When administered intravenously, diazepam has an onset of action within 1 to 3 minutes, while oral dosing onset ranges between 15 to 60 minutes. In addition, diazepam is long-lasting, with a duration of action of more than 12 hours.
After oral administration >90% of diazepam is absorbed and the average time to achieve peak plasma concentrations is 1 – 1.5 hours with a range of 0.25 to 2.5 hours. Absorption is delayed and decreased when administered with a moderate fat meal.
Diazepam will work quite quickly or more slowly depending on what you're taking it for: seizures or fits – diazepam rectal tubes should start to work within 10 minutes. anxiety – you should start to feel a bit better within a few hours, but it may take a week or 2 for you to feel the full effects.
The usual dose is: anxiety – 2mg, taken 3 times a day, this can be increased to 5mg to 10mg, taken 3 times a day. sleep problems (related to anxiety) – 5mg to 15mg, taken once a day at bedtime. muscle spasms in adults – 2mg to 15 mg a day.
It is concluded that patients receiving a 2.5 mg dose of lorazepam should not drive or operate machinery for 24 h after the administration. After diazepam (10 mg) or medazepam (15 mg) patients should refrain from driving or participating inskilled performances for only 5 to 7 hours.
Diazepam can make you feel sleepy, dizzy and forgetful when you first start taking it. You might also find it difficult to concentrate during the first few days of treatment and may experience blurred vision and muscle weakness.
The most common side effect of diazepam is feeling drowsy. You're not recommended to use diazepam for longer than 4 weeks. If you take diazepam and feel sleepy, do not drive, cycle or use tools or machines. Do not drink alcohol while taking diazepam.
drowsy or sedating antihistamines, such as chlorphenamine or promethazine. strong painkillers, such as codeine, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, pethidine or tramadol. HIV medicines, such as ritonavir, atazanavir, efavirenz or saquinavir. antifungal medicines, such as fluconazole.
Diazepam belongs to the benzodiazepines drug class. Benzodiazepines are known as tranquilizers or sedative medications that can have a calming effect for those who struggle with anxiety.
Diazepam is also used to relax muscles and treat muscle spasms that occur due to injury and conditions like cerebral palsy and paraplegia. It can also be used to treat panic attacks as well as symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, such as trembling, confusion and anxiety.
In pediatric use for the treatment of status epilepticus, in order to obtain maximal clinical effect with the minimum amount of drug and thus to reduce the risk of hazardous side effects, such as apnea or prolonged periods of somnolence, it is recommended that the drug be given as a slow intravenous push over 1 minute ...
Diazepam causes drowsiness and muscle weakness and can impair concentration, alertness and judgement. These effects may continue into the following day. If affected do not drive or operate machinery.
“You shouldn't drink alcohol while taking diazepam,” warns Medical News Today. “This drug can interfere with your judgment, thinking, and motor skills. It can also make you drowsy and cause your breathing to slow down or stop.
The initial distribution phase has a half-life of approximately 1 hour, although it may range up to >3 hours. Diazepam is N-demethylated by CYP3A4 and 2C19 to the active metabolite N-desmethyldiazepam, and is hydroxylated by CYP3A4 to the active metabolite temazepam.
Giving the medication too fast can cause heart problems. If giving this medication into a vein, inject it slowly into a large vein because the medication is very irritating to the vein. Do not inject this medication into an artery or into the skin.
For anxiety: Adults—2 to 10 milligrams (mg) 2 to 4 times a day. Older adults—At first, 2 to 2.5 mg 1 or 2 times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed.
Paradoxical reactions (the opposite of what is expected), such as over-excitation, anxiety, hallucinations, insomnia, and rage have been reported; seek medical advice if these occur.
Flumazenil is an imidazobenzodiazepine that acts as a competitive antagonist to reverse the sedative and hypnotic effects of benzodiazepines.
have ever had an allergic reaction to diazepam or any other medicine. have liver or kidney problems. have myasthenia gravis, a condition that causes muscle weakness. have sleep apnoea, a condition that causes breathing problems when you're asleep.
Risk of dependence: Using diazepam, even as prescribed, can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal if you stop taking the drug suddenly. Withdrawal can be life threatening. Misuse or addiction: Taking this drug can also lead to misuse and addiction.
When administered intravenously, diazepam has an onset of action within 1 to 3 minutes, while oral dosing onset ranges between 15 to 60 minutes. In addition, diazepam is long-lasting, with a duration of action of more than 12 hours.
Diazepam: medicine for anxiety, muscle spasms and seizures - NHS.
No interactions were found between diazepam and Paracetamol. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.