Diazepam belongs to the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines and is used for treating anxiety. Some of the other drugs belonging to the benzodiazepine family include clonazepam (Klonopin), alprazolam (Xanax), flurazepam (Dalmane) and lorazepam (Ativan). All benzodiazepines, including diazepam, work by means of augmenting the consequences of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) inside the brain. It may be noted that GABA is basically a neurotransmitter (a chemical released by the nerves in the brain to communicate with one another) that slows down the activity within the brain. It is understood that any unwarranted activity within the brain may result in anxiety or additional psychiatric problems.
Prior to commencing treatment with diazepam, it is essential to inform your physician or pharmacist if you have any allergic reactions to this drug, any other drugs belonging to the benzodiazepine family, for instance, clonazepam, lorazepam or alprazolam or have any other allergies. It is likely that this drug will enclose several inactive ingredients that may result in allergies or other disorders. Hence, it is important that you ask your pharmacist for all the ingredients of diazepam. People having specific medical conditions should not use this drug. Before you start using this medication, talk to your physician or pharmacist if you are suffering from glaucoma (narrow angle), a certain muscle disorder called myasthenia gravis and/ or sleep apnea, wherein the patient faces breathing problems during sleep.
Before you start using diazepam, you should tell your physician or pharmacist regarding your entire medical history, particularly if you are enduring any liver ailment, kidney disease, glaucoma (open angle), breathing problems related to the lungs (for instance, COPD - chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and/ or alcohol or drug abuse. Use of this medication may make one feel lightheaded or drowsy or even result in blurred vision. Hence, it is advisable that if you are taking this medication you should not undertake any activity that requires clear vision or alertness, for instance, driving or operating any machine, until you are certain regarding your ability to undertake such tasks without any risk. In addition, you should keep away from alcoholic beverages while undergoing treatment with this medication.
As this drug may cause different consequences in children, it should be used with great caution. Rather than calming the nerves, the use of this drug by children may result in side effects like restiveness and mood changes, for instance, hallucinations and agitation. Even elderly people using this medication should exercise caution, as they are likely to be more vulnerable to the consequences of diazepam, particularly being drowsy. It may be noted that diazepam may also affect older adults in a different manner. Rather than soothing the overworked nerves, it may result in restiveness or mood changes, for instance agitation and hallucination, in them.
It is not advisable for pregnant women to use diazepam as it has the potential to cause harm to the fetus. Therefore, women intending to start treatment with diazepam should tell their physician if they are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant. In case any woman becomes pregnant while undergoing treatment with diazepam, she should right away contact her physician for advice on what she needs to do next. It is advisable that you talk to your physician for further information in this regard. As this drug is known to pass onto breast milk, it may have an adverse effect on the nursing child. Hence, breast-feeding women should also consult their physician before starting treatment with this drug.
Diazepam belongs to the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines and is primarily used for treating anxiety, bouts of panic as well as muscle seizures. In addition, this drug is also employed to treat severe seizures. Physicians also prescribe diazepam to cure severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Moreover, this drug is also employed to sedate patients prior to any medical procedure, such as a minor surgery. Diazepam may also be given to avoid occurrence of awfully shocking nightmares, a condition also referred to as night terror.
Diazepam should always be taken strictly according to your physician's prescription. Never take this medication in excessive or lower dosages or for a prolonged period than what has been recommended by your physician. It is also important to carefully read and follow the instructions on the label of the product. For utmost benefits of using diazepam, it is possible that your physician will alter your dosage of the medication from time to time.
In case you are taking the liquid form of diazepam, it is important to measure the medication using a special spoon meant to measure the dosage or a medicine cup. You should never use a household spoon to measure the dose for it will not help you to get the accurate dosage. In case you do not have a measuring spoon or device, procure one from your pharmacist.
It is important that diazepam is only used for a brief duration. Never take this medication continuously for more than 12 weeks without consulting your physician. It is also important that you do not discontinue taking this medication all of a sudden and also without consulting your physician. People undergoing treatment with diazepam may experience more seizures or undesirable withdrawal symptoms if they discontinue this medication abruptly. It is prudent to gradually decrease the dose of the medication prior to discontinuing it completely. In case you feel that this medication is not yielding the desired results or working as it should be, call your physician straight away. You should also talk to your physician if you feel that you need an additional dosage of this medication.
In order to ascertain that using diazepam is not resulting in detrimental effects, you may have to get your blood examined periodically. In addition, you may also require undergoing tests to ensure that your liver is functioning as it should usually. It is important for people taking diazepam to visit their physician on a regular basis and also keep all appointments with the laboratory.
People undergoing treatment with diazepam should always keep an eye on the amount of medication that has been used from every new bottle. It is worth mentioning here that diazepam is one drug which is often abused by people and, hence, you need to be aware whether any other person is using your medication without any prescription or inappropriately.
Diazepam is a benzodiazepine drug that works on the brain as well as the nerves - precisely speaking, the central nervous system, to generate a soothing effect. This medication works by augmenting the consequences of specific natural chemical called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) within the body.
People using diazepam should never discontinue with it all of a sudden, especially if they have already taken this medication continuously for a period of more than four weeks. It is advisable to gradually lower the dosage of diazepam before you stop taking it completely, as this will help you to avoid withdrawal symptoms, such as tremor, sweating, hallucination, depression, vomiting and seizures.
Diazepam should always be stored at room temperature - anything between 15°C and 30°C, and kept in a dry place where there is no light or dampness. Never store this medication in your bathroom, which is mostly damp. Also keep all medications beyond the reach of children and pets. When any medication has become outdated, never discard it by flushing it down the toilet or pouring it into a drain, unless you have been directed otherwise. When any medication has become outdated or is required no longer, it should be discarded in a proper and safe manner. It is advisable that you talk to your pharmacist or any neighbourhood waste disposal company for further details regarding this.
