Valium Side Effects
Summary
The most common side effects of Valium (diazepam) are minor and may include drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches. These side effects may go away on their own as the body adjusts to the medication. In cases where valium side effects are disruptive, a healthcare professional can help the patient develop a more effective treatment regimen. Serious valium side effects are rare and include changes in behavior, hallucinations and flu-like symptoms.
Common Valium Side Effects
The most common side effects of valium include the following:
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Difficulty with coordination
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
These side effects are typically mild, but if theypersist or become particularly bothersome to you, consult your doctor.
Serious Valium Side Effects
Some people are allergic to valium (diazepam). If you experience any of the following side effects, you are most likely having an allergic reaction and need to consult a healthcare provider immediately:
- Rash or hives
- Itching
- Swelling of the face or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in the chest
- Severe dizziness
In rare cases, people will experience serious side effects. If any of the following side effects occur, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately:
- Hallucinations
- Memory problems
- Double vision
- Insomnia
- Unexplained agitation
- Clumsiness and/or trouble walking
- Slurred speech
- Noticeable changes in libido
- Difficulty urinating
- Trouble controlling urination or bowel movements
- Tremors
- Sleep disturbances
- Persistent nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Dark colored urine
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin
- Fever
- Sore throat
The above side effects may indicate a serious complication associated with valium. Do not hesitate in seeking professional medical attention.
In rare cases, side effects may include behavioral changes. These are uncommon, but should be addressed immediately if they do occur. Behavioral side effects to be aware of include:
- Severe anxiety
- Unusual aggression
- Hostility or rage
- Depression or worsening symptoms of existing depression
- Suicidal thoughts
Pregnancy
Valium side effects can be very serious for pregnant or breastfeeding women. In animal studies, valium caused birth defects. Valium (diazepam) belongs to pregnancy category D. This indicates that the medication is considered dangerous for pregnant women. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or plan to become pregnant, you should consult your doctor about a possible alternative to valium (diazepam).
Withdrawal
Valium side effects from abrupt withdrawal can be very uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. The patient's valium dosage should always be monitored by a health care professional. If you wish to stop taking valium, consult your doctor for a gradual withdrawal program which will cause fewer side effects. Side effects associated with withdrawal include the following:
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Hallucinations
- Personality changes
- Panic attacks
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Headaches
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- Numbness or tingling
- Tachycardia
- Memory loss
- Tension
- Heart palpitations
Withdrawal symptoms may also occur if a person becomes addicted to valium. If this happens, the patient should consult a doctor for assistance in quitting the medication and finding an alternative solution for their condition.
Valium is an effective treatment for many people, and most patients experience no serious side effects from the medication. If you do experience side effects, the best course of action is always to consult your healthcare provider. Stopping the drug on your own, even to eliminate side effects, can be unpleasant and dangerous. If and when you do decide to stop taking valium, use a gradual withdrawal method to minimize adverse side effects as much as possible.
