Diazepam: Uses, Precautions And Side Effects Of This Drug
Of all the benzodiazepines on the pharmacological market, diazepam is the one that has achieved the most fame since the Polish chemist Leo Henryk Sternbach synthesized it for the first time in the 1950s.
In this article we will talk about the uses of this drug when treating various physical and psychological conditions, as well as the side effects and precautions that those who take it should take.
Diazepam, popularly known as Valium is a medication from the benzodiazepine group.
Broadly speaking, benzodiazepines They are psychotropic drugs, that is, their focus of action is the central nervous system Its sedative, anxiolytic and muscle relaxing properties, among many others, are used to treat anxiety states, sleep disturbances, withdrawal problems or muscle conditions.
However, in the case of diazepam its properties are much more specific. These are:
Diazepam has been established as one of the most used benzodiazepines due to its high effectiveness, both at an anxiolytic level and in the treatment of muscle spasms; being one of the most administered and prescribed drugs in this category.
How does it act?
Like the rest of the benzodiazepines, diazepam is a central nervous system depressant Its focus of action is the neurons found in these structures on which it exerts a reducing effect on nerve conduction, and can produce everything from sedative effects to coma, depending on the amount administered.
Its main mechanism of action lies in promoting and increase the inhibitory potential of the neurotransmitter known as gamma aminobutyric acid or GABA ; acting on the limbic system, the thalamus and the hypothalamus.
One of its main advantages is that it does not affect or block the peripheral autonomic nervous system, so it does not produce any type of extrapyramidal side effect.
In what cases is it administered?
Given its multiple actions, diazepam has established itself as the medicine of choice for a large number of conditions and disorders both psychological and physical.
Since it is fundamentally known for its anxiolytic effects, its administration contexts are those related to the treatment of anxiety, psychosomatic conditions, panic attacks or sleep problems such as insomnia.
As for the rest of the cases or conditions, diazepam is indicated in cases of:
Finally, thanks to its properties as a muscle relaxant is highly recommended in cases of spasticity in which any type of condition, such as paraplegia or paralysis, causes a permanent contraction of some muscle groups.
What is your dosage?
The most commonly used form of administration for this medication is orally in the form of tablets, capsules, or a concentrated extended-release liquid solution. Likewise, also It is possible that in certain cases it may be administered intravenously always from the hands of a health professional.
Although the recommended dose of diazepam is usually between 5 and 10 milligrams daily, it is necessary to follow the specialist’s instructions. Which will determine the necessary dose according to the individual response of each patient.
However, the maximum dose of diazepam does not exceed 20 milligrams per day, since the patient is at risk of overdose with all the harmful effects that this entails.
Due to its own characteristics, increasing the dose on its own, or administering diazepam for longer than required may cause tolerance or a decrease in its effects and, therefore, dependence on this drug
Therefore, as mentioned above, the patient must firmly and precisely follow all the instructions provided by the health professional, who must be contacted in the event that any type of doubt arises in relation to the medication. or with any aspect of treatment.
Side effects
Among the list of the most common side effects of diazepam are:
On the other hand, there are a series of unwanted effects that are much less common but in which it will be necessary to immediately contact the relevant professional:
Constipation.
Alterations in appetite
Problems urinating.
Alterations in vision.
Alterations in libido.
Fever
Convulsive crisis.
Trouble breathing.
Difficulty in swallowing.
Tremors
Motor alterations.
Rash
Abnormal palpitations.
Finally, cases of paradoxical adverse reactions such as overexcitement, irritation and anger have been recorded; mainly when diazepam is administered to children and the elderly.
What precautions or contraindications exist?
Like the rest of benzodiazepines, patients should take into account a series of precautions when taking a drug like diazepam
First of all, the patient has the obligation to inform his doctor if he consumes any other type of medication or drug, as well as his alcohol habits; in order to avoid any type of unwanted interaction.
After a long time of treatment, The patient should not stop taking diazepam suddenly, just as once it ends it must be withdrawn gradually. Otherwise they may suffer a risk of rebound effect characterized by extreme nervousness and alteration. In addition, depression and sleep problems may also appear after its abrupt withdrawal. In any case, you must follow the doctor’s instructions.
In cases where the patient is pregnant, the administration of diazepam in the first and third trimester is not recommended. As well as during the breastfeeding period, since it can be transferred to breast milk, causing effects in the infant such as sedation, alterations in appetite and weight loss.
Finally, although these effects are subject to the amount of diazepam administered and the sensitivity of each patient, it is necessary to take precautions when driving any type of vehicle or machinery that requires the person’s complete attention or concentration. The sedative and sleeping effects of diazepam make it practically incompatible with any of these activities or practices.
