| Over 10% of Americans are on some type of | | | | Diazepam may be taken with or without food. |
| anti-anxiety drug. The most popular one today is | | | | Diazepam is metabolized by the liver and |
| Xanax but diazepam is not very far behind. | | | | excreted mainly by the kidney. Dosages of |
| Many people experience some fear and some | | | | diazepam may need to be lowered in patients |
| anxiety at various times in their lives. Those with | | | | with abnormal kidney function. |
| anxiety disorders are affected by fear to such a | | | | Diazepam may cause drowsiness and dizziness in |
| degree that they can't function or live a normal | | | | some people. Until you are sure how your body |
| live without the help of drugs. One of the most | | | | will react to diazepam, you should avoid driving, |
| effective and prevalent drugs for anxiety disorder | | | | sports, or strenuous activities while taking it. One |
| is diazepam. | | | | very striking effect of diazepam is that it |
| Diazepam, or Valium as most people commonly | | | | accumulates in the body. So even if you haven't |
| know it, is an anti-anxiety or anti-panic agent. It | | | | taken it for the while, you may still find yourself |
| works by effecting the release of the amino acid | | | | tired or sluggish with not apparent reason why. It |
| GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) into the brain. | | | | very well may be the build up of diazepam in your |
| GABA acts to suppresses the nerve impulses | | | | body. |
| leading to a feeling of relaxation. | | | | Be aware that if you take antacids while taking |
| Although a very useful and positive drug in the | | | | diazepam, the antacids will act to neutralize the |
| treatment of anxiety disorders - as well as | | | | diazepam. Thus you may find the diazepam not |
| insomnia, muscle spasms, and seizures - anyone | | | | having the desired calming effect on your nervous |
| taking it for anxiety should be aware of its | | | | system. |
| negatives also. | | | | Even though diazepam is sometimes used to |
| Diazepam is habit forming and very addictive. Self | | | | treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms, this should |
| medicating yourself with diazepam is a bad idea. | | | | only be done under a doctor's care. Normally, |
| because you can easily develop a dependency on | | | | alcohol should not be taken by anyone on |
| it, especially if you take it in large doses over an | | | | diazepam. Mixing the two could possibly trigger an |
| extended period of time. Diazepam should only be | | | | epileptic attack. |
| taken under a doctor's care and never take more | | | | Don't take diazepam if you are pregnant or are |
| than the prescribed dosage. Because of its | | | | breast feeding your baby unless directed to by |
| addictive properties, you may suffer withdrawal | | | | your doctor. There is strong evidence that |
| symptoms when your doctor eventually weans | | | | diazepam can harm the fetus. In the case of |
| you off of the drug. | | | | breast feeding, diazepam is retained in the breast |
| Diazepam is hard on the kidneys and liver. If you | | | | milk, which means that it will be passed to the |
| have cirrhosis of the liver, any type of abnormal | | | | baby possibly causing addiction. |
| kidney function, or any other medical problems | | | | Diazepam is an extremely helpful drug and many |
| with your liver you should inform your doctor. | | | | suffering from anxiety would have a much |
| Your dosage of diazepam may have to be | | | | tougher time without it. Just be careful when |
| severely cut or dropped altogether. | | | | taking it. |