Diazepam: uses and side effects of this drug
Of all the benzodiazepines on the drug 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 conditions, both physical and psychological, as well as the side effects and precautions that should be taken by those who they take.
- Related article: "Benzodiazepines (psychotropic): uses, effects and risks"
What is diazepam?
Diazepam, popularly known as Valium, is a medicine from the group of benzodiazepines.
Broadly speaking, benzodiazepines are psychotropic drugs, that is, their focus of action is the central nervous system. Its sedative, anxiolytic and muscle relaxant properties, among many others, are used to treat anxiety states, sleep disturbances, withdrawal problems or medical conditions muscular.
However, in the case of diazepam its properties are much more specific. These are:
- Anxiolytic properties: reduces the symptoms of anxiety.
- Muscle relaxants: reduces muscle tone, tension or contraction.
- Anticonvulsant: fights, prevents and prevents seizures or epileptic seizures.
- Sedative: tranquilizing and sleeping effects.
Diazepam has been constituted 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.
- You may be interested: "Types of psychotropic drugs: uses and side effects"
How does it work?
Like all other benzodiazepines, diazepam is a central nervous system depressant. Its focus of action are the neurons found in these structures on which it exerts an effect. nerve conduction reducer, which can produce sedative effects to coma, depending on the amount managed.
Its main mechanism of action lies in favoring and increase the inhibitory potential of the neurotransmitter known as gamma aminobutyric acid or GABA; acting on it 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 drug of choice for a host 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 cases or conditions, diazepam is indicated in cases of:
- Vertigo.
- Seizures and muscle spasms.
- Sedations prior to surgery.
- Delirium tremens.
- Dyspnoea or breathing problems.
- Paraneoplastic syndrome.
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 its dosage?
The most commonly used form of administration in this medicine is orally in the form of tablets, capsules, or a concentrated extended-release liquid solution. Likewise also 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 a day, it is necessary to adhere to the indications of the specialist doctor. Which will agree 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 detrimental effects that this entails.
Due to its own characteristics, increasing the dose on its own, or the administration of diazepam for longer than required may cause tolerance or decrease in its effects and, therefore, so much, dependence on this drug.
Therefore, as mentioned above, the patient must firmly and precisely follow all the indications provided by the professional. health, with which you should contact in the event that any type of doubt arises in relation to the medicine or with any aspect of the treatment.
Side effects
Among the list of most common side effects of diazepam are:
- Tiredness.
- Drowsiness.
- Dizziness.
- Feeling of weakness
- Gastric problems such as stomach pain or diarrhea.
On the other hand, there are a series of rather less common unwanted effects, but in which it will be necessary to contact the relevant professional immediately:
- Constipation.
- Changes in appetite.
- Problems urinating
- Vision disturbances.
- Alterations in libido.
- Fever.
- Convulsive crisis.
- Trouble breathing.
- Difficulty in swallowing.
- Tremors.
- Motor disorders.
- Rash.
- Abnormal palpitations
Finally, there have been cases of paradoxical adverse reactions such as overexcitement, irritation and anger; mainly when diazepam is administered to children and the elderly.
What precautions or contraindications are there?
Like the rest of benzodiazepines, patients should take into account a series of precautions when taking a drug such as diazepam.
First of all, the patient has the obligation to inform his doctor in the case of consuming any other type of medication or drug, as well as his alcoholic habits; in order to avoid any type of unwanted interaction.
After a long time of treatment, the patient should not stop taking diazepam suddenlyAs well as once it is finished, it must be gradually withdrawn. Otherwise they may suffer a risk of rebound effect characterized by extreme nervousness and disturbance. In addition, after its abrupt withdrawal, depression and sleep problems can also appear. 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 trimesters is not recommended. As well as during the lactation period since this can be transferred to breast milk, causing effects such as sedation, appetite alterations and weight loss in the infant.
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 full attention or concentration of the person. The sedative and sleeping effects of diazepam make it practically incompatible with any of these activities or practices.