Diazepam is a psychotropic drug from the benzodiazepine group. Diazepam has a calming, anxiolytic and anticonvulsant effect, it relaxes the muscles and helps you fall asleep. In many countries, including Poland, diazepam is available only on prescription or intended for inpatient treatment, because it acts like a drug in high doses. What is the dosage of diazepam? What are the side effects of its use?

Diazepam-psychotropic drug , used primarily in psychiatry and neurology. Diazepam is an active ingredient in, among others,relaniumorvalium . Diazepam, like other benzodiazepine drugs, increases the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA, which acts to inhibit the thalamus, hypothalamus and limbic system, reducing the excitability of the neurons responsible for causing anxiety.

Diazepam: indications

  • immediate, short-term treatment of anxiety, also related to insomnia
  • mitigating aggressive behavior
  • alcoholism therapy - treatment of sudden withdrawal symptoms
  • treatment of certain types of epilepsy
  • sometimes in the treatment of psychosis
  • in premedication before some diagnostic and therapeutic procedures
  • treatment of increased muscle tension

Diazepam: dosage

Only the doctor decides in what doses and how often the patient should take diazepam. Diazepam can be administered orally (tablets, oral suspension), in the form of intramuscular injections or rectal enemas. Treatment with diazepam should not exceed 4 weeks. To avoid or at least reduce withdrawal symptoms, you should gradually reduce your doses to zero. You must not drink alcohol for at least 36 hours after taking diazepam.

Diazepam: side effects

Diazepam is not one of the safest drugs - its use over a long period of time can lead to mental and physical dependence. Sudden discontinuation of diazepam may cause withdrawal symptoms.

The most common side effects are:

  • fatigue,
  • sleepiness,
  • reduction of intellectual performance and speed of reaction,
  • muscle weakness,
  • dizzinessheads,
  • incoherent movements,
  • gait disturbance,
  • confusion,
  • slow speech,
  • shaking hands.

Rare side effects are:

  • dry mouth,
  • increased thirst,
  • tongue swelling,
  • metallic taste in the mouth,
  • hiccup,
  • increased or decreased appetite,
  • weight change (increase or decrease),
  • gastrointestinal complaints (nausea, vomiting, constipation),
  • liver damage,
  • urinary retention,
  • difficulty urinating,
  • urinary incontinence,
  • puffiness,
  • lowering blood pressure,
  • heart rate acceleration,
  • increased bronchial secretion,
  • shortness of breath,
  • visual or sensory disturbance,
  • hyperactivity,
  • euphoria,
  • headache,
  • photosensitivity,
  • muscle cramps,
  • joint pain,
  • libido reduction,
  • menstrual disorders,
  • ovulation disorders,
  • allergic skin reactions,
  • conjunctivitis,
  • changes in blood count.

Diazepam makes it impossible to drive a car and operate other mechanical devices.While taking diazepam you must not:drive a car or other vehicles, operate machinery, drink alcohol and take certain medications.

Worth knowing

Drugs containing diazepam

Diazepam is also known as Relanium (from the name of the preparation that contains diazepam as an active ingredient). Other drugs containing diazepam: Relsed, Neorelium, Reladorm, Diazepam Destin.

Diazepam: contraindications

  • allergic to the drug or other benzodiazepines,
  • glaucoma,
  • myasthenia gravis (muscle fatigue),
  • sleep apnea syndrome,
  • liver disease.

If your doctor wants to prescribe you diazepam and you are taking barbiturates, antidepressants, neuroleptics, narcotic painkillers, sleeping pills, antihistamines, let him know.

Diazepam and pregnancy

Drugs from the benzodiazepine group during pregnancy may harm the unborn child. The use of diazepam during pregnancy is allowed only when its use in the mother is absolutely necessary, and the use of a safer alternative is impossible or contraindicated. Diazepam passes into breast milk - it is not recommended to use the drug during breastfeeding, and if it is necessary to administer the drug, the drug should be discontinued.feeding.

According to an expertBarbara Grzechocińska, MD, PhD, obstetrician gynecologist, 1st Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw

Diazepam (relanium) in pregnancyHello, I'm 18 weeks pregnant, I'm prescribed hydroxyzinum vp 10 mg. I feel sick after it, I have general anxiety, palpitations, fainting and feel faint when I leave the house. I have been prescribed 2mg relanium from my attending physician, but I have low blood pressure. Can I take half a tablet twice a day?

Dr. Barbara Grzechocińska, MD, PhD, obstetrician-gynecologist: If the daily dose of Relanium is as prescribed by your doctor, you can do so. I just don't know if such treatment will be effective.

Diazepam in sport is sometimes confused with steroids

In the sports environment, especially among people taking steroids, diazepam is sometimes used as a means of relaxing muscles and reducing tension and alleviating sleep problems. It is dangerous to treat this medication as a relaxant, as taking diazepam is associated with various side effects and can lead to severe addiction without proper medical supervision. Diazepam should be used on an ad hoc basis, for a short time and under close medical supervision.

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