Diazepam Overview

Diazepam, also marketed under its brand name Valium, is a drug which is a benzodiazepine derivative. In essence, when this drug becomes active in one’s system it slows down the neurological system, therefore making it useful for treating anxiety, insomnia, seizures, alcohol withdrawal and muscle spasms. Eventually, it would be proven to help in the treatment of agitation, tremors, delirium, seizzures and hallucinations resulting from alcohol withdrawal. Because of its calming effects, and like many other prescription drug medications, the likelihood of abuse can run high if not monitored.

Diazepam History

Diazepam (Valium) was developed by Leo Sternbach of the Swiss pharmaceutical giant Hoffmann-La Roche in the early 1960s and approved for use in 1963. Its predecessor, chlordiazepoxide, was two and a half times less effective and Diazepam quickly surpassed it in sales. Since 1969 Valium was the most sold pharmaceutical drug in the United States with a peak in 1978 when 2.3 billion tablets were sold. In therapeutic doses Diazepam has much stronger sedative effect as compared to barbiturates. The benzodiazepines gained popularity among medical professionals as an improvement upon barbiturates and are far more sedating at therapeutic doses. The benzodiazepines are also far less dangerous; death rarely results from Diazepam overdose, except in cases where it is consumed with large amounts of other depressants (such as alcohol or other sedatives). It is also much safer to use with very rare cases of lethal overdose, which has usually resulted from mixing Diazepam with other depressing substances such as alcohol or sedatives. It is used for the treatment of seizures and relief of muscle spasms in some neurological diseases including stiff-person syndrome.

What is Diazepam and How is it Used?

Diazepam is used to treat anxiety, acute alcohol withdrawal and seizures. It is also used to relieve muscle spasms and to provide sedation before medical procedures. This medication belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines that act on the brain and nerves (central nervous system) to produce a calming effect. It works by enhancing the effects of a certain natural chemical in the body (GABA). The dosage of this medication depends on the level of your condition and response to therapy. Diazepam is not of value in the treatment of psychotic patients and should not be employed in lieu of appropriate treatment. As is true of most preparations containing CNS-acting drugs, patients receiving Diazepam should be cautioned against engaging in hazardous occupations requiring complete mental alertness such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle. As with other agents which have anticonvulsant activity, when Diazepam is used as an adjunct in treating convulsive disorders, the possibility of an increase in the frequency and/or severity of grand mal seizures may require an increase in the dosage of standard anticonvulsant medication. Abrupt withdrawal of Diazepam in such cases may also be associated with a temporary increase in the frequency and/or severity of seizures. Since Diazepam has a central nervous system depressant effect, patients should be advised against the simultaneous ingestion of alcohol and other CNS-depressant drugs during Diazepam therapy. Withdrawal symptoms of the barbiturate type have occurred after the discontinuation of benzodiazepines.

Diazepam Side Effects

If any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur, it is imperative that a doctor is notified immediately:

• Mental/mood changes (e.g., memory problems, agitation, hallucinations)
• Slurred speech
• Clumsiness
• Trouble walking
• Decreased/increased interest in sex
• Tremor
• Trouble urinating
• Sleep disturbances

Serious side effects involve:

• Stomach/abdominal pain
• Persistent nausea
• Vomiting
• Yellowing eyes or skin
• Dark urine
• Persistent sore throat
• Fever

Although rare, symptoms of a serious allergic reaction could include:

• Rash
• Itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat
• Severe dizziness
• Trouble breathing

Diazepam Addiction Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with Diazepam addiction and are looking for Valium addiction help, we can help. Please call our toll free number at (888) 371-5703. We are available 24 hours a day to answer your questions on Diazepam and treatment. Here is a video to watch Valium addiction video.