What are the main uses of diazepam. How does diazepam interact with other medications. What are the most common side effects of diazepam. What is the typical dosage range for diazepam. How should diazepam be taken safely.

Understanding Diazepam: A Comprehensive Overview

Diazepam, commonly known by its brand name Valium, is a versatile medication belonging to the benzodiazepine class. It’s widely prescribed for various conditions, primarily anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. As with any medication, understanding its uses, effects, and potential interactions is crucial for safe and effective use.

The Medical Applications of Diazepam

Diazepam has a range of therapeutic applications in modern medicine. Its primary uses include:

• Treatment of anxiety disorders
• Management of muscle spasms
• Alleviation of alcohol withdrawal symptoms
• Premedication for endoscopy or radiology procedures
• Control of seizures
• Off-label use for Meniere’s disease and night terrors

How does diazepam work to treat these conditions? Diazepam enhances the effect of GABA, a neurotransmitter that reduces brain activity. This action leads to calming effects on the nervous system, making it effective for anxiety and muscle relaxation.

Diazepam Interactions: What You Need to Know

Drug interactions can significantly impact the effectiveness and safety of medications. Diazepam is known to interact with numerous substances:

• 510 drugs have reported interactions with diazepam
• 31 major interactions
• 433 moderate interactions
• 46 minor interactions

Which medications commonly interact with diazepam? Some frequently checked interactions include:

• Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine)
• Ambien (zolpidem)
• Xanax (alprazolam)
• Oxycontin (oxycodone)
• Zoloft (sertraline)

It’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all medications you’re taking to avoid potentially dangerous interactions.

Side Effects and Precautions When Taking Diazepam

While diazepam can be highly effective, it’s not without potential side effects. Common side effects may include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Weakness
• Unsteadiness

Are there any serious side effects to be aware of? Yes, although less common, serious side effects can include:

• Severe drowsiness
• Mood or behavior changes
• Suicidal thoughts
• Breathing problems
• Memory problems

It’s important to seek immediate medical attention if you experience any severe or persistent side effects.

Dosage Guidelines for Diazepam

The appropriate dosage of diazepam varies depending on the condition being treated, the patient’s age, and other factors. Generally, dosages range from 2mg to 10mg taken 2-4 times daily. However, it’s crucial to follow your doctor’s specific instructions.

Anxiety Disorders

For anxiety, a typical adult dosage might be 2-10mg, 2-4 times daily.

Alcohol Withdrawal

In managing alcohol withdrawal, doses may start at 10mg 3-4 times during the first 24 hours, reducing to 5mg 3-4 times daily as needed.

Muscle Spasms

For muscle spasms, 2-10mg 3-4 times daily is often prescribed.

How should diazepam be taken? Diazepam is usually taken orally with or without food. It’s important to take it exactly as prescribed and not to increase your dose without consulting your doctor.

Diazepam and Substance Interactions

Beyond drug interactions, diazepam can also interact with other substances:

• 2 alcohol/food interactions are reported
• 12 disease interactions are known

What are some important disease interactions with diazepam? Notable disease interactions include:

• Acute alcohol intoxication
• Closed-angle glaucoma
• Drug dependence
• Renal/liver disease
• Respiratory depression
• Seizures

It’s crucial to discuss your full medical history with your healthcare provider before starting diazepam treatment.

Patient Reviews and Ratings of Diazepam

Patient experiences can provide valuable insights into a medication’s effects. According to Drugs.com:

• Diazepam has an average rating of 8.5 out of 10 from 806 reviews
• 82% of reviewers reported a positive experience
• 10% reported a negative experience

How do ratings vary by condition? Here are some condition-specific ratings:

• Anxiety: 469 reviews
• Muscle Spasm: 165 reviews
• Meniere’s Disease (off-label use): 44 reviews
• Alcohol Withdrawal: 34 reviews

While these ratings can be informative, it’s important to remember that individual experiences can vary significantly.

Safe Usage and Precautions for Diazepam

Using diazepam safely requires awareness and caution. Here are some key points to remember:

• Follow your doctor’s instructions precisely
• Do not increase your dose without medical advice
• Be aware of potential interactions with other medications and substances
• Monitor for side effects and report any concerns to your healthcare provider
• Avoid alcohol while taking diazepam
• Do not stop taking diazepam abruptly without medical guidance

Can diazepam be habit-forming? Yes, diazepam has the potential for dependence, especially with long-term use or high doses. It’s crucial to use it only as prescribed and discuss any concerns about dependence with your doctor.

Special Considerations

Certain groups may need special consideration when using diazepam:

• Pregnant women: Diazepam may pose risks to the fetus
• Breastfeeding mothers: Diazepam can pass into breast milk
• Elderly patients: May be more sensitive to side effects
• Patients with liver or kidney disease: May require dosage adjustments

Always inform your healthcare provider of your full medical history and any changes in your health status while taking diazepam.

Alternatives to Diazepam

While diazepam can be effective for many patients, it’s not the only option available. Depending on the condition being treated, alternatives might include:

• Other benzodiazepines (e.g., alprazolam, lorazepam)
• SSRIs for anxiety disorders
• Non-benzodiazepine muscle relaxants
• Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety
• Mindfulness and relaxation techniques

How do you know if an alternative might be better for you? Discuss your options with your healthcare provider. They can help you weigh the benefits and risks of different treatments based on your individual needs and medical history.

Comparing Effectiveness

When considering alternatives, it’s important to look at comparative effectiveness. For example:

• For anxiety, SSRIs may be preferred for long-term treatment due to lower risk of dependence
• For muscle spasms, non-benzodiazepine options like cyclobenzaprine may be equally effective with different side effect profiles
• For alcohol withdrawal, other medications like acamprosate or naltrexone might be considered for longer-term management

Your healthcare provider can guide you through the pros and cons of each option.

Long-term Considerations with Diazepam Use

While diazepam can be highly effective in the short term, long-term use requires careful consideration:

• Tolerance: Over time, higher doses may be needed for the same effect
• Dependence: Physical and psychological dependence can develop
• Withdrawal: Stopping diazepam abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms
• Cognitive effects: Long-term use may impact memory and cognitive function

How can these risks be managed? Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider, periodic reassessment of the need for continued treatment, and exploring alternative or complementary therapies can help mitigate long-term risks.

Tapering Off Diazepam

If you and your doctor decide to discontinue diazepam, a gradual tapering process is typically recommended. This might involve:

• Slowly reducing the dose over weeks or months
• Monitoring for withdrawal symptoms
• Implementing alternative coping strategies or treatments
• Regular follow-ups to assess progress and adjust the plan as needed

Never attempt to stop diazepam on your own without medical guidance.

Diazepam in Special Populations

The use of diazepam may require special considerations in certain populations:

Pediatric Use

Diazepam can be used in children for certain conditions, such as seizures. However, dosing and monitoring may differ from adult use. Potential concerns include:

• Impact on cognitive and motor development
• Different metabolism rates compared to adults
• Potential for paradoxical reactions

Geriatric Use

Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of diazepam. Considerations include:

• Increased risk of falls and cognitive impairment
• Potential for drug interactions due to polypharmacy
• Slower metabolism and elimination of the drug

Use in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Diazepam use during pregnancy and breastfeeding requires careful consideration:

• Potential risks to fetal development
• Possible neonatal withdrawal symptoms
• Passage of the drug into breast milk

Decisions about use in these populations should be made on a case-by-case basis, weighing potential benefits against risks.

Future Directions in Anxiety and Muscle Spasm Treatment

While diazepam remains a widely used medication, research continues into new treatments for anxiety disorders and muscle spasms. Some areas of ongoing research include:

• Novel anxiolytic compounds with fewer side effects
• Gene therapy approaches for anxiety disorders
• Advanced neurostimulation techniques
• Personalized medicine approaches based on genetic profiles

How might these developments impact future treatment options? As our understanding of neurobiology advances, we may see more targeted therapies that offer relief with fewer systemic effects. However, it’s likely that medications like diazepam will continue to play a role in treatment plans for the foreseeable future.

Emerging Therapies

Some promising areas of research include:

• GABA subtype-selective compounds
• Neurosteroid-based therapies
• Cannabinoid receptor modulators
• Novel muscle relaxants targeting specific ion channels

These potential therapies aim to provide similar benefits to diazepam while minimizing side effects and risks of dependence.

Conclusion: Balancing Benefits and Risks of Diazepam

Diazepam remains a valuable tool in the treatment of anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, and other conditions. Its effectiveness is reflected in its high patient satisfaction ratings and continued widespread use. However, like all medications, it comes with potential risks and side effects that must be carefully managed.

Key takeaways for safe and effective use of diazepam include:

• Always use as prescribed by your healthcare provider
• Be aware of potential drug interactions and report all medications you’re taking
• Monitor for side effects and report any concerns promptly
• Understand the risks of long-term use and dependence
• Consider alternatives and complementary therapies when appropriate
• Regularly reassess the need for continued treatment with your healthcare provider

By staying informed and working closely with your healthcare team, you can maximize the benefits of diazepam while minimizing potential risks. Remember, your health and well-being are paramount, and open communication with your healthcare provider is key to achieving the best outcomes in your treatment journey.

Diazepam Interactions Checker – Drugs.com

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There are 510 drugs known to interact with
diazepam, along with
12 disease interactions, and 2 alcohol/food interactions.

Of the total drug interactions,
31 are major, 433 are moderate, and 46 are minor.

Does diazepam interact with my other drugs?

Enter other medications to view a detailed report.

• View all 510 medications that may interact with diazepam
• View diazepam alcohol/food interactions (2)
• View diazepam disease interactions (12)

Most frequently checked interactions

View interaction reports for diazepam and the medicines listed below.

• Major
• Moderate
• Minor
• Unknown

• Adderall (amphetamine / dextroamphetamine)
• Ambien (zolpidem)
• Aspirin Low Strength (aspirin)
• Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
• Cymbalta (duloxetine)
• Fish Oil (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids)
• Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine)
• Flonase (fluticasone nasal)
• Lexapro (escitalopram)
• Lipitor (atorvastatin)
• Lyrica (pregabalin)
• Metoprolol Succinate ER (metoprolol)
• MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol 3350)
• Nexium (esomeprazole)
• Norco (acetaminophen / hydrocodone)
• OxyContin (oxycodone)
• Paracetamol (acetaminophen)
• ProAir HFA (albuterol)
• Seroquel (quetiapine)
• Singulair (montelukast)
• Synthroid (levothyroxine)
• Topamax (topiramate)
• Tylenol (acetaminophen)
• Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
• Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
• Xanax (alprazolam)
• Zofran (ondansetron)
• Zoloft (sertraline)
• Zyrtec (cetirizine)

Diazepam alcohol/food interactions

There are 2 alcohol/food interactions with diazepam.

Diazepam disease interactions

There are 12 disease interactions with diazepam which include:

• acute alcohol intoxication
• closed-angle glaucoma
• drug dependence
• renal/liver disease
• respiratory depression
• seizures
• prolonged hypotension
• myasthenia gravis
• renal/liver disease
• depression
• obesity
• paradoxical reactions

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More about diazepam

• diazepam consumer information
• Compare alternatives
• Pricing & coupons
• Reviews (824)
• Drug images
• Latest FDA alerts (2)
• Side effects
• Dosage information
• Patient tips
• During pregnancy
• Support group
• Drug class: benzodiazepine anticonvulsants
• Breastfeeding

Related treatment guides

• Anxiety
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Alcohol Withdrawal
• Endoscopy or Radiology Premedication

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.

Major	Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate	Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor	Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown	No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Diazepam Reviews & Ratings – Drugs.com

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Brand names:
Valium,
Valtoco,
Diastat,
Diastat AcuDial,
Diazepam Intensol
Diastat Pediatric

Diazepam
has an average rating of 8.5 out of 10 from a total of 806 reviews
on Drugs.com.
82% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 10% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Diazepam

Are you taking this medicine?

• Add your review
• Learn more about Diazepam

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.

More about diazepam

• Check interactions
• Compare alternatives
• Pricing & coupons
• Drug images
• Latest FDA alerts (2)
• Side effects
• Dosage information
• Patient tips
• During pregnancy
• Support group
• Drug class: benzodiazepine anticonvulsants
• Breastfeeding

Patient resources

• Drug Information
• Diazepam injection
• Diazepam nasal
• Diazepam rectal
• Diazepam (Injection) (Advanced Reading)

Other brands

Valium, Valtoco, Diastat, Diastat AcuDial, … +3 more

Professional resources

• Prescribing Information

Related treatment guides

• Anxiety
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Alcohol Withdrawal
• Endoscopy or Radiology Premedication

Diazepam – instructions for use, doses, side effects, reviews of the drug:

Description of the drug Diazepam (drops, 2 mg) is based on the official instructions, approved by the manufacturer in 2005

Approval date: 11. 03.2005

Contents

• Active substance
• ATX
• Pharmacological group
• Nosological classification (ICD-10)
• Composition and form of release
• pharmachologic effect
• Indications
• Contraindications
• Dosage and administration
• Side effects
• Storage conditions
• Best before date
• Reviews

Active ingredient

Diazepam* (Diazepam*)

ATX

N05BA01 Diazepam

Pharmacological group

Antiepileptic drugs

Anxiolytics

Nosological classification (ICD-10)

ICD-10 code list

• F20 Schizophrenia
• F48 Other neurotic disorders
• F60 Specific personality disorders
• G40 Epilepsy
• G47. 0 Disorders of falling asleep and maintaining sleep [insomnia]
• L30.9 Dermatitis, unspecified

Composition and formulation

1 dragee contains diazepam 2 or 5 mg, in vials of 30 pcs., 1 vial in a cardboard box.

1 ampoule with 2 ml solution for injection – 10 mg; in a blister 5 pcs., in a cardboard box 2 blisters.

Pharmacological action

Pharmacological action –

tranquilizer , anxiolytic , muscle relaxant .

Indications

Neuroses, psychopathy, schizophrenia, insomnia, epilepsy, pruritic dermatoses.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, hepatic-renal failure, myasthenia gravis, angle-closure glaucoma, pregnancy.

Dosage and administration

Information for healthcare professionals only.
Are you a healthcare professional?

Inside, adults – 4-15 mg per day in 2 divided doses (maximum daily dose – 60 mg, in a hospital setting). Infants older than 6 months – 0.1-0.8 mg / kg per day in 3-4 doses.

V/m, IV — 10–20 mg each in multiples according to the indication.

Side effects

Dizziness, drowsiness, slow reaction, decreased mental and motor activity, muscle weakness, ataxia, dry mouth, dyspepsia, nausea, diarrhea, dyspnea, bronchospasm, galactorrhea, hyperprolactinemia, allergic reactions.

Storage conditions

In a dry, dark place, at a temperature of 15–25 °C.

Keep out of reach of children.

Expiry date

5 years.

Do not use after the expiry date which is stated on the pack.

Update date: 04/08/2020

31603999452 Diazepam (Relium) tablets 5 mg No. 20 and Oxazepam (Tazepam) tablets p/pl/o 10 mg No.

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Placement order

223-FZ, Purchase from a single supplier (executor, contractor),

go to ETP

Documentation

Customer

Items of procurement

results
from

08/16/2016

Protocols

Procurement protocol from a single supplier
from 16.