Overview
Valium is a common brand name for Diazepam, an anti-anxiety agent, anti-convulsant, and muscle relaxant. Valium is a benzodiazepine and causes sedation.

Why is this drug prescribed?
Valium is used to treat:

1. mild to moderate anxiety (short term therapy)
2. acute alcohol withdrawal
3. epilepsy
4. muscle spasms
   

Warnings
Valium should not be given to infants under 1 month old. It should never be used for hyperactive or psychotic behavior in children.

Valium is very habit-forming and can cause dependence in only 2 weeks. Valium should not be taken for more than 4 weeks. Suddenly discontinuing this medication may cause withdrawal symptoms, or even cause seizures.

Valium may interfere with coordination and mental alertness. Patients should not drive or operate heavy machinery until they know that Valium does not affect the ability to safely engage in such activities.

For Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: When taken during pregnancy, Valium may lead to serious birth defects. In late pregnancy, it can cause " floppy infant" syndrome, a condition of inadequate muscle done in the newborn. Diazepam passes into breast milk. This drug is not recommended during pregnancy or breast-feeding.

Contraindications
Valium should Not be used for people with the following medical conditions:

1. a known allergy or hypersensitivity to valium or any other benzodiazepine
2. myasthenia gravis
3. acute narrow-angle glaucoma

Precautions
Valium may be used with caution in people with the following conditions:

1. a history of drug dependence
2. a history of stroke
3. multiple sclerosis
4. Alzheimer's disease
5. serious depression
6. epilepsy
7. any brain disorder
8. kidney disease
9. liver disease
10. asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or another respiratory disease

Adverse Reactions
Valium may cause the following reactions:

1. clumsiness
2. sleepiness
3. abdominal cramps
4. blurred vision
5. dry mouth
6. racing heartbeat / palpitations
7. shaking / slurred speech
8. tremor
9. fatigue
10. insomnia
11. low blood pressure (hypotension)
12. nausea
13. rash
14. urination problems / incontinence
15. convulsions
16. hallucinations
17. memory loss
18. trouble breathing
19. respiratory depression
20. staggering / trembling
21. headache
22. confusion

Interactions with Drugs and Other Substances
Drugs or substances that may interact with Valium include:

1. sedatives, other benzodiazepines, or sleeping pills — combination increases sedation and could be fatal
2. alcohol, cimetidine, or other CNS depressants — can lower blood pressure and decrease breathing rate causing unconsciousness
3. tobacco and marijuana smoking — can increase sedative effects of Valium
4. MAO Inhibitors
5. Narcotics (pain killers)
6. antidepressants

Sources

http://www.psyweb.com/Drughtm/valium.html

http://www.mentalhealth.com/drug/

http://www.health-center.com/db/PageReq?SessionID=1519&TopicID=338&PageID=1545&Action=view

http://onhealth.webmd.com/conditions/resource/pharmacy/multum/item,75311.asp