Side Effects of Valium (diazepam)

Valium is used for seizures, muscle spasms, and sedation during surgery.

Common side effects of Valium:

• drowsiness
• fatigue
• diarrhea
• rash
• euphoria
• loss of balance
• paradoxical reactions with excitability
• muscle spasm
• lack of sleep
• rage
• confusion
• speech problems
• double vision

Serious side effects of Valium:

• respiratory depression
• low white blood cell counts (neutropenia)
• depression

Valium can lead to addiction when high dosages are used for extended periods. Abrupt discontinuation may cause withdrawal symptoms:

Drug interactions of Valium:

• Valium can have increased effects when used with sedating substances like alcohol or certain medications.
• Several drugs can prolong Valium’s effects by inhibiting liver enzymes that eliminate it. Dosages may need to be reduced when used together.
• Other drugs decrease Valium levels by increasing its elimination by liver enzymes.

Valium should not be used during pregnancy due to the risk of fetal abnormalities. It can also affect nursing infants, so it is not recommended for breastfeeding women.

What are the important side effects of Valium (diazepam)?

The most common side effects of diazepam:

Other important side effects:

• Paradoxical reactions with excitability
• Muscle spasm
• Lack of sleep
• Rage
• Confusion
• Speech problems
• Double vision

Possible serious side effects:

• Respiratory depression
• Neutropenia
• Depression

Valium (diazepam) side effects list for healthcare professionals

Most commonly reported side effects: drowsiness, fatigue, muscle weakness, and ataxia. Other reported side effects:

• Central Nervous System: confusion, depression, dysarthria, headache, slurred speech, tremor, vertigo
• Gastrointestinal System: constipation, nausea, gastrointestinal disturbances
• Special Senses: blurred vision, diplopia, dizziness
• Cardiovascular System: hypotension
• Psychiatric and Paradoxical Reactions: stimulation, restlessness, acute hyperexcited states, anxiety, agitation, aggressiveness, irritability, rage, hallucinations, psychoses, delusions, increased muscle spasticity, insomnia, sleep disturbances, and nightmares. Benzodiazepines may cause adverse behavioral effects, especially in children and the elderly.
• Urogenital System: incontinence, changes in libido, urinary retention
• Skin and Appendages: skin reactions
• Laboratories: elevated transaminases and alkaline phosphatase
• Other: changes in salivation, including dry mouth, hypersalivation
• Therapeutic dosages of Valium may cause antegrade amnesia, with higher dosages having a greater risk. Minor changes in EEG patterns have been observed in patients during and after Valium therapy, but they are not significant.
• Periodic blood counts and liver function tests are advisable during long-term Valium therapy.

Postmarketing Experience

• Injury, Poisoning and Procedural Complications: Falls and fractures have been reported in benzodiazepine users, particularly in those taking sedatives or alcohol and in the elderly.

What drugs interact with Valium (diazepam)?

Centrally Acting Agents

• Careful consideration should be given when combining Valium with other centrally acting agents, especially those that may potentiate or be potentiated by Valium’s action, such as phenothiazines, antipsychotics, anxiolytics/sedatives, hypnotics, anticonvulsants, narcotic analgesics, anesthetics, sedative antihistamines, narcotics, barbiturates, MAO inhibitors, and other antidepressants.

Alcohol

• Concomitant use with alcohol is not recommended as it enhances the sedative effect.

Antacids

• Antacids lower the peak concentrations of diazepam, but there is no effect on absorption.
• The slower rate of absorption with antacids leads to a delay in reaching peak concentrations, but this difference is not significant.

Compounds Which Inhibit Certain Hepatic Enzymes

• Some compounds inhibit hepatic enzymes and can affect the pharmacokinetics of diazepam, leading to increased and prolonged sedation. This interaction is known with cimetidine, ketoconazole, fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, and omeprazole.

Phenytoin

• Diazepam can decrease the metabolic elimination of phenytoin.

Does Valium cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms?

Drug Abuse And Dependence

• Diazepam is a controlled substance with the potential for abuse and dependence.
• Addiction-prone individuals should be closely monitored when taking diazepam or other psychotropic agents due to the risk of habituation and dependence.
• Withdrawal symptoms may occur after discontinuing diazepam, particularly with long-term use. These symptoms include tremor, abdominal and muscle cramps, vomiting, sweating, headache, muscle pain, anxiety, tension, restlessness, confusion, and irritability. Severe cases may include derealization, depersonalization, hyperacusis, numbness and tingling, hypersensitivity, hallucinations, and seizures.

Summary

Valium is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety, agitation, tremors, delirium, seizures, and hallucinations resulting from alcohol withdrawal. It is also used for seizures, muscle spasms, and sedation during surgery. Common side effects include drowsiness, fatigue, diarrhea, rash, euphoria, loss of balance, paradoxical reactions with excitability, muscle spasm, lack of sleep, rage, confusion, speech problems, and double vision. Valium should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.