Patient/caregiver was educated on the side effects of using valium as follows:
General allergic reactions
- Valium use can result in general allergic reactions, such as, skin rashes, hives, and itching.
- Some patients can present with symptoms of severe allergic and anaphylactic response with valium, such as, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, throat, and tongue, with consequent difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical help for such findings, especially with difficulty breathing, for any appropriate measures to be considered.
Withdrawal syndrome
- Tapering the dose gradually over a period of time is the preferred way to quit valium.
- Sudden withdrawal from valium, after using for prolonged period of time, may lead to rebound of anxiety, insomnia, muscle spasms, and seizure symptoms.
Musculoskeletal side-effects
- Valium use can result in slurred speech, motor incoordination, with consequent increased fall risk and accidents. Confusion and dizziness with valium use, can add to the motor incoordination, thus enhancing the fall risk significantly.
Other constitutional side-effects
- Individuals taking valium can also present with sexual dysfunctions, such as, compromised interest in sex, difficulty attaining and maintaining erection, and/or difficulty having an orgasm.
