Valium (Diazepam Tablets) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 3, 2012

Valium

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) »

What is the temporomandibular joint?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the area directly in front of the ear on either side of the head where the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible) meet. Within the TMJ, there are moving parts that allow the upper jaw to close on the lower jaw. This joint is a typical sliding "ball and socket" that has a disc sandwiched between it. The TMJ is used throughout the day to move the jaw, especially in biting and chewing, talking, and yawning. It is one of the most frequently used joints of the body.

The temporomandibular joints are complex and are composed of muscles, tendons, and bones. Each component contributes to the smooth operation of the TMJ. When the muscles are relaxed and balanced and both jaw joints open and close comfortably, we are able to talk, chew, or yawn without pain.

We can locate the TMJ by putting a finger on the triangular structure in front of the ear. The finger is moved just slightly fo...

Read the Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) article »

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VALIUM
(diazepam) Tablets

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Valium (diazepam) is a benzodiazepine derivative. The chemical name of diazepam is 7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one. It is a colorless to light yellow crystalline compound, insoluble in water. The empirical formula is C₁₆H₁₃ClN₂O and the molecular weight is 284.75. The structural formula is as follows:

VALIUM (diazepam) Structural Formula Illustration

Valium (diazepam tablets) is available for oral administration as tablets containing 2 mg, 5 mg or 10 mg diazepam. In addition to the active ingredient diazepam, each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: anhydrous lactose, corn starch, pregelatinized starch and calcium stearate with the following dyes: 5-mg tablets contain FD&C Yellow No. 6 and D&C Yellow No. 10; 10-mg tablets contain FD&C Blue No. 1. Valium (diazepam tablets) 2-mg tablets contain no dye.

What are the possible side effects of diazepam (Valium)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior;
unusual risk-taking behavior, decreased inhibitions, no fear of danger;
depressed mood, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;
hyperactivity, anxiety, agitation, hostility;
double vision, hallucinations;

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What are the precautions when taking diazepam tablets (Valium)?

Before taking diazepam, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other benzodiazepines (e.g., alprazolam, lorazepam); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: glaucoma (narrow-angle), a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis), breathing trouble during sleep (sleep apnea).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, lung/breathing problems (e.g., COPD), drug or alcohol abuse,...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 10/25/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.