Valium for anxiety disorder

What is Valium?

As one of the benzodiazepines, it quickly relieves anxiety and tension. Indeed, it is because it is fast-acting that it has become the standard treatment for so many acute conditions.

What is Valium used to treat?

It is used to treat a wide range of different problems. Modern drugs tend to be used for just one or two diseases or disorders. Valium is used for the short-term treatment of anxiety disorders, to reduce the risk of muscle spasms and convulsions, to relieve some of the more distressing withdrawal symptoms experienced by alcoholics, and to help people overcome sleeping disorders.

How does Valium work?

Valium is related to the group of drugs called the benzodiazepines and it changes the chemistry of the brain to reduce the feelings of anxiety. Because it has a sedative effect, it also causes the muscles of the body to relax, and to encourage drowsiness and sleep.

How to use Valium safely

Always take only the dosage directed by your doctor or pharmacist, drinking it down with plenty of water. Do not crush or chew it. This changes the speed at which it passes through your stomach and into the bloodstream. It is better to take it without food. If you eat a heavy meal, it will slow down the rate of absorption. As a general rule, do not eat grapefruit or drink the juice. Do not drink alcohol while taking Valium.

If you miss a dose by only an hour or so, take the missing dose when you remember. Otherwise, wait until the next scheduled time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

What precautions should be taken?

As one of the benzodiazepines, there is always a slight risk of dependence if you take the drug at too high a dosage for too long. This risk becomes significantly higher if you have a history of alcohol or drug addiction. So, unless there is a very good medical reason to take this drug, you should not start unless your doctor gives clear approval.

Do not take this drug if you have glaucoma, difficulty breathing, e.g. asthma, some muscle problems, sleep apnea where you stop breathing while asleep, liver disease or you have been diagnosed with HIV.

What are the more common Valium interactions?

You should take the detailed advice of your doctor if youS are taking drugs to control seizure disorders like epilepsy, you have a fungal infection or you are taking any other drug that slows down the rate at which the body works. If you add two drugs with the same effect together, it makes the effect more than twice as strong. So do not take Valium with antidepressants, the more powerful painkillers, tranquilizers, sedatives, sleeping pills, and so on. Finally, if you buy supplements or natural health products over the counter, always check the labels and do not take anything containing St. John’s Wort.

Valium side effects

It is quite common to feel drowsy and tired. Do not drive or operate dangerous machinery until you have built up some tolerance. More seriously, it can affect your ability to breathe, make you feel lightheaded, irritable and confused. If these mood changes persist, get advice.