Valium Oral - Consumer Information
What is valium used to treat?
Valium has been on the market for decades and has been recognized by the World Health Organization as one of the basic drugs every hospital, clinic and dispensary should have in stock. It has built up an unbeatable record for the treatment of anxiety disorders, muscular spasms and seizures. Because it calms people, it is also used before surgery and other invasive medical procedures, and helps to manage withdrawal symptoms in cases of chronic alcoholism.
How does it work?
Valium is one of the benzodiazepines and it works on the central nervous system, changing the chemistry of the brain and modifying the chemical system that carries messages around the body. At the simplest level, it is a sedative that soothes and calms the body and mind. Because it encourages sleep, it is sometimes prescribed to reduce the risk of night terrors (frightening nightmares).
How do you take it?
As with any other powerful drug, you should always follow the instructions given by your healthcare professional or pharmacist. The dosage will vary depending on your body weight and general health, the diagnosis, the length of time you are expected to take it, and your reaction to the drug when you start to take it. Not everyone reacts in the same way and it is important to liaise with your doctor and only make the adjustments to the dose he or she approves. Self-medicating can be dangerous. In pill form, take with a full glass of water. If you are using the liquid form, you must ensure you take the correct dose by using the dropper provided.
How long do you take it?
Under normal circumstances, using valium to relieve anxiety is short-term. It can be used over longer periods of time to reduce the risk of seizures. There are two different problems to mention. Over time, your body builds up tolerance, i.e. the drug slowly becomes less effective. If you feel this happening, do not increase the dose without getting your doctor’s approval. Secondly, the drug can be habit-forming over time. If you become dependent, your use of the drug must be slowly reduced to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
What food or drinks should you avoid?
In general, there are no limits or restrictions on what you eat. Simply be consistent. If you start taking it with food, continue this. However, there are problems if you take valium together with grapefruit, whether as the fruit or as juice. The presence of grapefruit changes the rate at which you absorb the active ingredients of valium into your bloodstream. Change to other fruit while taking valium. |
