Diazepam

Diazepam is a benzodiazepine. It is thought that benzodiazepines work by enhancing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.

Introduction

Generic name: Diazepam

Brand name: Valium

Dosage forms: oral concentrate (5 mg/mL); oral solution (5 mg/5 mL); oral tablet (10 mg; 2 mg; 5 mg)

Drug classes: Benzodiazepine anticonvulsants, Benzodiazepines

Uses

  • Short term anxiety

  • Alcohol withdrawal

  • Muscle spasm

  • Epilepsy

Benefits

In Short term anxiety

  • Valium 5 Tablet reduces the symptoms of excessive anxiety and worry that are triggered only at the time of stressful conditions that last for a shorter duration.

  • These could be job interviews, exams, stage performances, etc. It can effectively manage feelings of restlessness, tiredness, difficulty concentrating and feeling irritable.

  • Valium 5 Tablet will therefore help you go about your daily activities more easily and be more productive. Keep taking this medicine even if you feel well.

  • Stopping suddenly can cause serious problems.

In Alcohol withdrawal

  • Valium 5 Tablet is a medicine used, along with social support and counseling, to help people recover from alcohol addiction and to avoid having the urge to drink alcohol again.

  • Valium 5 Tablet starts working from the very first dose and is a very safe and effective way of treating alcohol addiction.

In Muscle spasm

  • Valium 5 Tablet effectively relieves muscle stiffness or spasm, thereby improving muscle movement. Take it as prescribed by the doctor to get the most benefit.

  • Do not take more or for longer than needed as that can be dangerous and it also has habit-forming potential. In general, you should take the lowest dose that works, for the shortest possible time.

  • This will help you to go about your daily activities more easily and have a better, more active, quality of life.

In Epilepsy

  • Valium 5 Tablet slows down electrical signals in the brain which cause seizures (fits).

  • It can also help reduce symptoms such as confusion, uncontrollable jerking movements, loss of awareness, and fear or anxiety.

  • The medicine can allow you to do some activities that you would otherwise be forbidden or scared to do (such as swimming and driving).

  • It can take a few weeks for this medicine to work (because the dose has to be increased slowly) and during this time you may still have seizures.

Directions for use

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Valium 5 Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

How it works?

Valium 5 Tablet is a benzodiazepine. It works by increasing the action of a chemical messenger (GABA) which suppresses the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.

Side effects

Tell your doctor right away if you have new or sudden changes in mood or behavior, including new or worse depression or anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, more active or talkative, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • Severe drowsiness or dizziness

  • Trouble breathing

  • Confusion, paranoia

  • New or worsening seizures.

Drowsiness or dizziness may last longer in older adults. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury.

Common diazepam side effects may include:

  • Drowsiness

  • Feeling tired

  • Muscle weakness

  • Problems with balance or muscle movement.

Warnings

  • Diazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication, alcohol, or other drugs that can slow your breathing.

  • Misuse of diazepam can lead to death, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.

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

  • You should not use this medicine 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.

  • Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use. Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer.

  • Get medical help right away if you stop using diazepam and have symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or thoughts about suicide.

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