Pros & Cons
What are the pros and cons of diazepam (Valium)?
- Diazepam tablets and liquid forms can treat many different conditions such as anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
- This medicine is faster acting and longer-lasting than other drugs in its family (benzodiazepine drugs).
- Diazepam can be used in children over the age of 6 months to manage muscle spasms.
- It is an inexpensive medication and is available in a low-cost generic form.
- Diazepam can be habit-forming and can lead to dependence. Therefore, chronic administration is not advised, and it is only used for the short term.
- There are multiple drug interactions between diazepam and other medications.
- This medication is not safe to take if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It can be harmful to the unborn baby, and diazepam passes into breast milk.
- Diazepam can cause drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, and memory problems.
- Elderly patients (age 65 plus) may have severe side effects on diazepam.
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