Valium (VAL-ee-um)
Valium (diazepam [die-AZ-eh-PAM) was originally brought to the market by the pharmaceutical company Hoffman-La Roche in 1963. It is a benzodiazepine that impacts the brain and central nervous system to produce a calming affect. It is prescribed for treatment of pain associated with prostatitis.
Valium Warnings
When you take Valium (diazepam) for prostatitis there are several important warnings and precautions you should be aware of.
This medication should not be used if you have glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, sleep apnea, alcohol or drug abuse issues, liver disease, kidney disease, or lung and breathing problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Do not operate heavy machinery or drive a car.
Always check the labels of other medicines you are taking because they might contain additional ingredients that cause drowsiness. In combination, this could lead to overdose.
Do not take for more than four months, as this drug can be habit forming.
Why Is Valium Prescribed for Prostatitis?
Valium is a benzodiazepine. This is a class of psychoactive drug prescribed as a muscle relaxant and is also used to treat anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and panic attacks. Some doctors use Valium as a part of the treatment for chronic nonbacterial prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS). This condition causes long-term pain and urinary tract symptoms but is not caused by a bacterial infection. In fact, the cause is often elusive and therefore difficult to treat because antibiotics are not effective. Some physicians believe that stress contributes to prostatitis, so they prescribe Valium as a calming agent. The drug also has been found to relax the pelvic muscles, therefore reducing the muscle spasms associated with CPPS and easing the pressure and pain for the patient. Another theory is that prolonged use as a muscle relaxant can replace physical drainage of the prostate.
How Should Valium Be Used?
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your condition and response to therapy. Valium comes in the following formulations:
- Tablet: 2, 5, or 10 mg two to four times a day is standard adult dose for anxiety and muscle relaxation. Do not open or crush tablets.
- Liquid: 1 mg/ml or 5 mg/ml doses. The oral suspension should be taken with a medication dropper to measure the correct dose. It can be mixed with liquid or soft food like applesauce.
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice because it can increase the amount of medication in your bloodstream.
There are no guidelines for an exact duration of therapy. Valium is generally used on a short-term basis. To avoid addiction some doctors only recommend a dose of 5 mg once every few days.
Other Uses for Valium
Valium is also used to treat the following disorders:
- Agitation
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Severe alcohol withdrawal
- Muscle spasms
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Panic attacks
- Sedation during surgery
Do I Need to Follow Special Precautions?
Patients with an allergy or previous reaction to benzodiazepines should avoid Valium and let their doctor know. Examples of other benzodiazepines include:
- Tranxene (clorazepate)
- Serax (oxazepam)
- Ativan (lorazepam)
- Xanax (alprazolam)
- Klonopin (clonazepam)
Be sure that you tell your doctor about all other medications you may be taking. Valium can cause excessive sedation when combined with other depressants like alcohol, barbiturates, narcotics, and tranquilizers.
The effects of Valium can be prolonged when used in combination with Tagamet (cimetidine), Nizoral (ketoconazole), Sporanox (itraconazole), Prilosec (omeprazole), erythromycin , Biaxin (clarithromycin), Prezista (darunavir), Luvox (fluvoxamine), and Prozac (fluoxetine).
The effects of Valium can be decreased when taken in combination with smoking cigarettes, Tegretol (carbamazepine), Rifadin (rifampin), and St. John’s Wort.
Take Valium one hour prior to taking any antacids.
Note that all benzodiazepines can cause physical addiction. It is never recommended to suddenly stop Valium therapy but to slowly reduce your intake instead. Suddenly stopping the medication can create the following withdrawal symptoms:
- Agitation
- Loss of self worth
- Insomnia
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Muscle cramping
- Vomiting
- Sweating
Do I Need to Follow a Special Diet When Taking Valium?
It is suggested to avoid taking Valium with meals because it may lengthen the time for it to start working and decrease the effectiveness. Do not drink alcohol or take other medications that can make you drowsy.
What If I Forget a Dose?
If you miss a dose of Valium, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If you are close to the next dose do not double the dose. Instead, just continue on the regular dosing schedule.
Are There Side Effects When Taking Valium for Prostatitis?
All drugs have side effects. Patients taking Valium commonly experience:
- Sedation
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Unsteadiness
- Constipation
If you experience any of the following when taking Valium for prostatitis, speak with your doctor immediately:
- Feelings of depression
- Confusion
- Headaches
- Sleep disturbances
Does Valium Have Special Storage Instructions?
Always keep Valium in a safe place outside the reach of children. It should be stored at room temperature, 59°F to 86°F and placed away from light and moist areas.
What Do I Do in the Case of an Accidental Overdose?
If you think you have taken too much, call your local poison control center. Symptoms often include: slowed breathing, fainting, loss of consciousness, and severe drowsiness. If someone has taken an overdose and is not breathing or responding, call 911.
What Else Should I Know about Valium (Diazepam) for Prostatitis?
Make sure that you follow any instructions given to you by your doctor. Patients should be aware that Valium (diazepam) for prostatitis has become a highly desirable prescription medicine that is sold illegally on the streets. Do your best to keep it concealed and away from visitors and do not share it with anyone else.
