Patient/caregiver was educated on the side effects of using valium as follows:
Gastrointestinal side effects
- Valium use can result in common general constitutional symptoms such as, nausea and vomiting. Valium use can also result in compromised appetite occasionally. Taking valium after having a meal or a snack can help avoid having unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms with the medication.
- Valium can also induce extreme dry mouth and constipation. Sucking on a sugar free hard candy can help with symptomatic relief of dry mouth. Proper hydration measures and compliance with daily fluid intake recommendations can help with relief from constipation. If you experience any further bothersome constipation, report it to your physician for a recommendation on laxative/stool softener use. Observing compliance with fiber intake recommendations in the diet can also help with preventing episodes of constipation with the medication.
Central nervous system side-effects
- Valium use can result in episodes of confusion, hallucinations, dizziness, and light-headedness.
- Individuals taking valium can also present compromised memory and forgetfulness. Individuals taking valium can develop anterograde amnesia, which is a compromised ability to form new memories after the intake of medication.
- Valium use, especially in individuals with history of anxiety and bipolar disorder, can result in exacerbation of depressive symptoms, changes in behavior, irritability, compromised sexual drive, and provoke thoughts of suicide.
- Discontinuing or significant reduction of valium dose intake abruptly, after prolonged use, can result in exacerbation of anxiety, relapse and rebound of the panic episodes, precipitation of seizure episodes, muscle spasms, unpleasant withdrawal symptoms of insomnia and behavior changes. Discontinuing the medication should be gradual, using tapering doses, and only as recommended by your physician.
