Of all the benzodiazepines on the drug market, diazepam is the most famous since it was first synthesized by the Polish chemist Leo Henryk Sternbach in the 1950s.

In this article we will discuss the uses of this drug in treating various physical and psychological conditions, as well as the side effects and precautions that those who take it should take.

What is diazepam?

Diazepam, popularly known as Valium , is a medication of the benzodiazepine group.

Broadly speaking, benzodiazepines are psychotropic drugs, that is, their focus of action is the central nervous system . Their sedative, anxiolytic and muscle relaxant properties, among many others, are used to treat states of anxiety, sleep disturbances, withdrawal problems or muscular conditions.

However, in the case of diazepam its properties are much more specific. These are:

  • Anxiolytic properties : decreases the symptoms of anxiety.
  • Miorelaxants: decrease muscle tone, tension or contraction.
  • Anticonvulsant : fights, prevents and prevents convulsions or epileptic seizures.
  • Sedative : tranquilizing and sleeping effects.

Diazepam has become one of the most widely used benzodiazepines due to its high effectiveness , both at the anxiolytic level and in the treatment of muscle spasms; it is one of the most widely administered and prescribed drugs in this category.

How does it work?

Like the other benzodiazepines, diazepam is a central nervous system depressant . Its focus of action is the neurons found in these structures on which it exerts a reducing effect on nerve conduction, and it can produce sedative effects up to a coma, depending on the amount administered.

Its main mechanism of action lies in favouring and increasing the inhibitory potential of the neurotransmitter known as gamma aminobutyric acid or GABA ; acting on the 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 kind of extrapyramidal side effects.

When is it administered?

Given its multiple actions, diazepam has been established as the drug of choice for a wide range 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 other cases or conditions, diazepam is indicated in cases of

  • Vertigo .
  • Seizures and muscle spasms.
  • Pre-surgical sedation .
  • Delirium tremens.
  • Dyspnea 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, cause a permanent contraction of some muscle groups.

What is your dosage?

The most commonly used form of administration for this drug is by mouth in the form of tablets, capsules, or a concentrated extended-release liquid solution. It may also be given intravenously in certain cases , always by a health professional.

Although the recommended dose of diazepam is usually between 5 and 10 milligrams per day, it is necessary to follow the indications of the specialist. The necessary dose will be agreed upon 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 overdosing , with all the harmful effects this entails.

Due to its own characteristics, increasing the dose on its own, or administering diazepam for longer than required may lead to tolerance or decrease in its effects and, therefore, dependence on this drug .

Therefore, as mentioned above, the patient should follow firmly and precisely all the indications given by the health professional, whom he or she should contact if any doubt arises regarding the medication or any aspect of the treatment.

Side effects

Below is a list of common side effects of diazepam:

  • Fatigue .
  • Sleepiness.
  • Dizziness .
  • Sense of weakness.
  • Gastric problems such as stomach pain or diarrhea

On the other hand, there are a number of undesirable effects that are much less common but where it will be necessary to contact the relevant professional immediately:

  • Constipation.
  • Alterations in appetite .
  • Trouble urinating.
  • Alterations in vision.
  • Alterations in libido.
  • Fever .
  • Seizures.
  • Breathing problems.
  • Difficulty in swallowing.
  • Tremors .
  • Motor disorders.
  • Rash .
  • Abnormal palpitations.

Finally, there have been cases of paradoxical adverse reactions such as overexcitation, irritation and anger; mainly when diazepam is administered to children and the elderly.

What precautions or contraindications are there?

As with all benzodiazepines, patients should consider a number 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 period of treatment, the patient should not stop taking diazepam suddenly , as it should be gradually withdrawn once the treatment is over. Otherwise they may suffer a risk of rebound effect characterized by extreme nervousness and disruption. In addition, depression and sleep problems may also occur after abrupt withdrawal. In any case, the doctor’s instructions should be followed.

In cases where the patient is pregnant, it is not recommended to administer diazepam in the first and third trimesters. As well as during the nursing period since it can be transferred to breast milk, causing in the infant effects such as sedation, alterations in appetite and weight loss.

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 person’s full attention or concentration. The sedative and sleeping effects of diazepam make it practically incompatible with any of these activities or practices.