Valium 5 Tablet
Manufacturer
Abbott
Salt Composition
Diazepam (5mg)
Key Information
Short Description
Valium 5 Tablet is a prescription medicine used in the treatment of short-term anxiety.
Dosage Form
Tablet
Introduction
Valium 5 Tablet may be taken with or without food. However, take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor as it has a high potential of habit-forming. If you have missed any doses, take it as soon as you remember it and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor as it can cause withdrawal effects like depression and difficulty sleeping.
Directions for Use
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Valium 5 Tablet may be taken with or without food but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How it works
Valium 5 Tablet is a benzodiazepine. It works by increasing the action of a chemical messenger (GABA) which suppresses the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.
Quick Tips
Valium 5 Tablet helps treat short term anxiety. Safety of this medicine is not established for long-term use. Do not use it for more than 4 weeks. The addiction / habit-forming potential of this medicine is very high. Take it only as per the dose and duration advised by your doctor It may cause dizziness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you. Avoid consuming alcohol as it may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions
Is Valium 5 Tablet an antidepressant? What is it used for?
Valium 5 Tablet is not an antidepressant and belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. It is used to treat severe anxiety, agitation, trembling, muscle spasm due to tetanus or poisoning, seizures or fits, confusional states, or anxiety associated with alcohol withdrawal. It also helps in relaxing patients before minor operations or procedures.
How long does it take for Valium 5 Tablet to start working?
The onset of action of Valium 5 Tablet depends on the condition being treated. For anxiety, you may start feeling better within a few hours, but it may take a week or two to experience the full benefits. For muscle spasm, you may notice a difference after 15 minutes. Regular use for a few days can lead to continued relaxation of muscles.
Does Valium 5 Tablet cause sleepiness? If yes, then should I stop driving while taking Valium 5 Tablet?
Yes, Valium 5 Tablet can cause drowsiness, forgetfulness, and affect muscular function, which may impair your ability to drive. If you experience sleepiness or drowsiness, it is recommended to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.
Is it safe to take Valium 5 Tablet and alcohol together?
No, it is not recommended to take Valium 5 Tablet with alcohol, as it can increase the risk of breathing problems, sleepiness, and heart problems. Combining Valium 5 Tablet with alcohol can lead to shallow breathing, which may result in death.
Is Valium 5 Tablet addictive?
Valium 5 Tablet can be addictive, especially when taken in high doses or for extended periods. People with a history of alcoholism or drug abuse are more likely to become addicted. It is essential to take Valium 5 Tablet for the shortest possible time and in the lowest effective dose.
Can I stop taking Valium 5 Tablet if I start feeling better?
No, it is not recommended to stop taking Valium 5 Tablet suddenly, as it may lead to withdrawal effects such as depression, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, irritability, sweating, upset stomach, or diarrhea. Stopping the medication abruptly may also cause the return of symptoms and make them harder to treat.
For how long should I take Valium 5 Tablet?
The duration of treatment with Valium 5 Tablet is typically as short as possible. Your doctor will assess your condition after 4 weeks of treatment to determine if further treatment is necessary. In general, treatment does not exceed 8-12 weeks, including a gradual reduction of dose.
Does Valium 5 Tablet have any effect on contraception?
Valium 5 Tablet does not affect the functioning of any type of contraception, including birth control pills and emergency contraception. However, taking Valium 5 Tablet with birth control pills may prolong its effects and cause irregular bleeding.
Is it safe to take clozapine and Valium 5 Tablet together?
No, it is not recommended to take clozapine and Valium 5 Tablet together, as the effects of both medications may combine and increase the risk of severe side effects, including respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening.
Is Valium 5 Tablet safe to be used in elderly patients?
The dose of Valium 5 Tablet in elderly patients is typically half the dose recommended for younger individuals. This is because Valium 5 Tablet can cause muscle relaxation, which may increase the risk of falls and fractures in older adults.
