(Last Updated On: December 19, 2018)

Valium Side Effects

Diazepam (Valium) is used to treat anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and seizures. It is also used to relieve muscle spasms and to provide sedation before medical procedures. This medication works by calming the brain and nerves. Diazepam belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. The are some common Valium Side Effects, make sure to call your doctor right away if you have serious Valium side effects.

Valium is available for oral administration as tablets containing Valium 2 mg, Valium 5 mg or 10 mg diazepam. Before you read Valium side effects, it’s import you understand the appropriate Valium dosage you should take.

Valium Dosage

Diazepam (Valium dosage) should be individualized for maximum beneficial effect. While the usual daily Valium dosages given below will meet the needs of most patients, there will be some who may require higher doses. In such cases, the Valium dosage should be increased cautiously to avoid adverse Valium side effects.

 

ADULTS: USUAL DAILY DOSE:
Management of Anxiety Disorders and Relief of Symptoms of Anxiety. Depending upon severity of symptoms—2 mg to 10 mg, 2 to 4 times daily
Symptomatic Relief in Acute Alcohol Withdrawal. 10 mg, 3 or 4 times during the first 24 hours, reducing to 5 mg, 3 or 4 times daily as needed
Adjunctively for Relief of Skeletal Muscle Spasm. 2 mg to 10 mg, 3 or 4 times daily
Adjunctively in Convulsive Disorders. 2 mg to 10 mg, 2 to 4 times daily
Geriatric Patients, or in the presence of debilitating disease. 2 mg to 2.5 mg, 1 or 2 times daily initially; increase gradually as needed and tolerated
PEDIATRIC PATIENTS
Because of varied responses to CNS-acting drugs, initiate therapy with lowest dose and increase as required. Not for use in pediatric patients under 6 months. 1 mg to 2.5 mg, 3 or 4 times daily initially; increase gradually as needed and tolerated

What are the Valium side effects?

According MedlinePlus Diazepam oral tablet can slow down your brain’s activity and interfere with your judgment, thinking, and motor skills. You shouldn’t drink alcohol or use other drugs that can also slow down your brain’s activity while you’re on diazepam. You also shouldn’t drive, operate machinery, or do other tasks that require alertness until you know how this drug affects you. There are additional effects that you should also be aware of.

More common Valium side effects

The more common valium side effects that occur with diazepam (valium) include:

  • drowsiness
  • tiredness or fatigue
  • muscle weakness
  • inability to control muscle movements (ataxia)
  • headache
  • tremor
  • dizziness
  • dry mouth or excessive saliva
  • nausea
  • constipation

If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious Valium side effects

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

  • Worsening of seizures. Symptoms can include:
    • increase in frequency
    • increase in severity
  • Changes in the brain or how you think. Symptoms can include:
    • depression
    • confusion
    • feelings of the room spinning (vertigo)
    • slowed or slurred speech
    • double or blurred vision
    • thoughts of suicide
    • memory loss
  • Unexpected reactions. Symptoms can include:
    • extreme excitement
    • anxiety
    • hallucinations
    • increased muscle spasms
    • trouble sleeping
    • agitation
  • Liver problems. Symptoms can include:
    • yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes (jaundice)
  • Bladder problems. Symptoms can include:
    • inability to urinate
    • inability to hold urine
  • Increase or decrease in sex drive.
  • Withdrawal. Symptoms can include:
    • tremor
    • abdominal or muscle cramps
    • sweating
    • convulsions

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare provider who knows your medical history.