Diazepam
Brand names Atensine, Dialar, Diazemuls, Rimapam, Stesolid, Tensium, Valclair, Valium
Used in the following combined preparations None
GENERAL INFORMATION
Introduced in the early 1960s, diazepam is the best known and most widely used of the benzodiazepine group of drugs. The benzodiazepines help relieve tension and nervousness, relax muscles, and encourage sleep. Their actions and adverse effects are described more fully >>>
Diazepam has a wide range of uses. Besides being commonly used in the treatment of anxiety and anxiety-related insomnia, it is prescribed as a muscle relaxant in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal, and for the relief of epileptic fits.
Given intravenously, it is used to sedate people undergoing certain uncomfortable medical procedures.
Diazepam can be habit-forming if taken regularly over a long period. Its effects may also diminish with time. For these reasons, courses of treatment with diazepam are limited to two weeks whenever possible.
INFORMATION FOR USERS
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.
How taken
Tablets, liquid, injection, suppositories, rectal solution.
Frequency and timing of doses
1-4 x daily.
Adult dosage range
Anxiety 6-30mg daily. Muscle spasm 2-60mg daily.
Onset of effect
Immediate effect (injection); 30 minutes-2 hours (other methods of administration).
Duration of action
Up to 24 hours. Some effect may last up to
Diet advice
None.
Storage
Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Missed dose
Take as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 2 hours, take a single dose now and skip the next.
Stopping the drug
If you have been taking the drug continuously for less than 2 weeks, it can be safely stopped as soon as you no longer need it. However, if you have been taking it for longer, consult your doctor, who will supervise a gradual
reduction in dosage. Stopping abruptly may lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Exceeding the dose
An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to cause problems. Larger
overdoses may cause unusual drowsiness. Notify your doctor.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS
The principal adverse effects of this drug are related to its sedative properties. The effects normally diminish after a few days and can often be reduced by adjustment of dosage.
INTERACTIONS
Cimetidine Breakdown of diazepam in the liver may be inhibited by cimetidine.
This can cause a build-up of diazepam in the blood, which increases the likelihood of adverse effects.
Sedatives
All drugs that have a sedative effect on the central nervous system can increase the sedative properties of diazepam.
QUICK REFERENCE
Drug group Benzodiazepine antianxiety drug , muscle relaxant , and anticonvulsant
Overdose danger rating Medium
Dependence rating High
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic Yes
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
You have severe respiratory disease.
You have long-term liver or kidney problems.
You have had problems with alcohol or drug abuse.
You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
Safety in pregnancy not established. Discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
The drug passes into the breast milk and may affect the baby. Discuss with your
doctor.
Infants and children
Reduced dose necessary.
Over 60
Increased likelihood of adverse effects. Reduced dose may therefore be necessary.
Driving and hazardous work
Avoid such activities until you have learned how diazepam affects you because the drug can cause reduced alertness, slowed reactions, and increased aggression.
Alcohol
Avoid. Alcohol may increase the sedative effects of this drug.
PROLONGED USE
Regular use of this drug over several weeks can lead to a reduction in its effect as the body adapts. It may also be habit-forming when taken for extended periods, and severe withdrawal reactions can occur.
