Valium (Diazepam) Side Effects

There are a number of side effects of Valium (diazepam) to be aware of before you start taking the medication, and also for when you decide to discontinue using it. Discussing all of the possible drug interactions and diazepam side effects that you may experience will allow you to make an educated decision with your physician on how best to treat your anxiety. Often times, using medications as part of a bigger treatment plan can reduce the negative side effects of Valium as you may not have to take as large of a dose for the same effect. It is also very important to make sure that your doctor and pharmacist are aware of any addictive tendencies that you may possess, as one of the negative Valium side effects is the possibility of dependency. For this reason, it is important not to share this medication and keep it stored in a safe location.

Valium and pregnancy

Taking Valium while pregnant is also discouraged as it could harm either the mother or baby, or both. If you do become pregnant while taking Valium, it is important to talk to your doctor right away and not to stop taking it until you have a plan, as withdrawal symptoms associated with immediate cessation are more harmful than weaning yourself off of the medication.

Common diazepam side effects

The range of side effects of Valium is quite large, and in some cases can even be life threatening. By making sure that you discuss these symptoms with your physician, both before you begin the treatment and as you experience them, will make sure that they can adjust your dosage to minimize side effects. Typical diazepam side effects include: memory interruptions, drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, increased irritability, muscle pain, nausea, intestinal discomfort, dry mouth, distorted visuals, lowered libido, and mild rashes. While this is not a complete list of Valium side effects, if you experience any of these (or others) while taking the medication, speak with your doctor and heed their advice.

Severe diazepam side effects

In some cases there is an allergic reaction to the medication and it is important to seek medical attention right away if you experience any of the following: hives, difficulty breathing, and/or any swelling in your face or throat. There are also a number of severe side effects of Valium to be aware of including: confusion, hallucinations, increased risk taking, decreased appreciation for danger, depression, suicidal thoughts, increased aggression, increased convulsions, difficulty breathing, severe lightheadedness, uncontrollable muscle twitches, and/or problems urinating. If you experience one or more of these severe diazepam side effects, seek emergency medical attention as soon as possible.