Generic Valium 10 mg

Overview of Valium 10 mg Blue Drug

Valium 10 mg is a multi-functional and prescription medicine that is helpful for treating various disorders. For instance, convulsive seizures, alcohol withdrawal, muscle cramps, and anxiety disorders are treated by using this medication. Treating these disorders are approved by the USFDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration).

Diazepam is a generic medicine and acts as an active ingredient in branded medicine, Valium. It is a round shaped and blue-colored drug. This drug falls under the category of benzodiazepine anticonvulsants which produce calming a effect on the nerve and the brain. Roche is the manufacturer of this branded medication.

According to the Controlled Substance Act, Valium (Diazepam) is classified as a controlled substance of Schedule IV. It means there is a high probability of misuse, abuse and dependency of the medication.

Mechanism of Action :

This medicine is considered as benzodiazepine which has sedative, muscle-relaxant, anxiolytic and anticonvulsant effects. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a neurotransmitter that blocks the particular signals in the brain and the spinal cord.

The GABA receptor activates the GABA-A receptor and binds with it. As a result, the concentration of chloride ions gets increased and causes the diffusion (leaking out) of potassium ions. This helps to decrease neuronal activities in the brain by its calming and relaxing effect.

Dose & Dosage Strength:

1) Dose Forms

The anti-anxiety Valium is available in various forms, such as oral tablet, intravenous injection (IV), intramuscular injection (IM) and rectal gel. The 2 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg are the dosage strengths of this drug.

2) Dosage Administration

The administration of the dose is decided by a doctor, which depends on various factors. Such as, medical condition, age and severity of problem. The different dosage strengths are categorized on the basis of different disorders and are given below:-

i) For Adults

For Treating Anxiety

The dosage strength for treating anxiety is the range between 2 mg to 10 mg. It can be taken two to fours times a day.

For Treating Acute Alcohol Withdrawal

It can be consumed as per requirement, however, the suggested dose is 10 mg. The medicine can be taken thrice or four times on the first day (first 24 hours). The dose can be minimized up to 5 mg and is advised to be taken 3 or 4 times as per needed.

For Treating Muscle Cramps

The recommended dose of the drug is between 2 mg to 10 mg and prescribed for thrice or 4 times on a regular basis.

For Treating Convulsive Disorders

A dose of 2 mg to 10 mg is the advised dose, which can be taken twice or four times a day.

ii) For Children

The suggested dose is 1 mg to 2.5 mg. It is the starting dose, later the dose can be raised according to requirements and tolerance. This dose is recommended for children who are below six months.

iii) For Elderly Patients

Geriatric patients can start with a dose of 1 mg to 2.5 mg

Uses of Valium 10 mg:

Valium medicine has many uses and these are as follows:-

A) Approved Use

There are FDA-approved uses of the drug.

• Anxiety disorder
• Muscle spasm
• Convulsive seizures
• Alcohol withdrawal

B) Non-approved Use

• For Sedation
• Spasticity (muscle stiffness)

Side Effects:

Common Side Effects

• Tiredness
• Nausea
• Depression
• Rashes
• Stomach upset
• Blurry vision

Adverse Side Effects

• Tremors
• Confusion
• Difficulty in passing urine
• Mood swings
• Uneasiness
• Chills
• Breathing problem
• Drowsiness
• Slow heartbeat (bradycardia)
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Difficulty in speaking (dysarthria) and walking
• Fever
• Depression
• Vertigo

Note: The black box warning issued by the FDA due to various fatal health consequences such as breathing problems, coma and even death. There is a high risk of dependency and addiction of the medicine.

Precautions:

• If the medicine is stopped abruptly, then it can cause withdrawal symptoms.
• If a person is allergic to benzodiazepine then medicine should be stopped immediately.
• The consumption of alcohol can make you feel more dizzy and drowsy. It is not recommended while taking the medicine.
• One should inform a healthcare professional about their health condition.
• The patient with kidney and liver problems should not take the drug without seeking consultation from a doctor.