What is a Valium?
A benzodiazepine is what valium is (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen). Diazepam is believed to function by stimulating specific neurotransmitters in the brain.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms and anxiety disorders are treated with valium.

Sometimes, valium is combined with other drugs to treat seizures or spasms in the muscles.

Warnings
Avoid using Valium if you have myasthenia gravis, serious liver illness, narrow-angle glaucoma, a severe breathing issue, sleep apnea, or an allergy to diazepam or comparable medications (Ativan, Klonopin, Xanax, and others).

Diazepam might cause respiratory slowdown or cessation, particularly if you've lately taken alcohol or narcotic medications.

ABUSE OF THIS MEDICINE MAY RESULT IN OVERDOSE, ADDICTION, OR DEATH. Make sure the drug is kept out of reach of others.

Consult your doctor before stopping this medication. If you abruptly stop taking the medication after a prolonged period of use, you can have potentially fatal withdrawal symptoms. There are withdrawal symptoms that can linger for a year or more.

If, after stopping Valium, you experience any of the following symptoms, get medical attention at away: strange muscular movements, increased activity or talkativeness, abrupt and severe mood or behavior changes, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or suicidal thoughts.

Prior to using this medication
If you have a diazepam allergy or any of the following conditions, you shouldn't use Valium:

muscular weakness condition known as myasthenia gravis;

a serious respiratory issue;

respiratory pauses during sleep, or sleep apnea;

narrow-angle eye disease;

open-angle glaucoma that is uncontrolled or untreated; or

serious illness of the liver.

A toddler under six months old shouldn't be given valium. Give a child this medication only with a doctor's advise.

Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that using this medication is safe for you:

breathing issues;

glaucoma;

illness of the kidneys or liver;

seizures (unless you are treating a seizure disorder with diazepam);

an addiction to drugs or alcohol; or

depression, a mental illness, or suicidal ideas or actions.

Some people who take Valium experience suicidal thoughts. Pay attention to any changes in your symptoms or mood. Caretakers or members of your family should also keep an eye out for any abrupt behavioral shifts.

may be harmful to a fetus. If you are pregnant or think you could get pregnant, avoid using. If you use Valium while pregnant, your unborn child may have severe withdrawal symptoms at birth and require weeks of medical attention.

When pregnant, never begin or cease taking medication for seizures without first consulting your doctor. While using diazepam during pregnancy may harm the fetus, having a seizure could injure the mother as well. These hazards might be outweighed by preventing seizures. If you become pregnant, notify your doctor straight away.

It might be safer to take alternative anti-seizure drugs when expecting.