Diazepam belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. It works on several different chemicals in the brain. Overall, it slows the brain and slows the transmission of information from the brain to the nerves.
Diazepam improves the effect of a chemical in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is a chemical whose transmission across nerves in the brain is known to produce a 'calming effect'.
How does diazepam work? Diazepam belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. It works by increasing the levels of a calming chemical in your brain. Depending on your health condition, this can make you feel drowsy, relieve anxiety, stop seizures or relax tense muscles.
Examples of central nervous system depressants are benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and certain sleep medicines. Central nervous system depressants are sometimes called sedatives or tranquilizers.
Response and effectiveness. The peak effects of diazepam are seen within 1 to 1.5 hours in most people. Diazepam is metabolized to active metabolites and its effects may last for more than 24 hours and extend with repeated dosing as the drug accumulates in the body.
Long-term use of diazepam can lead to chemical dependency and, eventually, to severe addiction. Understanding the health complications of Valium addiction may encourage nonmedical users of this drug to reach out for help.
IMPORTANT WARNING: has been expanded. Diazepam may increase the risk of serious or life-threatening breathing problems, sedation, or coma if used along with certain medications.
It is usually only recommended for a short period of time of up to 4 weeks. If you're prescribed diazepam for more than 4 weeks, your dose may be reduced gradually to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Valium (diazepam) is a benzodiazepine medication prescribed to treat anxiety symptoms and anxiety disorders. The drug is also prescribed to treat sleep disorders, seizures, alcohol withdrawal, and other conditions.
Valium, diazepam, is a long-acting benzodiazepine, that is often used, against recommendation, to treat anxiety disorders such as panic disorder.
Diazepam exhibits a lower risk profile for addiction and dependence than other benzodiazepines, and it is typically used for treatment of withdrawal symptoms from other benzodiazepines and alcohol. Nevertheless, caution must be taken with dosage and duration for longer-term anxiety symptoms.
For anxiety: Adults—2 to 10 milligrams (mg) 2 to 4 times a day. Older adults—At first, 2 to 2.5 mg 1 or 2 times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed.
1 When administered via injection, valium takes just one to five minutes to take effect. When taken orally, people usually begin to feel the effects 15 to 60 minutes after ingestion. Rectal gel may be used for those who are experiencing seizures and begins working quickly after administration.
Diazepam may be taken every day at regular times or on an as-needed (“PRN”) basis. Typically, your healthcare provider will limit the number of doses you should take in one day. Your healthcare provider will determine the dose and method of taking the medication that is right for you based upon your response.
No muscle relaxers are available over the counter in the U.S., but some OTC medications can have muscle-relaxing effects. These include guaifenesin and NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen.
In general, muscle relaxers act as central nervous system depressants and cause a sedative effect or prevent your nerves from sending pain signals to your brain.
“There is no evidence to suggest that antidepressant drugs are more effective than benzodiazepines in anxiety disorders,” he said. “Certainly, benzodiazepines have fewer side effects.”
With diazepam, a nonbasic lipophilic amine, there was 30% uptake during the first pass through the human lung--significantly less than that observed with verapamil. With thiopental, an acidic lipophilic barbiturate, only 14% of the injected drug accumulated in the lung during the first pass.
drowsy or sedating antihistamines, such as chlorphenamine or promethazine. strong painkillers, such as codeine, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, pethidine or tramadol. HIV medicines, such as ritonavir, atazanavir, efavirenz or saquinavir. antifungal medicines, such as fluconazole.
Valium is a drug used for managing anxiety disorders and short-term treatment of anxiety symptoms. The drug, which is also sold under the generic name diazepam, works by actually slowing down activity in your brain.
Some of the common medications that may be prescribed as an alternative to Valium include antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs ) like fluoxetine ( Prozac ), tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline ( Elavil, Endep ), monoamine oxidase inhibitors ( MAOIs ) such as phenelzine ( ...
Drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, blurred vision, or unsteadiness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.