Diazepam is a medication 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 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 inhibits the action of chemicals that conduct nerve signals (neurotransmitters) in the brain.
This way of working will cause a calm, relaxing, and drowsy effect, so it can be used as an anti-anxiety (anti-anxiety), anticonvulsant (anticonvulsant), and muscle relaxant.muscle relaxant). This drug should not be used carelessly and must be in accordance with a doctor's prescription.
Diazepam trademark: Analsik, Diazepam, Nozepav, Potentik, Trazep, Stesolid, Valdimex, Valium, Valisanbe
What is Diazepam
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Benzodiazepine class of drugs |
| Benefit | Treats anxiety disorders (antianxiety), relieves seizures (anticonvulsants), or as muscle relaxants (muscle relaxant). |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Diazepam for pregnant and lactating women | Category D: There is positive evidence of risks to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with life-threatening situations. Diazepam can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without telling your doctor. |
| Drug form | Tablets, syrups, enemas, injections |
Precautions 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 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 respiratory distress. 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 are currently suffering from 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 disorders.
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after using diazepam, as this medicine may 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 taking certain supplements, herbal products, or medications, especially opioids. The use of diazepam with opioid drugs can increase the risk of fatal side effects.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking diazepam before having certain laboratory tests or surgery.
- Tell your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after using diazepam.
Dosage and Use of 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:
Purpose: Treating insomnia associated with anxiety disorders
- Adults: 5–15 mg, taken at bedtime.
- Elderly: 2.5–7.5 mg, taken at bedtime.
Purpose: Treating anxiety disorders or muscle stiffness
- Adults: 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: Initial dose 1–2.5 mg, 3–4 times daily. The doctor will increase the dose gradually according to the patient's condition.
Purpose: Handling withdrawal symptoms
- Adult: 10 mg, 3-4 times on day 1, then 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: An adjunct in the treatment of seizures
- Adults: 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 Correctly
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 medicine for more than the time recommended by your doctor.
Diazepam injectable 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, with 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 contained 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 reclining position like curled up, then slowly insert the tip of the enema into the anus, and squeeze the enema bottle until the medicine goes into the anus completely.
If you forget to use diazepam tablets, syrup or enemas, it is advisable to use them as soon as you remember and the interval between 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. The doctor will reduce the dose gradually to prevent symptoms from worsening.
Avoid consuming grapefruit while using diazepam, unless your doctor allows it. Consuming grapefruit While undergoing 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 drug interactions that can occur if 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 obat
- 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 (tremor)
- Confused
Check with your doctor if these side effects don't go away or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction or any of the following serious side effects:
- Difficulty breathing or slowed breathing
- Difficulty remembering or even memory loss
- Hallucinations or delusions appear
- Nervous
- Depression
- Jaundice
- Difficult to urinate
- Sore throat or fever that doesn't get better