VALIUM
|
|
IMPORTANT NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE
FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR
OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO
INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR
YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING VALIUM.
BENZODIAZEPINES - ORAL
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Librium, Serax, Tranxene SD, Valium
USES:
VALIUM is used to relieve nervousness and tension or improve sleep
disturbances. It is also used to relieve symptoms of alcohol
withdrawal such as tremors, or used as an anticonvulsant or skeletal
muscle relaxant.
HOW TO TAKE VALIUM:
Take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. Take exactly as
prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take more often than
prescribed. Tolerance may develop to VALIUM making it less effective
with prolonged use. For insomnia, take 30 to 60 minutes prior to
bedtime. Do not stop taking VALIUM without your doctor's approval.
Your dose may have to be gradually decreased if you have been taking
it for some time.
SIDE EFFECTS:
VALIUM causes drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid tasks requiring
alertness. Other side effects may include:
stomach upset, blurred vision, headache, confusion, depression,
impaired coordination, change in heart rate, trembling, weakness,
memory loss, hangover effect (grogginess), dreaming or nightmares. Notify
your doctor if you develop:
chest pain, change in heart rate, vision changes, yellowing of the
eyes or skin. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to
this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an
allergic reaction include:
rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice
other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Before using VALIUM, tell your doctor your medical history,
especially of:
liver or kidney disease, drug allergies. Alcohol or other
sedative-type drugs can lead to extreme drowsiness. Limit alcohol
consumption. Elderly persons are usually more sensitive to the
effects of VALIUM. Use cautiously. VALIUM is not recommended for use
during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Since this medication may appear in breast milk, consult with your
doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs
you may use, especially of:
cimetidine, digoxin, disulfiram, levodopa, seizure medication,
sleeping pills, narcotic pain medication (e.g., codeine), medication
for depression, barbiturates, tranquilizers, sedatives, certain
drowsiness-causing antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), drugs
used to treat allergies or colds, alcohol use. Do not eat grapefruit
or drink grapefruit juice unless your doctor instructs you
otherwise. Smoking can decrease the effectiveness of VALIUM. Do not
start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include
unconsciousness, reduced reflexes, drowsiness, loss of coordination,
or confusion.
NOTES:
Do not share VALIUM with others.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is
almost time for the next dose. Do not "double-up" the
doses. If taking for seizures, take dose if remembered within 1 hour
of the missed dose but do not take if remembered after 1 hour has
elapsed.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15
and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in
the bathroom.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For
information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In
Canada call 1-800-668-1507.
|
|