At physiologic pH, however, midazolam is one of the most lipophilic BZDs. This lipophilia accounts for midazolam's rapid absorption and crossing of the blood-brain barrier and, hence, the rapid onset of clinical effects.
Long-acting benzodiazepines include diazepam (with the fastest onset of action), clorazepate (also fast onset), chlordiazepoxide (intermediate onset), f1urazepam (slow onset), and prazepam (slowest onset).
Halcion is one of the fastest acting of all Benzos, and it is also processed by the body faster than other Benzos. The drug is prescribed to treat anxiety and insomnia, but it can be highly addictive.
Oral tablets have a more reliable absorption and controlled release when compared to IM. When administered intravenously, diazepam has an onset of action within 1 to 3 minutes, while oral dosing onset ranges between 15 to 60 minutes.
The more lipophilic a benzodiazepine, the higher the rate of absorption and faster the onset of clinical action. For example, diazepam and midazolam have the highest lipid solubility and therefore also the quickest onset of action.
Diazepam and lorazepam differ in potency and in the time-course of their action. As a sedative, diazepam 10 mg is equivalent to lorazepam 2-2.5 mg. Diazepam is better absorbed after oral than after i.m. administrations but this does not apply to lorazepam.
One study did find that clonazepam (Klonopin) may be more effective for the treatment of burning mouth syndrome (BMS) as compared to diazepam (Valium). Another study has suggested clonazepam may be as effective as other benzodiazepines in the treatment of anxiety disorders but with a better safety profile.
Diazepam will work quite quickly or more slowly depending on what you're taking it for: seizures or fits – diazepam rectal tubes should start to work within 10 minutes. anxiety – you should start to feel a bit better within a few hours, but it may take a week or 2 for you to feel the full effects.
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. Having too much Valium in your body at one time can cause serious side effects.
How long does diazepam take to start working? Diazepam starts to work very quickly in your body, and you should get calming effects within two hours of taking it.
Temazepam 10mg is approximately equivalent to diazepam 5mg. Temazepam is used short-term for the treatment of insomnia, and as pre-medication before minor surgical and investigative procedures.
For example, if you have general anxiety, a long-lasting benzo, like diazepam or clonazepam, might be the best first choice.
Diazepam (Valium) and clorazepate (Tranxene) have fast onsets of action and usually start working within 30 to 60 minutes. Oxazepam (Serax) has a slow onset, and lorazepam (Ativan), alprazolam (Xanax), and clonazepam (Klonopin) have intermediate onsets of action.
The central difference between lorazepam and diazepam is lorazepam leaves a person's system more quickly, reducing the chance of toxicity or side effects. Side effects of both Ativan and Valium, aside from potential addiction, include drowsiness, fatigue, depression, unsteadiness, and memory problems.
A physical dependence develops more quickly with higher potency benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax) than with lower potency benzodiazepines such as chlordiazepoxide (Librium). Symptom severity is worse with the use of high doses, or with benzodiazepines of high potency or short half-life.
The usual dose is: anxiety – 2mg, taken 3 times a day, this can be increased to 5mg to 10mg, taken 3 times a day. sleep problems (related to anxiety) – 5mg to 15mg, taken once a day at bedtime.
Doctors generally recommend the drug should be used at dosages of 2-10 mg. This amount can be taken up to four times in a 24-hour time frame. The maximum daily total use in milligrams should not exceed 40 mg. Consuming a higher dosage of valium than prescribed by your doctor could lead to an overdose.
It is concluded that patients receiving a 2.5 mg dose of lorazepam should not drive or operate machinery for 24 h after the administration. After diazepam (10 mg) or medazepam (15 mg) patients should refrain from driving or participating inskilled performances for only 5 to 7 hours.
HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein or deep into a muscle as directed by your doctor. Giving the medication too fast can cause heart problems.
The most common side effect of diazepam is feeling drowsy. You're not recommended to use diazepam for longer than 4 weeks. If you take diazepam and feel sleepy, do not drive, cycle or use tools or machines. Do not drink alcohol while taking diazepam.
How Long Does It Take to Work? Once diazepam has been taken orally, over 90 percent of the drug will be absorbed within 15 minutes when you take it on an empty stomach. However, when food is present in your stomach, it can extend absorption time and feel its effects upwards of 45 minutes.
As a sedative, in single doses, midazolam is considered to be three times more potent than diazepam. With multiple doses midazolam gains in potency because of a prolonged plasma half-life.
Diazepam tablets are available in three strengths: 2 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg.
With sustained levels of anxiety, long-acting benzodiazepines such as diazepam and clorazepate are usually preferred, while episodic anxiety normally responds best to shorter-acting drugs such as oxazepam or lorazepam.