use the drug longer than prescribed by the doctor because if the dose is increased and the time is increased, the health condition will not improve much, instead the risk of side effects. Side effects from Valium may be increased. Discontinue medication appropriately when directed by your doctor. If a patient stops taking the drug suddenly, they may experience some withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, abdominal or muscle cramps, vomiting, sweating, anxiety, restlessness, convulsions. To prevent these withdrawal symptoms, the treating physician may prescribe a gradual reduction in the patient's dose, not stopping it suddenly.
In addition, the above withdrawal symptoms are quite common with patients who use Valium for a long time or in high doses. If any of the above symptoms occur, the patient should immediately notify the treating doctor or pharmacist for timely treatment. After a long time of using the drug, the effect of the drug may no longer be the same and it is necessary to inform the doctor about this problem. Although Valium works for many patients, it can still be addictive in some cases. This risk will be higher if the patient has a substance use disorder such as abuse or addiction to drugs, alcohol, etc. Therefore, it is very important to use drugs as prescribed. addiction status.

Some experts believe that eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice should be avoided while using Valium until your doctor says you can return to normal eating and drinking. The cause of this problem is that grapefruit can increase the side effects caused by this drug. In short, when there is a specific prescription from the treating doctor about the use of Valium, it is necessary to take the drug regularly and at the same time every day to bring about the highest possible treatment effect.

3. Notes when using Valium

Some common side effects caused by Valium are:
Drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision or unsteadiness. Some of the more serious side effects are mood swings, mental changes such as memory problems, agitation, hallucinations, confusion, restlessness, depression..., difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, muscle weakness, tremors, difficulty urinating, jaundice, yellow eyes, signs of infection such as sore throat that won't go away for a while, fever, chills... In addition, some side effects The quickest way to get medical attention is shallow breathing, allergic reaction including rash, itching, swelling of the face, tongue and throat, severe dizziness, trouble breathing... Some recommendations and the note given when using Valium is as follows:
Before taking Valium, the patient should inform the doctor and pharmacist of his or her allergy to Diazepam or to other drugs of this class. Benzodiazepines such as Oxazepam and Temazepam, or any other allergies because this medicine may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Tell your doctor and pharmacist your medical history, especially of certain muscle conditions such as myasthenia gravis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep apnea, and certain psychiatric disorders. is depression and the medical condition of family members related to substance use disorders such as alcohol and drug abuse and addiction, glaucoma, liver and kidney disease.

Do not drive, use machinery or do any work that requires alertness and clear vision while taking this medicine until it is safe to do these activities as Valium may causes drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Before undergoing surgery, it is important to tell your doctor about any medicinal products you are taking such as prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs and other herbal products. This medicine is not recommended for use by women who are pregnant because it may harm an unborn baby, so tell your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. In addition, because Valium can pass into breast milk, there are undesirable effects on the nursing infant, so the drug should not be used while breastfeeding. Although there are many therapeutic uses in some diseases such as anxiety, restlessness, alcohol withdrawal ... but besides, Valium also has some unwanted effects that need to be noted to ensure safety. for users.

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Reference source: webmd.com