What Is Diazepam

Diazepam also known as Valium, is commonly used to treat anxiety. It is a benzodiazepine medicine so used as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Because risks of addiction and developing tolerance increase if used for a long time. Along with anxiety, diazepam treats many other health issues. Moreover, it also helps you fall asleep quickly so, the doctors sometimes prescribe it for insomnia. But as it primarily treats anxiety, it is known as anti-anxiety medication.

It is a controlled substance because it has potential risks of misuse and overdose. As Diazepam causes sedation, people misuse and sometimes overdose on it for increased effects. Misuse and overdose lead to severe consequences. That’s why, you should take only the prescribed dose for a short duration.

Along with that, there are many more things about diazepam that you must know. In today’s article, we will explore different facts about this medicine. If you are willing to use or get information about this medicine, this article will help you.

What Are the Uses of Diazepam?

Talking about the uses of diazepam then, it is a broad-spectrum medicine. It treats a wide range of health issues which are:

• anxiety and panic disorder
• muscle spasms
• seizures
• alcohol withdrawal

FDA has approved diazepam to use for all these health issues. Besides these issues, doctors use it as a mild anesthesia before surgery or dental treatment. Moreover, the doctor may suggest taking diazepam, if you have sleep-related problems.

How does it work?

It is a CNS depressant, so it suppresses the activity of the brain and alleviates the symptoms of anxiety. It also increases the efficiency of a chemical named GABA in the brain. GABA produces a calming effect in the brain and relaxes the nerves and muscles. Furthermore, diazepam causes sedation and drowsiness which helps you fall asleep faster and get better sleep.

How long does Diazepam take to work?

Being a fast-acting and long-acting medicine, it takes very little time to show its effects. Usually, it starts working within 15 minutes of taking it. But this time depends on the form and strength of medicine, the severity of the issue, and many other factors. Within 2 hours of taking this medicine, its concentration peaks in the blood. The effects of this medicine do not wear off quickly.

What Are the Dosages and Strengths of Diazepam?      

One of the best things about diazepam is that it has different forms and strengths. It comes in the form of tablets, injections, rectal tubes, and sprays. All these forms come with many strengths including:

• tablets: 2mg, 5mg, 10mg
• oral solution: 1mg/ml, 5mg/ml
• rectal gel:5mg, 10mg, 20mg
• injections: 5mg/ml

The recommended dose varies depending on several factors including:

• age and medical condition of the patient
• issue and its severity

Here are the recommended dosages of diazepam for people aged 18-64 years as per the issue it is treating:

• anxiety: 2mg-10mg per day
• alcohol withdrawal: 10mg per day (dose can be adjusted to 5mg/day once the symptoms are under control)
• muscle spasms: 2mg to 10mg taken 2-3 times a day
• seizures: 2mg to 10mg taken 2-4 times a day
• insomnia: 10mg per day taken before going to bed

Things you should watch while taking diazepam

The first and most important thing is to follow the doctor’s prescription while taking this medicine. So, don’t take the medicine on your own because this may lead to serious side effects.

Take only the prescribed dose and that too for a short duration. If you want a higher or lower dose, ask your doctor about it. Don’t adjust the dosage on your own.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Never take two doses at the same time to compensate or increase the effects. This will cause an overdose with serious health complications.

Moreover, if you suddenly stop taking the medicine, you may have withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be life-threatening. So, discuss with the doctor if you don’t want to use the medicine anymore.

Potential Side Effects of Diazepam

Like every other medicine, it also has some side effects. Some side effects are common and will fade once you stop using the medicine. But sometimes it may show serious side effects. Although serious side effects are very rare. But if you experience something unusual or serious, ask for medical help. Here are the lists of both common and serious side effects of this medicine:

Besides these side effects, this medicine may impair mobility, cognition, and memory in older people. So, be careful while taking this medicine or take care of the person who is using this medicine.

This medicine has serious withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. Moreover, it causes serious complications in overdosing. Here are some withdrawal symptoms and overdosing symptoms:

Precautions And Warnings for Using Diazepam

This medicine comes with several warnings and risks. So, follow the precautions and take care of the warnings while using it to avoid the side effects.

Using this medicine with alcohol or any opioid may cause life-threatening side effects. Because they cause excessive sedation and drowsiness. So, don’t take this medicine with alcohol and opioids.

Don’t take it, if you are allergic to benzodiazepines or any other medicine. Along with that, don’t drink grapefruit juice while taking this medicine. This may stop the liver from processing the medicine which causes an accumulation of medicine in the body.

This medicine is not suitable for everyone. So, people having a history of particular health issues or currently suffering should not take this medicine.

• liver or kidney diseases
• narrow-angle glaucoma
• respiratory problems
• myasthenia gravis
• sleep apnea
• depression or any personality disorder
• substance or alcohol abuse

Furthermore, this medicine may interact with other medications and supplements, if used together. Different interactions may affect the working efficiency of this medicine. Along with that, some interactions may even cause serious side effects. Here are some medicines, supplements, and herbs that can interact with diazepam:

• antidepressants and antipsychotic medicines
• antihistamines and allergy medicines
• antifungal medicines
• anti-anxiety medicines
• sleep medicines
• prescription painkillers

Conclusion

Diazepam is an anti-anxiety medicine that also treats seizures, muscle spasms, and insomnia. It is one of the best medicines for anxiety and panic disorder. It calms down the brain, reduces anxiety, and helps in falling asleep. But it is a prescription medicine and you can buy diazepam uk only with a prescription. Because many people misuse and overdose on it causing severe side effects. So, if you are suffering from anxiety, insomnia, seizures, or muscle spasms, buy anxiety pills online.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I take Diazepam during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Firstly, consult the doctor about the benefits and risks of taking this medicine during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If the doctor finds it beneficial then, you can use this medicine during pregnancy. But it may pass to the baby through breast milk and affect the growth of the baby. So, avoid using it while breastfeeding.

Is Diazepam addictive?

Excessive and long-term use of diazepam may cause addiction or dependance. And if you have a history of substance or alcohol abuse, there are more chances of addiction. So, don’t use it longer than 4 weeks.

Will Diazepam have any effect on my weight?

No, it will not have any effect on my weight, if used under the doctor’s supervision.