Why would a doctor prescribe diazepam?

Diazepam is used to treat anxiety that is more serious than that caused by the normal stress of everyday life. Diazepam is also used to relax muscles and treat muscle spasms that occur due to injury and conditions like cerebral palsy and paraplegia.

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What condition is diazepam prescribed for?

If you are 18 or over, the doctor can prescribe diazepam for you as a licensed medicine for anxiety or insomnia (sleep problems), to help if you are giving up alcohol, or to relax you before an operation like dental surgery.

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Why would a GP prescribe diazepam?

Benzodiazepines are a group of depressant drugs. There are many drugs in this group and some, such as diazepam (Valium), are prescribed as medicines in the UK. They're generally prescribed for anxiety or occasionally sleeping problems.

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Is diazepam a high risk medication?

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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How does diazepam make you feel?

Diazepam belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. It works by increasing the levels of a calming chemical in your brain. Depending on your health condition, this can make you feel drowsy, relieve anxiety, stop seizures or relax tense muscles.

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

23 related questions found

What are the worst side effects of diazepam?

Serious side effects
  • your skin turns yellow, or the whites of your eyes turn yellow although this may be less obvious on brown or black skin.
  • you see or hear things that are not there (hallucinations)
  • you think things that are not true (delusions)
  • you keep falling over.

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How long does diazepam relax you for?

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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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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What are the cons of diazepam?

Diazepam may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
  • drowsiness.
  • dizziness.
  • tiredness.
  • muscle weakness.
  • headache.
  • dry mouth.
  • nausea.
  • constipation.

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Is diazepam a treatment for mental health?

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 will a doctor prescribe diazepam for?

It is usually only recommended for a short period of time of up to 4 weeks. If you're prescribed diazepam for more than 4 weeks, your dose may be reduced gradually to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

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How often do doctors prescribe diazepam?

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. Children 6 months of age and older—At first, 1 to 2.5 mg 3 or 4 times per day.

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Can you take diazepam only when needed?

Diazepam may be taken every day at regular times or on an as-needed (“PRN”) basis. Typically, your health care provider will limit the number of doses you should take in one day. Your health care provider will determine the dose and method of taking the medication that is right for you based upon your response.

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Who gets prescribed diazepam?

Diazepam is a medicine mainly used to treat people with anxiety. To get diazepam, you need a prescription written for you by a doctor. Diazepam is used to treat anxiety that is more serious than that caused by the normal stress of everyday life.

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Is diazepam an Antidepressant?

Both agents significantly improved depression ratings over eight weeks of treatment. Diazepam was a significantly better antidepressant than moclobemide at four weeks, although not at eight weeks. All patients ceased diazepam within one year and none reported withdrawal reactions.

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Is diazepam used for anxiety and depression?

Studies have shown that diazepam for anxiety is an effective anxiety medication that can help reduce anxiety symptoms for individuals who are struggling with this disorder.

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What organ does diazepam affect?

Valium, a drug from the benzodiazepine family, has powerful effects on the central nervous system, suppressing these abnormal electrical signals in the brain and nerves.

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What cancels out diazepam?

Subjectively, caffeine and theophylline counteracted diazepam induced drowsiness and mental slowness.

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Does anxiety get worse after diazepam?

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.

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Does diazepam relax tight muscles?

Diazepam is used to relieve symptoms of anxiety and alcohol withdrawal. This medicine may also be used to treat certain seizure disorders and help relax muscles or relieve muscle spasm.

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Is 2mg of diazepam a day addictive?

Valium is a drug valued for its calming properties. It is often used to treat anxiety or muscle spasms. It's also highly addictive and commonly abused.

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Is it worth taking diazepam?

Diazepam has an average rating of 8.5 out of 10 from a total of 802 reviews on Drugs.com. 82% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 9% reported a negative experience.

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What is a drug that calms you down?

Benzodiazepines (also known as tranquilizers) are the most widely prescribed type of medication for anxiety. Drugs such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam) work quickly, typically bringing relief within 30 minutes to an hour.

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Is diazepam good for panic attacks?

If you have panic disorder, medication can be a useful part of your recovery plan. Valium (diazepam) is one type of anti-anxiety medication that's used to treat panic disorder and other conditions.

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Can you take diazepam and paracetamol together?

If you need to take a painkiller with diazepam it's fine to take paracetamol or ibuprofen. Don't take co-codamol, codeine or dihydrocodeine.

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