What is Diazepam

Diazepam, sold under the brand name Valium among others, is a medicine of the benzodiazepine family that acts as an anxiolytic. It is use to treat a range of conditions, including anxiety, seizures, alcohol withdrawal syndrome, muscle spasms, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome. Meanwhile, it may also be use to cause memory loss during certain medical procedures. It can be consume orally (by mouth), as a suppository insert into the rectum, intramuscularly (injected into muscle), intravenously (injection into a vein) or use as a nasal spray. When injected intravenously, effects begin in one to five minutes and last up to an hour. When consume by mouth, effects begin after 15 to 60 minutes.

Diazepam is used to treat anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and seizures. It is also used to relieve muscle spasms and to provide sedation before medical procedures. This medication works by calming the brain and nerves. Diazepam belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines.

Common side effects?

This include sleepiness and trouble with coordination. Serious side effects are rare. They include increase risk of suicide, decrease breathing, and an increase risk of seizures if used too frequently in those with epilepsy. Occasionally, excitement or agitation may occur. Long-term use can result in tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms on dose reduction. Abrupt stopping after long-term use can be potentially dangerous. After stopping, cognitive problems may persist for six months or longer. It is not recommend during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Its mechanism of action works by increasing the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Diazepam was patent in 1959 by Hoffmann-La Roche. It has been one of the most frequently prescribed medications in the world since its launch in 1963. In the United States it was the best-selling medication between 1968 and 1982, selling more than 2 billion tablets in 1978 alone. In 2021, it was the 149th most commonly prescribe medication in the United States, with more than 3 million prescriptions. During the 1985, the patent ended, and there are more than 500 brands available on the market. It is on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines