What is the most common side effect of diazepam?

Drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, blurred vision, or unsteadiness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.

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What are the negative effects of diazepam?

Call your doctor or get emergency medical treatment if you experience any of the following symptoms: unusual movements; ringing in your ears; anxiety; memory problems; difficulty concentrating; sleep problems; seizures; shaking; muscle twitching; changes in mental health; depression; burning or prickling feeling in ...

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What should you avoid while taking diazepam?

Cautions with other medicines
  • antipsychotics, used to treat mental health problems.
  • antidepressants, used to treat depression.
  • anticonvulsants, used to treat seizures.
  • hypnotics, used to treat anxiety or sleep problems.
  • drowsy or sedating antihistamines, such as chlorphenamine or promethazine.

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What happens if you take diazepam every day?

Long-term use of diazepam can lead to chemical dependency and, eventually, to severe addiction. Understanding the health complications of Valium addiction may encourage nonmedical users of this drug to reach out for help.

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What part of the body does diazepam affect?

Like most benzodiazepines, diazepam targets the central nervous system by increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the brain. This neurotransmitter inhibits neuron activity in the brain, ebbing anxiety and creating a general feeling of wellness.

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DIAZEPAM (Valium) | Medication for Anxiety, Muscle Spasm & Seizures | What You Need to Know

33 related questions found

How long can I safely take diazepam?

You should not normally be prescribed diazepam for more than four weeks. If you are taking diazepam to help you sleep, you should take it just before bedtime. Diazepam can be taken before or after food. Swallow tablets whole with a drink of water – if chewed, they taste bitter.

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How long does 5mg diazepam last?

How Long Does Valium Last? Unlike other benzodiazepines, also known as benzos, Valium is a long-lasting medication. The effects of Valium can range from four hours to beyond 12 hours. Certain groups of people may experience longer-lasting effects from Valium compared to others.

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Can I take 5mg diazepam every night?

Dosage for tablets and liquid

sleep problems (related to anxiety) – 5mg to 15mg, taken once a day at bedtime. muscle spasms in adults – 2mg to 15 mg a day. This can be taken as 1mg twice a day and can go up to 5mg taken 3 times a day. The dose can be increased to up to 20mg, taken 3 times a day if needed.

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Is 2mg of diazepam a day addictive?

Is diazepam addictive? It is possible to become addicted to diazepam. To reduce the risk of becoming addicted, it's best to take the lowest dose that treats your symptoms, and to take it for only a short time (2 to 4 weeks).

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Can you stay on diazepam long term?

While Valium can be extremely beneficial at relieving the immediate effects of severe anxiety, it is not something that should be used for the prolonged treatment of anxiety disorders. Valium, like other benzodiazepines, is a highly addictive substance and can therefore elicit dependency quickly.

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Why do doctors not prescribe diazepam?

Whilst most people find benzodiazepines like diazepam sedating, a small number have paradoxical agitation and in aggression. They can also cause disinhibition and lead you to behave in a way that you would not normally.

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Is diazepam a high risk medication?

Diazepam has a risk for abuse and addiction, which can lead to overdose and death. Taking this medication with alcohol or other drugs that can cause drowsiness or breathing problems (especially opioid medications such as codeine, hydrocodone) may cause very serious side effects, including death.

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Can you take diazepam and paracetamol together?

Diazepam and painkillers

If you need to take a painkiller with diazepam it's fine to take paracetamol or ibuprofen. Don't take co-codamol, codeine or dihydrocodeine. Is it safe to take different medicines together?

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Is it OK to take diazepam occasionally?

Bottom Line. Diazepam may be used occasionally to relieve anxiety and prolonged seizures; however, it is addictive and withdrawal symptoms can be severe.

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Can diazepam make you feel ill?

Individuals who experience side effects from Valium most often have issues with motor coordination, dizziness, lethargy, and mild muscle weakness. If a person experiences more severe side effects, the medication can be discontinued and a different medication used.

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How long does it take for diazepam to kick in?

When administered intravenously, diazepam has an onset of action within 1 to 3 minutes, while oral dosing onset ranges between 15 to 60 minutes. In addition, diazepam is long-lasting, with a duration of action of more than 12 hours.

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Is 5mg of diazepam a day a lot?

Doctors generally recommend the drug should be used at dosages of 2-10 mg. This amount can be taken up to four times in a 24-hour time frame. The maximum daily total use in milligrams should not exceed 40 mg. Consuming a higher dosage of valium than prescribed by your doctor could lead to an overdose.

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Can I have a glass of wine with diazepam?

Diazepam and alcohol are both central nervous system depressants. Therefore, the effects of mixing diazepam and alcohol can not only be be unpleasant but, in some cases, life-threatening.

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Can I drive after taking 2mg diazepam?

It is concluded that patients receiving a 2.5 mg dose of lorazepam should not drive or operate machinery for 24 h after the administration. After diazepam (10 mg) or medazepam (15 mg) patients should refrain from driving or participating inskilled performances for only 5 to 7 hours.

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What is 5mg diazepam equivalent to?

Clonazepam 250 micrograms is approximately equivalent to diazepam 5mg. Clonazepam is used for the treatment of epilepsy. The dose may be given as a single daily dose at night or in 3 or 4 divided doses.

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What are the benefits of diazepam 5mg?

Diazepam belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. It's used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms and seizures or fits. It's also used in hospital to reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as sweating or difficulty sleeping.

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Does diazepam lower blood pressure?

After diazepam administration, systolic and mean blood pressure decreased significantly. Muscle sympathetic nerve activity was also significantly reduced but heart rate did not change, whereas the variables of spectral analysis of heart rate variability did not show significant change.

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How long after taking 2mg diazepam can you drink alcohol?

Additionally, if you want to go out for a few drinks with friends, you should wait at least three days to drink after taking Valium. However, if you're taking this drug long-term or regularly, avoid alcohol completely.

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Is 2.5 mg diazepam enough?

Adults—2 to 10 milligrams (mg) 2 to 4 times a day. Older adults—At first, 2 to 2.5 mg 1 or 2 times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. Children 6 months of age and older—At first, 1 to 2.5 mg 3 or 4 times per day.

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Can you take diazepam on a flight?

Whilst most people find Diazepam sedating, a small number have paradoxical agitation and aggression. They can also cause disinhibition and lead you to behave in a way that you would not normally which can pose a risk on the plane.

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