Diazepam

Diazepam is primarily used for the management of anxiety disorders; alcohol withdrawal symptoms; skeletal muscle relaxant; convulsive disorders. Take exactly as directed (do not increase dose or frequency); may cause physical and/or psychological dependence.

Diazepam is an anticonvulsant and belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepine. It is used to treat anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal symptoms and muscle spasms. It is sometimes used in combination with other medications to treat seizures. It also provides sedation before medical procedures.

It works by increasing the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-Aminobutyric acid which calms the brain and nerves. It can be taken by mouth, inserted into the rectum, injected into muscle, or injected into a vein.

Common side effects include trouble with coordination and sleepiness. Serious side effects rarely occur. They include suicidal thoughts, an increased risk of seizures and a decreased breathing rate. Occasional agitation or excitement may occur.

Long term use of this medicine can result in dependence, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms on dose reduction. Abruptly discontinuing the medicine after long-term use can be potentially dangerous. After stopping, cognitive problems may persist for six months or longer. It is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Before taking the medicine, inform your doctor if you have glaucoma, epilepsy or other seizure disorder, a history of mental illness, depression, or suicidal thoughts. You should not use this medicine if you have/are :

• Allergic to Diazepam or similar drugs,
• Muscle weakness disorder,
• Severe liver disease,
• Severe breathing problem,
• Sleep apnea,
• Alcoholism, or
• Addiction to drugs similar to diazepam.

Diazepam should only be used for only a short period of time. It may increase the risk of habit forming tendency if taken for a long duration or at larger doses. Do not abruptly stop taking this medicine as it may cause withdrawal symptoms like convulsions, tremor, behavioural disorder and anxiety.

When given into a vein, effects begin in one to five minutes and last up to an hour. While using this medicine, you may need to take frequent blood tests at your doctor’s clinic.

While using this medication, do not use alcohol and other prescription or OTC medications (especially pain medications, sedatives, antihistamines, or hypnotics) without consulting prescriber. Maintain adequate hydration (2-3 L/day of fluids unless instructed to restrict fluid intake).

You may experience drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision (use caution when driving or engaging in tasks requiring alertness until response to drug is known); nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or dry mouth (small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, chewing gum, or sucking lozenges may help); constipation (increased exercise, fluids, or dietary fruit and fiber may help).

If medication is used to control seizures, wear identification that you are taking an antiepileptic medication.Symptoms of overdose include somnolence, confusion, coma, hypoactive reflexes, dyspnea, hypotension, slurred speech, impaired coordination.

Treatment for benzodiazepine overdose is supportive. Rarely is mechanical ventilation required. Flumazenil has been shown to selectively block the binding of benzodiazepines to CNS receptors, resulting in a reversal of benzodiazepine-induced CNS depression, but not respiratory depression.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• Anxiety

• Alcohol Withdrawal

• Relieve Muscle Spasm

• Adjunct Prior To Endoscopic Procedures

• Preoperative Sedation

• Seizure Disorders

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• Allergy

• Myasthenia Gravis

• Narrow Angle Glaucoma

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• Hypotension

• Drowsiness

• Ataxia

• Slurred Speech

• Fatigue

• Insomnia

• Memory Impairment

• Headache

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Vertigo

• Confusion

• Rash

• Constipation

• Urinary Retention

• Blurred Vision

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• How long is the duration of effect?

  The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 3 to 4 days.

• What is the onset of action?

  The peak effect of this medicine can be observed in 30 to 90 minutes for an oral dose.

• Are there any pregnancy warnings?

  This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women.

• Is it habit forming?

  Habit forming tendency has been reported

• Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

  This medicine is not recommended in breastfeeding women.

• Does this affect liver function?

  Caution must be taken while using this medicine in patients with liver disease. Adjustment of dose is required. Reduce dose by 50% in cirrhosis and avoid in severe/acute liver disease. Kindly consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

• Does this affect kidney function?

  Caution must be taken while using this medicine in patients with kidney disease. Adjustment of dose might be needed. Kindly consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• Missed Dose instructions

  If you miss a dose of Diazepam, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.

• Are there any overdose instructions?

  Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• India

• United States

• Japan

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

Below is the list of medicines, which contains Diazepam as ingredient

• Anxol 5 MG Injection

  Maneesh Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Zepose 10 MG Injection

  Cipla Ltd

• Placidox 20 MG Injection

  Lupin Ltd

• Biopose 5 MG Injection

  Biochem Pharmaceutical Inds

• Juniz Rds 2.5 MG Suppository

  Elder Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Starlium 10 MG Injection

  Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Slipizem 2.5 MG Suppository

  Bliss Chemical& Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Zepose 10 MG Tablet

  Cipla Ltd

• Slipizem 5 MG Suppository

  Bliss Chemical& Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Microdep 5 MG Tablet

  Micro Labs Ltd

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

Diazepam is a kind of benzodiazepine which acts as a inhibitory neurotransmitter. It increases the conduction of the chloride ions in the neuronal cell membrane. This reduces the arousal of the limbic and cortical systems in the central nervous system.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

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• Interaction with Alcohol

  Alcohol

  Consumption of alcohol with this medicine is not recommended as it increases the risk of side effects like dizziness, difficulty in concentration. Do not perform activities that require mental alertness like driving or operating machinery.

• Interaction with Lab Test

  Lab

  Information not available.

• Interaction with Medicine

  Concomitant use of this medicine along with the following medicine must be avoided. Medicine includes Cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, clozapine, CNS depressants, diltiazem, disulfiram, digoxin, erythromycin, ethanol, fluconazole, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, grapefruit juice, isoniazid, itraconazole, ketoconazole, labetalol, levodopa, loxapine, metoprolol, metronidazole, miconazole, nefazodone, omeprazole, phenytoin, protease inhibitors like amprenavir and ritonavir, rifabutin, rifampin, troleandomycin, valproic acid, verapamil may increase the serum level and/or toxicity of Diazepam; monitor for altered benzodiazepine response.

• Interaction with Food

  Grape fruit juice

  Grapefruit juice should be consumed with Diazepam. Alternatively, you can consume orange juice which does not affect the medicine.

• Interaction with Disease

  • Diazepam has been associated with increasing the frequency of grand mal seizures. Withdrawal has also been associated with an increase in the seizure frequency. Use with caution with drugs which may decrease diazepam metabolism. Use with caution in elderly or debilitated patients, patients with hepatic disease (including alcoholics), or renal impairment. Active metabolites with extended half-lives may lead to delayed accumulation and adverse effects. Use with caution in patients with respiratory disease or impaired gag reflex.
  • Causes CNS depression (dose-related) resulting in sedation, dizziness, confusion, or ataxia which may impair physical and mental capabilities. Patients must be cautioned about performing tasks which require mental alertness (ie, operating machinery or driving). Use with caution in patients receiving other CNS depressants or psychoactive agents. Effects with other sedative drugs or ethanol may be potentiated. The dosage of narcotics should be reduced by approximately 1/3 when Diazepam is added. Benzodiazepines have been associated with falls and traumatic injury and should be used with extreme caution in patients who are at risk of these events (especially the elderly).
  • Use caution in patients with depression, particularly if suicidal risk may be present. Use with caution in patients with a history of drug dependence. Benzodiazepines have been associated with dependence and acute withdrawal symptoms on discontinuation or reduction in dose. Acute withdrawal, including seizures, may be precipitated in patients after administration of flumazenil to patients receiving long-term benzodiazepine therapy.
  • Diazepam has been associated with anterograde amnesia. Paradoxical reactions, including hyperactive or aggressive behavior, have been reported with benzodiazepines, particularly in adolescent/pediatric or psychiatric patients. Does not have analgesic, antidepressant, or antipsychotic properties.

• Ques : What is Diazepam?

  Ans : Diazepam is an anticonvulsant and belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepine.

• Ques : What is Diazepam used for?

  Ans : It is used to treat anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal symptoms and muscle spasms. It is sometimes used in combination with other medications to treat seizures.

• Ques : How long do I need to use Diazepam before I see improvement in my condition?

  Ans : In most of the cases, the average time taken by this medication to reach its peak effect is around 1 day to 1 week. Please consult your doctor for the time period you need to use this medication.

• Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Diazepam?

  Ans : This medication is generally used once or twice a day. It is advised to consult your doctor before the usage, as the frequency also depends on the patient's condition.

• Ques : Should I use Diazepam empty stomach, before food or after food?

  Ans : This medication is advised to be consumed orally. If you take it on an empty stomach, it might upset the stomach. Please consult the doctor before using it.

• Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Diazepam?

  Ans : It should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Keep it away from the reach of children and pets.

• Ques : How long does Diazepam take to work?

  Ans : Usually, Diazepam starts working soon after taking it. However, it may take some days to kill all the harmful bacteria and make you feel better.

• Ques : What if I don't get better after using Diazepam?

  Ans : Inform your doctor if you don't feel better after finishing the full course of treatment. Also, inform him if your symptoms are getting worse while using this medicine.

• Ques : Is Diazepam addictive?

  Ans : People taking Diazepam in high doses or for a long term may become addicted to it.

• Ques : Is Diazepam safe to be used in elderly patients?

  Ans : The dose in elderly is generally half of the dose recommended to young people. This is because Diazepam causes muscle relaxation which can make the patient fall down, which may further lead to fractures.

• Diazepam-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 30 May 2022].Available from:

  https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/diazepam

• Diazepam-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 30 May 2022].Available from:

  https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00829

• DIAZEPAM Tablet,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 30 May 2022].Available from:

  https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=DIAZEPAM