Valium is one of the most commonly used drugs in the world. That’s because it helps to relieve anxiety, muscle spasms, and even seizures. It also calms you down and helps you relax, which may be helpful if you have trouble sleeping or if you suffer from anxiety at night. However, Valium can be habit-forming, so don’t take this drug unless your doctor prescribes it to you and has explained to you how to use it properly. Keep reading to learn more about this prescription drug and whether or not it can be good for you…
Are there any benefits to taking Valium?
Just like any drug, it depends on what your doctor recommends and why. Since there are different types of anxiety disorders, a dosage could be tailored to treat panic attacks, for example. If you don’t have a prescription for it—or if you do and still take too much—it can cause negative side effects. The most common signs of an overdose include confusion or disorientation; extreme drowsiness; vision problems; nausea or vomiting; seizures; slow breathing, heart rate or even coma.
How can I take it safely?
If you’re concerned about side effects, you can take small doses of valium and stay within a daily limit of 10 milligrams. Just remember to never exceed your daily dosage or use valium more than once a day. Also, make sure to drink plenty of water when taking any type of sedative.
What Are The Side Effects Of Taking Valium?
People who take benzodiazepines like Valium for more than a few weeks often develop a tolerance to them, and need to consume higher doses. The body also becomes dependent on these drugs, which can cause withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them. When combined with alcohol or opiates, benzos can slow breathing and heart rate to potentially dangerous levels.
Does it interfere with other medications I’m taking?
If you’re taking other meds, and that’s why you need to take valium, make sure it doesn’t interfere with them. Many drugs — including heart and blood pressure medications — can react badly when taken with benzodiazepines like valium. If you notice any adverse reactions after taking your medicine as prescribed, contact your physician. Otherwise, a dosage of 10 mg may be safe for most people.
Should I Avoid Any Foods Or Drinks While Taking Valium?
Some general dietary recommendations include limiting or eliminating alcohol, caffeinated beverages and chocolate. Also, talk to your doctor about any other over-the-counter or prescription medications you take that may interact with alprazolam. Let your doctor know if you are taking an MAO inhibitor (typically prescribed for depression) as well, since these drugs should not be combined with valium due to a potentially life-threatening interaction.
Is there anything else I should know about using this drug?
In general, taking too much of any medication is a bad idea. However, in rare cases it can be necessary to take more medication than your doctor prescribed. In these instances, it’s important to follow a few safety guidelines: talk with your doctor about how much medicine you should increase your dosage by and how long you should stay on that dosage before returning to normal dosing. Never exceed recommended dosages on medications without talking with your doctor first.
Where do I get more information about this drug, if I need it in the future?
If you’re considering taking valium, or need more information on it, I encourage you to contact your doctor. In some cases, your doctor may be able to prescribe a different medicine that would be better for you. That’s why it’s important to build a strong relationship with your physician—valium may not be right for everyone!
