You should not use Valium if you are allergic to diazepam or similar medicines (Klonopin, Xanax, and others), or if you have myasthenia gravis, severe liver disease, narrow-angle glaucoma, a severe breathing problem, or sleep apnea.

MISUSE OF THIS MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription.

Fatal side effects can occur if you use Valium with opioid medicine, alcohol, or other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 6 months old.

You should not use Valium if you are allergic to diazepam or similar drugs (Klonopin, Xanax, and others), or if you have:

• myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness disorder);

• severe liver disease;

• a severe breathing problem;

• sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep); or

• alcoholism, or addiction to drugs similar to diazepam.

To make sure Valium is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• glaucoma;

• asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing problems;

• kidney or liver disease;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• a drug or alcohol addiction; or

• mental illness, depression, or suicidal thoughts or behavior.

When treating seizures, do not start or stop taking Valium during pregnancy without your doctor's advice. Diazepam may cause harm to an unborn baby, but having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both the mother and the baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking Valium for seizures.

When treating anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, or muscle spasms: If you take this medicine while you are pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

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

Diazepam can slow or stop your breathing, and death may occur. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• weak or shallow breathing;

• severe drowsiness, feeling like you might pass out;

• depressed mood, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;

• confusion, hallucinations;

• anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping;

• hyperactivity, agitation, aggression, hostility;

• unusual risk-taking behavior; or

• new or worsening seizures.

The sedative effects of diazepam may last longer in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking this medicine.

Common Valium side effects may include:

• drowsiness;

• tired feeling;

• muscle weakness; or

• loss of coordination.