Valium contains the active ingredient diazepam, which is a benzodiazepine derivative. It is available as an injectable sterile solution, with each mL containing 5 mg of diazepam. Key inactive ingredients include propylene glycol, alcohol, sodium benzoate, benzoic acid, and benzyl alcohol.

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into a muscle or a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting. Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be given to children as young as 1 month for selected conditions, precautions do apply. People 65 years and older may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: -Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat -CNS depression—slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, trouble staying awake -Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome): -Dizziness -Drowsiness -Headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -Glaucoma -Kidney disease -Liver disease -Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma or COPD -Mental health conditions -Myasthenia gravis -Sleep apnea -Substance use disorder -Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt by you or a family member -An unusual or allergic reaction to diazepam, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives -Pregnant or trying to get pregnant -Breastfeeding

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following: -Sodium oxybate This medication may also interact with the following: -Alcohol -Medications that cause drowsiness before a procedure, such as propofol -Medications that help you fall asleep -Medications that relax muscles -Opioids for pain or cough -Other benzodiazepines -Phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine -Some antihistamines -Some medications for depression, such as amitriptyline or trazodone -Some medications for seizures, such as phenobarbital or primidone -Supplements, such as green tea, melatonin, St. John's wort, valerian

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. There is a risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction with this medication. It is important to take this medication as directed by your care team. This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects. This medication is a CNS depressant. This is a type of medication or substance that slows down your brain and nervous system. Taking it with other CNS depressants can make you too sleepy. This can make it hard to breathe and stay awake. In some cases, it can cause coma and death. CNS depressants include opioids, benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, medications for sleep, alcohol, and street drugs. Talk to your care team about all the medications, vitamins, and supplements you take. They can tell you what is safe to take together. Call emergency services right away if you have slow or shallow breathing, feel dizzy or confused, or have trouble staying awake. Do not stop taking this medication or reduce your dose without first talking to your care team. If you have taken this medication for a long time or take a high dose, your body may rely on it. Stopping it suddenly may cause a severe reaction. Talk to your care team about how long you need to take this medication. When it is time to stop, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to reduce the risk of side effects. This medication may worsen depression and cause thoughts of suicide. This can happen at any time but is more common after first starting treatment and after a change in dose. Talk to your care team right away if you have changes in mood and behavior or thoughts of self-harm or suicide. They can help you. Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. Prolonged use of this medication during pregnancy can cause temporary withdrawal in a newborn. Talk to your care team before breastfeeding. Changes to your treatment plan may be needed. If you breastfeed while taking this medication, seek medical care right away if you notice the child has slow or noisy breathing, is unusually sleepy or not able to wake up, or is limp.

What are the most serious risks of this medication?

Do not stop taking this medication or reduce your dose without first talking to your care team. If you have taken this medication for a long time or take a high dose, your body may rely on it. Taking the medication away too quickly can cause symptoms, such as anxiety, tremors, and trouble sleeping. In severe cases, hallucinations and seizures can occur. Talk to your care team about how long you need to take this medication. When it is time to stop, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to reduce the risk of side effects.