What Is Diazepam?
Diazepam (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen) is a benzodiazepine medication prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal symptoms or muscle spasms. Diazepam injections are also used to treat seizures. Emergency known as status epilepticus.
Diazepam injections can be used to ease anxiety prior to going through an operation or any other medical procedure.Diazepam can also be employed for other purposes that are not covered in this guideline.
Side effects of Diazepam
Seek medical attention immediately in the event that you exhibit symptoms that indicate an allergy, such as asthma, hives, or swelling of your lips, face, tongue, throat, or face.
Diazepam may slow or cease breathing, particularly when you've recently taken an opioid drug or alcohol. Anyone who cares for you needs to seek urgent medical treatment if you suffer from slow breathing with long pauses and blue lips or if you find it difficult to get up.
Inform your medical professional immediately if you suffer from:
- Extreme sleepiness;
- Strange ideas
- Feeling lightheaded as though about to faint.
Common adverse effects of valium include:
- Drowsiness;
- Fatigued feeling;
- Muscle weakness muscle weakness
- Issues with balance, muscle balance, or movement.
This list does not encompass every potential side effect; others could occur. To get medical advice regarding possible adverse reactions, contact your physician. Additionally, report them directly to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Inform your doctor of the medicines you are currently taking and all the ones you begin or stop taking. Diazepam can slow down or cease breathing, particularly in the case of recent use of alcohol or an opioid drug.
If you are given diazepam in an emergency situation, ensure that any doctor who follows up knows about the medicine you took.
Before you take this drug
You shouldn't be treated with diazepam if you are sensitive to it. It may be difficult to receive a diazepam shot in the event of glaucoma.
If it's possible to do so in an emergency, inform your medical professionals whether you've had any of the following:
- Glaucoma;
- Asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive lung disorder (COPD), or any other breathing issues;
- Renal or liver illness;
- Depression, suicidal thoughts or behaviors;
- Coronary disease
- If you've recently used alcohol, tranquilizers, sedatives, or opioids,
Diazepam could cause harm to an unborn baby and should never be used during pregnancy. But status epilepticus can be an extremely dangerous condition, and the advantages of using this medication to treat it can outweigh the risk for the baby's unborn. Inform your doctor if you are expecting.
Check with your doctor to see if it is safe to breastfeed while taking this medication.
If you are able to do so during an emergency situation, inform your medical professional that you are breastfeeding or pregnant.
How to take Diazepam?
Diazepam is injected either into the muscle or vein.A healthcare professional will administer this injection. Diazepam injections are intended for short-term use only.Diazepam injections are typically given in a single dose before an operation or other medical treatment. In other situations, it is generally administered until you are able to use the medication by mouth.
If injected into a vein, diazepam should be administered slowly. Inform your medical professional if you experience any pain or burning sensation after injecting diazepam.Your blood pressure, breathing levels, oxygen levels, and other vital indicators are closely monitored while you are in the hospital.
Diazepam may make you dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded. You might need assistance to get out of bed in the first few hours.Dizziness or drowsiness can be more frequent for older people. Take care to avoid falling or sustaining an injury accidentally.
What happens if I miss the dose?
In a medical environment, you will never skip the dose.
What happens if I overdose?
In a medical environment, an overdose could be immediately treated.
What should be avoided?
Don't drink alcohol immediately following diazepam injections. Dangerous side effects or even death may occur.
Diazepam injections can trigger extreme drowsiness, which can persist for a long time after you've received the medication. Avoid driving or dangerous activities until you are aware of the effects of this medication on you. Drowsiness or dizziness can lead to accidents, falls, or serious injuries.
Interaction with other drugs
After you have been given this medicine, using other medications that cause you to sleep or slow your breathing could result in dangerous adverse consequences. Ask your doctor before taking any opioid medications, such as a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medication to treat anxiety or seizures.
Inform your doctor about any other medications you take, particularly:
- Any other benzodiazepines (alprazolam, lorazepam, and temazepam; Valium, Xanax, Versed, Klonopin, and others);
- Treatment for mental illness
- An MAO inhibitor—isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and others.
This list isn't complete. Other medications may interact with diazepam, such as medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal remedies. There are many possible interactions between drugs that are listed here.
