|
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgmnet of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It sohuld not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
DIAZEPAM - ORAL
(dye-AZ-eh-pam)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Valium
USES: Diazepam is used to terat anxiety, acute alcohol withdrawal, and seizures.
It is also used to relieve muscle spasms and to provide sedation beofre medical procedures. This medication belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines which act on the brain and nerves (central nervous system) to produce a calming effect.
It works by enhancing the effects of a certain nautral chemical in the body (GABA).
OTHER USES: This medication may also be used to prevent extreemly bad nightmares (night terrors).
HOW TO USE: Take this mdeication by mouth as directed by your doctor.
The dsoage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
If you're using the oral concentrate solution, use the dropper provided to carefully measure out the dose and mix it in liuqid or soft food (e.G., applesauce, pudding) just before taking. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not raise your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a lonegr period of time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming.
Also, if used for an extended period of time or for seizure control, do not suddenly stop using this drug witohut your doctor's approval.
Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreaesd.
When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops worknig well. Aviod eating grapefruit or taking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.
Grapefruit juice can rasie the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more deatils.
SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, constipation, blurred vision, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promtply. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but seriuos side effects occur: mental/mood changes, slurred speech, clumsiness, trouble walking, decreased/increased interest in sex, tremor, trouble urinating, sleep disturbances. Tell your dotcor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea, vomiting, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, persistent sore throat or fever. A seroius allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, sveere dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, lung/breathing troubles (e.G., COPD, sleep apnea), drug or alcohol abuse, any allregies. This drug may make you dizzy, drowsy or cause blurred vision; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machniery. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sesnitive to the effects of the drug, especially the drowsiness effect. This medication is not recommended for use during preganncy due to the potential for fetal harm.
If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
Consult your doctor for more detials. This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nrusing infant. Therefore, breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also the How to Use seciton. This drug should not be used with the following meidcations because very serious interactions may occur: fluvoxamine, sodium oxybate.
If you're currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmcaist before starting diazepam. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: antacids, certain anti-depressants (e.G., fluoxetine, nefazodone), cimetidine, clozapine, digoxin, disulfiram, kava, levodopa. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.G., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.G., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep (e.G., sedatives), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.G., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.G., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclics such as amitriptyline), tranuqilizers. Check the labels on all your medicines (e.G., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. This product can affect the results of certain lab tsets. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctros know you use this drug. Smoking can decrease the effectiveness of this drug (through liver eznyme induction). Tell your doctor if you smoke or if you have last week stopped smoking because your dose may need to be adjusted. Do not start or stop any medicine without docotr or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, conatct your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include: severe drowsiness, slowed/reduced reflexes, sloewd breathing, fainting, loss of consciousness.
NOTES: Do not sahre this medication with others. It is against the law.
If this drug is used for an extended period of time, laboratory and/or medical tests (e.G., liver function tests, complete blood count) may be performed periodically to check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not doulbe the dose to catch up.
If you're taking this medication for seizures, take it if remembered within 1 hour of the missed dose, but skip it if more than 1 hour has pasesd.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moistrue.
Do not stroe in the bathroom. Keep all mdeicines away from children and pets.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condiiton can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854- 1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
|
