What kind of medication is Diazepam?

Diazepam is an anxiolytic drug used to treat seizures, alcohol withdrawal, insomnia, RLS, and anxiety. Hoffmann-La Roche patented Diazepam in 1959. It has been among the most frequently prescribed medicines in the world since its launch in 1963. In the US, it was the best-selling medication between 1969 and 1983, selling more than 2 billion tablets in 1979 alone. This drug can also be used to relieve muscle spasms. You may take Diazepam to relieve your pain due to muscle spasms and resume your daily functioning.

Diazepam acts by calming the nerves and brain. It belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. Diazepam is a controlled substance drug available as the trade name drug Valium. Diazepam is also available as a generic drug. This drug enhances the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA.

What are the primary uses of Diazepam?

Diazepam is primarily used to treat panic disorders, alcohol withdrawal, severe anxiety, and seizures. It is also used to provide sedation before medical surgeries. Additionally, Diazepam is also used to treat the following health conditions:

• Symptoms caused by alcohol withdrawal, such as tremors;
• Treatment of panic attacks;
• Treatment of stiff person syndrome;
• Temporary treatment of insomnia;
• Treatment of neurological problems associated with vertigo.

Important warnings and precautions you must follow while using Diazepam.

Avoid consuming grapefruit in any form while using Diazepam unless your pharmacist or doctor says it would be safe for your consumption. Grapefruit consumption can increase the risk of side effects with this drug. Ask the pharmacist or doctor for further details. Alcohol, along with Diazepam, can cause a synergistic increment of the hypotensive characteristics of benzodiazepines. Thus, one must avoid drinking alcohol while on Diazepam.

What to inform the doctor/ pharmacist before using Diazepam?

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you have or have ever had

• thoughts of suicide, depression, or other mental illness;
• open-angle glaucoma ( increase in internal eye pressure that can damage the optic nerve );
• seizures;
• lung or breathing problems ( such as COPD or sleep apnea );
• personal or family history of a substance abuse disorder ( such as overuse of or an addiction to drugs or alcohol );
• liver disease;
• kidney disease; or
• Heart disease.

Diazepam must not be used in infants younger than six months of age.

How should you take Diazepam after buying it online?

Take Diazepam by mouth regardless of food as your doctor directs. While using the liquid form of this drug, carefully measure the dose with a spoon or particular measuring device. Do not use a household spoon, as you might not get the correct amount. It is necessary to take the right dosage of Diazepam. If you use the concentrated solution of Diazepam, use the medicine dropper given and mix the measured dose with a small amount of soft food or liquid ( such as pudding or applesauce ). Take all of this mixture at once. Do not store this mixture for later consumption.

Dosage guide

Diazepam is available in tablet strengths of 2 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg for oral administration.

Dosage for anxiety

• For adults ( aged 18 to 60 years ): The standard dosage of Diazepam is 2 mg to 10 mg about two to four times a day
• For children ( aged 0 to 6 months ): Diazepam has not been studied in children and must not be used in children below six months
• For children aged between six months to 18 years: The usual starting dose is 2 mg to 3.5 mg, taken by mouth two to four times a day. The doctor would start you at the lowest strength and increase the dosage as needed depending on your response to this drug.
• For seniors ( aged 65 years and older ): The usual starting dosage is 3 to 3.5 mg, taken by mouth 2 or 3 times daily

Depending on your response to this drug, the doctor will slowly increase your dose as needed. Your body processes Diazepam slowly.

Dosage for add-on treatment of muscle spasms

• For adults ( aged 18 to 60 years ) – The standard dosage is 3 to 10 mg, taken three or four times daily.
• For children ( aged 0 to 6 months ) – Diazepam hasn’t been studied in children, and it must not be used in children under six months of age.
• For children aged between six months to 18 years – The usual starting dosage of Diazepam is 2 mg to 3.5 mg three to four times a day.
• For seniors ( aged above 65 years ) – The usual starting dosage of Diazepam is 2.5 mg to 3.5 mg, taken by mouth one to two times per day.

What are the aftereffects of Diazepam?

The common side effects of Diazepam are trouble with coordination and sleepiness. Severe side effects are rare. These include an increased risk of seizures and decreased breathing. Diazepam has a range of other side effects that are common to benzodiazepines, such as:

• Reflex tachycardia
• Impaired coordination
• Dizziness
• Impaired motor function
• Suppression of REM sleep
• Impaired balance

Occasionally, agitation or excitement might occur. Long-term use can result in dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms if one reduces the dose. Abrupt stopping after usage over a long period can be potentially hazardous. After stopping, cognitive problems may stay for six months or longer. It is not suggested while pregnancy or breastfeeding as these side effects can harm the fetus.