Valium, the brand name for Diazepam, is a drug that belongs in the group called benzodiazepines. Valium works to relieve anxiety by affecting the chemicals within the brain that become imbalanced when anxiety strikes. This anti-anxiety medication is used to treat a plethora of disorders. Someone who has high stress or anxiety, someone who is experiencing withdrawal symptoms (such as alcohol withdrawal), and even people who have muscle spasms and seizures are treated with Valium.

Unfortunately Valium is not for everyone. There are some people who should not take Valium, or who need to take extra precautions while on this drug. Those people include people who suffer from: liver disease, glaucoma, breathing problems, sleep apnea, myasthenia gravis, and who are allergic to similar benzodiazepines (Klonopin, Ativan, Restoril, Xanax, ect.)

If you are pregnant, or think you have become pregnant you should immediately contact your doctor. Valium should not be used at any point during pregnancy because it can cause birth defects and the child may be born with a dependency on Valium. Also, never drink alcohol while taking Valium as it increases the effects of alcohol.

An overdose of Valium could be fatal. Never take a larger dose than prescribed, take it more often, or share these pills with anyone else. This drug can be habit-forming and should be taken under the strict instructions by a doctor. When storing Valium make sure it is in a secure place where others can’t get to it.

Since this drug works like a sedative, you should be sure to be careful so that you avoid falls and injuries. If an older adult is taking this medicine they need to be especially careful as they are more prone to falls and are injured much easier.