DIAZEPAMTRANSCRIPT (page 1 of 3)If you have anxiety, seizures, or muscle spasms, you may be prescribed Diazepam.You may also be familiar with its brand name, Valium.Diazepam is a high alert medication, which means if you do not take it exactly asprescribed, it may cause illness or injury.To understand how Diazepam works, let’s look at how anxiety affects your body.Your brain is constantly firing information and messages to the rest of your body,telling you what to think, what to feel and what to do. When you are faced with asituation that makes you anxious or causes you to panic, your brain puts you in a stateof alert and gets you ready to face the situation.When it passes, the nerve signals in your brain slow down and your body calms. Butwhen you suffer from anxiety, your brain can’t turn off that state of alert.Diazepam enhances a chemical in the brain called GABA, which helps calm you down.And it slows pain signals going down the spine to help reduce muscle spasms.Diazepam comes in a tablet, liquid or rectal gel. Your healthcare provider will decidehow much you need to take but tablets come in 2 milligram, 5 milligram and 10milligram dosages.Diazepam is a powerful medication. Some people should not take it. Do not takeDiazepam if you are allergic to other anti-anxiety medications like Klonopin or Xanax.Do not take Diazepam if you have liver disease, breathing problems, glaucoma orsleep apnea.Do not take Diazepam if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.Diazepam can harm your baby.20% gradient meshBefore taking Diazepam, tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of: asthmaor other breathing problems, glaucoma, liver or kidney problems, epilepsy, orhealthclipsdepression or suicidal thoughts.healthclipsDiazepam can be highly addictive. If you have a history of abuse of: street drugs,prescription medications, or alcohol, tell your healthcare provider. There mayhealthclipsbe adifferent medication available for you.healthclips(Continued on next page)4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10026_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient meshDIAZEPAMTRANSCRIPT (page 2 of 3)Some side effects of Diazepam include: dizziness, feeling tired, feeling lightheaded, ormuscle weakness.If you do notice any of these side effects, contact your healthcare provider about howto manage them.Eating grapefruit, or drinking grapefruit juice, while taking Diazepam can increase yourside effects. If you do eat grapefruit, eat or drink about the same amount every day toavoid an increase in side effects.Be aware that you are at an increased risk of falling while taking Diazepam. Get upfrom a sitting or lying position slowly.Do not drive or operate heavy machinery, including your car, until you know howDiazepam affects you.Do not drink alcohol while taking Diazepam. Diazepam can increase the effects ofalcohol.If you have an allergic reaction like: trouble breathing, hives, or swelling of your faceor throat, call 911.This is not a complete list of side effects. Make sure you discuss all possible sideeffects with your healthcare provider.Take Diazepam exactly as prescribed. Do not change your dose or take it for longerthan prescribed.If you have been prescribed liquid Diazepam, use a dose measuring spoon ormedicine cup to make sure you get the correct amount. Do not use a regular kitchenspoon.20% gradient meshYou may need to take your Diazepam several times throughout the day depending onyour prescription. Try setting an alert on your phone or watch so you don’t forget.healthclipshealthclipsIf you miss a dose, take your Diazepam as soon as possible. If it is almost time for yournext dose, skip your missed dose and return to your normal medication schedule.healthclipsDo not double dose. If you think you have taken too much Diazepam, call 911. Anhealthclipsoverdose can lead to death.(Continued on next page)4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10026_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient meshDIAZEPAMTRANSCRIPT (page 3 of 3)If you have been prescribed Diazepam rectal gel, make sure you discuss how toproperly administer it with your healthcare provider.Store Diazepam away from moisture and direct sunlight. Your bathroom medicinecabinet is not the best place because of moisture. Do not leave your medication whereit can get too hot or too cold. Always store your medication out of sight and out ofreach of children to prevent accidents.Because Diazepam can cause dependency, it can be a very desirable drug to addicts.Lock this medication up to prevent stealing and abuse.When you are done taking Diazepam tablets, crush all of your remaining pills andmix them with undesirable trash like kitty litter or coffee grounds. Dispose of liquidDiazepam by flushing it down a drain or toilet.Do not sell or give your Diazepam to anyone else. It is against the law and canseriously harm anyone else taking it. Contact your local police station for moreinformation on proper disposal directions.Diazepam can help you manage anxiety, muscle spasms, or seizures. But it is apowerful medication that should only be taken exactly as prescribed. If you have anyquestions about Diazepam, ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist for moreinformation.20% gradient meshhealthclipshealthclipshealthclipshealthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10026_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient mesh
