Valium Uses (Cont.)

 
Valium and Anxiety
Most people experience feelings of anxiety before an important event, such as a big exam, business presentation, or first date. Anxiety disorders, however, are illnesses that load people's lives with overwhelming anxiety and fear that are chronic and unremitting, and that can grow progressively worse.
 
Depending on the type of anxiety, a person can experience several possible anxiety symptoms, including:
 
  • Feeling shaky, jittery, or nervous
  • Feeling tense, fearful, or apprehensive
  • Avoiding certain places or activities because of fear
  • A pounding or racing heart or trouble catching your breath
  • Unexplained sweating or trembling
  • Fear of losing control, going crazy, or dying.
     
Valium is approved for anxiety treatment. Valium is not for "everyday anxiety" and is recommended only for short-term use. Other anxiety medications (such SSRIs, a certain type of antidepressants) are more appropriate for long-term use.
 
Valium and Muscle Spasms
Muscle spasms are involuntary contractions of a muscle or group of muscles. While not usually dangerous, muscle spasms can be uncomfortable and painful. Valium is useful for treating muscle spasms due to the following causes:
 
  • Joint or muscle inflammation
  • Injury
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Paraplegia
  • Athetosis (a movement disorder of the hands and feet)
  • Stiff-man syndrome (a rare neurological disorder).
     
Valium and Seizures
Valium is approved to treat seizures. However, it is not approved to be used alone. Instead, it is used along with other seizure medications. It can be useful for stopping a seizure that is particularly difficult to control.
 
(Valium Uses Continued: Page 3)

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;