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Drug Details
VALIUM (anxiety)
- Drug Class Description
Long-acting benzodiazepines (anxiolytics). - Generic Name
Diazepam - central nervous system - Presentation
Valium tablets, diazepam 2mg , 5mg . Valium tablets are not prescribable on the NHS. Diazepam tablets must be prescribed generically. Valium injection, diazepam 5mg/mL . - Description
Valium: 2mg, white tablet; 5mg, yellow tablet. All scored and marked with tablet strength and ROCHE. Valium Injection: ampoules. - Indications
Orally, short-term treatment of anxiety that is severe or disabling occurring alone or with insomnia. Acute alcohol withdrawal. Night terrors and somnambulism in children. By injection, severe acute anxiety, muscle spasm. - Adult Dosage
Orally, 6-30mg daily. By intramuscular or intravenous injection, 10mg four hourly. - Child Dosage
Orally, 1-5mg at bedtime. By injection, refer to data sheet. - Elderly Dosage
Orally, 3-15mg daily. By intramuscular or intravenous injection, 5mg four hourly. - Contra Indications
Acute pulmonary insufficiency, respiratory depression, phobic or obsessional states, chronic psychosis, myasthenia gravis. Pregnancy, labour and lactation.
- Special Precautions
Chronic pulmonary insufficiency, chronic renal or hepatic disease. The elderly. Judgement and dexterity may be impaired, patients should be warned of these effects. Do not use alone to treat depression or anxiety associated with depression. In psychological adjustment may be impaired. Avoid long-term use; withdraw gradually.
- Interactions
Alcohol and other CNS depressants, anticonvulsants, narcotic analgesics, cimetidine, rifampicin. - Adverse Drug Reactions
Drowsiness, light-headedness, muscle weakness, ataxia, confusion, vertigo, GI upset, hypotension, visual disturbances, skin rashes, impaired alertness and dexterity. Urinary retention, changes in libido. Rarely blood disorders and jaundice. Abnormal psychological reactions, Risk of dependence increases the higher the dose and the longer the treatment.