Who should not take diazepam?

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. have depression or thoughts of harming yourself or suicide.

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Why would you not give diazepam?

Diazepam has a risk for abuse and addiction, which can lead to overdose and death. Taking this medication with alcohol or other drugs that can cause drowsiness or breathing problems (especially opioid medications such as codeine, hydrocodone) may cause very serious side effects, including death.

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What drug has a serious interaction with 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.

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What is a safer alternative to diazepam?

Some non-addictive alternatives to benzodiazepines for anxiety available by prescription include:
  • SSRIs (antidepressants)
  • SNRIs (antidepressants)
  • Beta-Blockers (blood pressure medications)
  • Buspirone (anti-anxiety)
  • Hydroxyzine (brand name Vistaril, a prescription antihistamine).

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Why should diazepam be avoided in the elderly?

Benzodiazepines can impair cognition, mobility, and driving skills in older people, as well as increase the risk of falls.

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DIAZEPAM (Valium) | Medication for Anxiety, Muscle Spasm & Seizures | What You Need to Know

29 related questions found

What is the safest anti anxiety medication for elderly?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and selective serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are safer than benzodiazepines, and many are considered the safest pharmacological options in the elderly.

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What is a life threatening side effect of diazepam?

Diazepam may increase the risk of serious or life-threatening breathing problems, sedation, or coma if used along with certain medications.

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When should diazepam not be given?

have arteriosclerosis, a condition that affects the blood flow to your brain. have low levels of a protein called albumin in your blood. are trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or breastfeeding. are over 65.

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What is better than diazepam for anxiety?

The central difference between lorazepam and diazepam is lorazepam leaves a person's system more quickly, reducing the chance of toxicity or side effects.

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Is 5mg diazepam safe?

Dosage for tablets and liquid

muscle spasms in adults – 2mg to 15 mg a day. This can be taken as 1mg twice a day and can go up to 5mg taken 3 times a day. The dose can be increased to up to 20mg, taken 3 times a day if needed.

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What mental illness is treated with diazepam?

Diazepam belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. It's used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms and seizures or fits. It's also used in hospital to reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as sweating or difficulty sleeping.

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How long does 5mg diazepam last?

How Long Does Valium Last? Unlike other benzodiazepines, also known as benzos, Valium is a long-lasting medication. The effects of Valium can range from four hours to beyond 12 hours. Certain groups of people may experience longer-lasting effects from Valium compared to others.

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Can you take diazepam with blood pressure medication?

diazePAM lisinopril

Lisinopril and diazePAM may have additive effects in lowering your blood pressure. You may experience headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and/or changes in pulse or heart rate.

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Is it OK to take diazepam occasionally?

Bottom Line. Diazepam may be used occasionally to relieve anxiety and prolonged seizures; however, it is addictive and withdrawal symptoms can be severe.

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Is it worth taking diazepam?

Diazepam has an average rating of 8.4 out of 10 from a total of 443 reviews for the treatment of Anxiety. 81% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 11% reported a negative experience.

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Is it bad to take diazepam every night?

People are not normally prescribed diazepam for more than four weeks as people can become dependent on it if they take it for longer. They may also get withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it. You and your doctor should talk about how long you might need to take diazepam.

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What is the best drug for severe anxiety?

SSRIs and SNRIs are often the first-line treatment for anxiety. Common SSRI brands are Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, Paxil, and Zoloft. Common SNRI brands are Pristiq, Cymbalta, and Effexor XR. Pros: They are effective for a lot of people and they have a solid safety profile.

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What is the strongest anxiety relief?

The most prominent of anti-anxiety drugs for the purpose of immediate relief are those known as benzodiazepines; among them are alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan).

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How many hours is diazepam effective?

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.

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How quickly does diazepam work?

Once diazepam has been taken orally, over 90 percent of the drug will be absorbed within 15 minutes when you take it on an empty stomach. However, when food is present in your stomach, it can extend absorption time and feel its effects upwards of 45 minutes.

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What is the life time of diazepam?

4 While the physiological effects may only last between four to six hours, the drug will be detectable in the body for much longer. A 5mg dose of Valium, therefore, might have a half-life of around 50 hours, but small amounts may remain in the body for up to 90 days, depending on the testing method.

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What happens if you take diazepam every day?

Long-term use of diazepam can lead to chemical dependency and, eventually, to severe addiction. Understanding the health complications of Valium addiction may encourage nonmedical users of this drug to reach out for help.

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What organs does diazepam affect?

Long-term use of the drug can cause irreversible damage to a person's cardiovascular system, liver, and even brain. Additionally, as levels of the drug increase over time, Valium abuse can have serious effects on a person's cognition, judgment, and memory.

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Can diazepam make anxiety worse?

For many Valium users, though, the anxiety actually gets worse on the drug, necessitating progressively higher doses, and expediting the timetable to addiction. For others, Valium is itself the cause of mental illness. Benzodiazepines can alter brain chemistry, leading to a host of mental health problems.

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