Diazepam is a drug to treat anxiety disorders, relieve spasms, muscle stiffness, or as a sedative before surgery. In addition, this drug can also be used in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Diazepam belongs to the benzodiazepine group. This drug works to increase the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical compound in the brain that blocks the action of chemicals that conduct nerve signals (neurotransmitters) in the brain.
This way of working will cause a calm, relaxing and drowsiness effect, so that it can be used as an anti-anxiety, anti-convulsant, and muscle relaxant . This drug should not be used carelessly and must be according to a doctor's prescription.
Diazepam trademarks: Analsik, Diazepam, Nozepav, Potensik, Trazep, Stesolid, Valdimex, Valium, Valisanbe
What is Diazepam
Warning Before Using Diazepam
Diazepam should only be used according to a doctor's prescription. This drug is not recommended for long-term use, because it can cause addiction. There are several things that must be considered before using diazepam, namely:
- Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have. Diazepam should not be used in patients who are allergic to this drug or to other benzodiazepine drugs, such as temazepam or alprazolam .
- Tell your doctor if you have myasthenia gravis , untreated glaucoma, acute porphyria , or severe breathing problems. Diazepam should not be given to patients with these conditions.
- Tell your doctor if you are addicted to alcohol or have ever had alcohol poisoning .
- Tell your doctor if you have or currently have liver disease, kidney disease, lung or respiratory disease, sleep apnea , certain mental disorders, such as psychosis or depression .
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages after using dizepam because it can increase the risk of fatal respiratory problems.
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after using diazepam, because this drug can cause dizziness and drowsiness .
- Discuss the use of diazepam in the elderly or children, because the risk of side effects may increase if diazepam is used in this age group.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy. Diazepam is not recommended for use by pregnant women or nursing mothers.
- Tell your doctor if you are being treated with certain supplements, herbal products, or medications, especially opioid drugs. The use of diazepam with opioid class drugs can increase the risk of fatal side effects.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking diazepam before having certain laboratory tests or surgery.
- Report to your doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction , serious side effects, or overdose after using diazepam.
Dosage and Rules for Using Diazepam
The dose of diazepam will be determined by the doctor according to the dosage form of the drug, the condition and age of the patient, and the patient's response to treatment. In certain conditions, the doctor will determine the dose based on the patient's body weight (BB).
In general, the following is the dosage of diazepam in tablet form according to its intended use:
Objective : To treat insomnia related to anxiety disorders
- Adult: 5–15 mg, taken at bedtime.
- Seniors: 2.5–7.5 mg, taken at bedtime.
Goal : Treat anxiety disorders or muscle stiffness
- Adult: 2–10 mg, 2–4 times daily.
- Elderly: Initial dose 2–2.5 mg, 1–2 times daily. The doctor will increase the dose gradually according to the patient's condition.
- Children >6 months of age: Initially 1–2.5 mg 3–4 times daily. The doctor will gradually increase the dose according to the patient's condition.
Goal: Treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms
- Adult: 10 mg 3–4 times on the first day, followed by 5 mg 3–4 times daily as needed.
- Elderly: Initial dose 2–2.5 mg, 1–2 times daily. The dose can be increased gradually if needed.
Purpose : Adjunct in the treatment of seizures
- Adult: 2–10 mg, 2–4 times daily.
Diazepam is also available as an enema suppository or injectable. The doctor will determine the dose and duration of use according to the patient's condition and age.
How to Use Diazepam Properly
Follow the doctor 's recommendations and read the instructions for use listed on the drug packaging before using diazepam. Do not reduce or increase your dose or use this drug for more than the time recommended by your doctor.
Diazepam injection type will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. This drug can be given by injection into a vein (intravenous), an injection under a muscle (intramuscularly), or it can be given through an IV.
Diazepam tablets can be taken before meals, during meals, or after meals. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. For diazepam in syrup form, shake the bottle before use. Use the measuring spoon that is in the package so that the dose consumed is correct.
For diazepam in the form of an enema, wash your hands before and after using this medication. Take a recumbent position like curled up, then slowly insert the tip of the enema into the anus, and press the enema bottle until the medicine is fully inserted into the anus.
If you forget to use diazepam tablets, syrup or enemas, it is recommended to use them immediately as soon as you remember and the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Do not stop treatment without consulting your doctor first. Your doctor will reduce the dose gradually to prevent symptoms from worsening.
Avoid consuming grapefruit while using diazepam, unless your doctor allows it. Eating grapefruit while on treatment with diazepam can cause side effects.
Store diazepam tablets or syrup in a closed container in a cool room. Do not store it in a humid place or in direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Diazepam Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are some interactions between drugs that can occur when diazepam is used with certain drugs:
- Increased risk of fatal side effects in the form of severe respiratory distress, coma and death when used with opioid drugs, such as morphine
- Increased risk of side effects from sodium oxybate drugs
- Increased risk of side effects when used with antipsychotic drugs , antihistamines, other anticonvulsants , other anti-anxiety drugs, anesthetics, barbiturates
- Enhanced sedative effect when used with lofexidine or disulfiram
- Increased effect of diazepam when used with isoniazid , cimetidine, erythromycin, ketoconazole , or omeprazole
- Decreased levels and effects of diazepam when used with rifampicin , carbamazepine, phenytoin , caffeine, theophylline, or antacids
Side Effects and Dangers of Diazepam
There are some side effects that can occur after using diazepam are:
- Drowsiness
- Dizzy
- Tired
- Blurred vision
- Balance disorders
- Body shaking ( tremors )
- Confused
Check with your doctor if these side effects don't go away or get worse. Immediately consult a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction or the following serious side effects:
- Difficulty breathing or breathing becomes slow
- Difficulty remembering or even memory loss
- Hallucinations or delusions appear
- Nervous
- Depression
- Jaundice
- Difficulty urinating
- Sore throat or fever that doesn't get better