August 3rd, 2011 by admin

Summary: Valium has been listed in the WHO’s list of essential drugs and is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs for more than 40 years. But then again, like all drugs Valium has some side effects as well and one must be aware of these side effects before taking this drug.

The Possible Side Effects of Valium

Valium is a very commonly prescribed drug and has been around for more than 40 years. It is one of the best known drugs and it is, in fact, so popular that people have forgotten that valium is merely a brand name used by the manufacturers Hoffman-La Roche and the chemical name is in fact diazepam. It is used to treat anxiety, seizures, restless legs syndrome, Ménière’s disease, alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasms and insomnia. It has amnestic, skeletal muscle relaxant, sedative, hypnotic, anticonvulsant, anxiolytic properties. But like all drugs, diazepam also has its fair share 

of side effects and adverse effects.

It is known to cause anti-retrograde amnesia when taken in unsafe doses. Anti-retrograde amnesia is like the opposite of amnesia, that is one is able to remember all incidents prior to the incident that caused the anti-retrograde amnesia, but has difficulties retaining short term memories and can’t remember anything more than what occurred five minutes prior. It also has some effects that are paradoxical – it can actually worsen seizures in epileptics. It causes effects like rage and excitement and can actually worsen depression. It is also a sedative and sedation can be indirectly harmful as it can lead to lack of alertness while operating machinery or driving and could be dangerous to the person involved and others around.

Diazepam is not recommended for individuals who are dependant on drugs and alcohol as it can cause co-morbid psychiatric disorders. Special precaution should be taken when given to children, the minimum possible dose should be given and it should be given to children under 6 months of age as trials have not been conducted. In elderly people, the diazepam has risk of cardiac arrest. Also, the fact that it is a sedative subjects the elderly to the risk of falling. Generally, the elder are more susceptible to the risks. In pregnant women, it can lead to floppy baby syndrome.

Diazepam is also known to cause problems that are associated with addictive substances, problems like dependence, withdrawal, and tolerance. Patients develop tolerance, that it higher and higher doses have to be given to achieve desired results and the consequence of this is of course dependence. The discontinuation of the drug results in withdrawal symptoms. Discontinuation of the drug should be done gradually over a period of time with reduced dosages. Abrupt stoppage can lead to withdrawal symptoms. The higher the dosage, the more drastic will be the effects of the withdrawal.