Has your doctor prescribed a nasal spray to control seizures for you or someone in your family? You may be a little scared when you see it, wondering how to use it, when to give it, and what to be careful about. Don't worry. Today, we'll talk about everything you need to know about this nasal spray, Diazepam Nasal Spray.
Simply put, what is this medicine?
This is Diazepam. This is a medicine used in an emergency, that is, to stop a seizure if it continues. It is designed to be absorbed into the body quickly through the nose.
Imagine, when someone has a seizure, sometimes it's difficult to give them pills or an injection. At times like that, this nasal spray is very useful.
This medicine belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines . These work by controlling the activity of our nervous system to some extent and calming it down. This is how seizures are controlled.
Very important: If the seizure does not stop after using this medicine, the patient should be taken to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately, as further treatment may be needed there.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It is very important that your doctor is aware of any other medical conditions you have and any other medications you are taking. This information will help determine whether this medication is right for you. If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Medical condition/other matters | Why do you need to tell the doctor ? (Simply) |
|---|---|
| Glaucoma condition | This is a condition related to pressure in the eyes. Some types of diazepam can make this condition worse. |
| Kidney or liver disease | These organs remove drugs from the body. If their function is impaired, the drugs can accumulate in the body and increase side effects. |
| Lung or breathing problems (e.g. asthma, COPD) | Diazepam can slightly slow down breathing, which can be dangerous for someone who already has breathing problems. |
| Sleep apnea | This situation could get worse. |
| Mental health problems (such as depression) | Sometimes this medication can alter mental states, so it's important for the doctor to be aware of this. |
| Myasthenia Gravis, a muscle weakness disease | This medicine can make the muscles weaker. |
| If there was a drug or alcohol addiction | This medication also carries a risk of addiction, so the doctor should be aware of it. |
| If you or a family member has had suicidal thoughts | This is a very sensitive issue. You can protect yourself by informing your doctor about this. |
| If you are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant | You should talk to your doctor about using this medicine during pregnancy. |
| If the baby is breastfed | Parts of the medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk. So seek the advice of a doctor. |
This spray is very easy to use.
Since this is an emergency medication, it is essential that you and your family are well-informed about how to use it before an emergency occurs .
1. Follow your doctor's instructions exactly: Use only the dose and frequency prescribed by your doctor. Do not use more than that.
2. Read the instructions that come with the medicine: Every medicine package has a clear instruction leaflet on how to use it. Read it carefully and understand it. If you don't understand, ask the doctor again.
3. When given to children: This medicine can be prescribed to children over 2 years of age, even in some cases. However, you should discuss it with your doctor and follow his instructions exactly.
Important: This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else. It can be dangerous.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken an overdose, either by mistake or by accident, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Other medications, vitamins, herbal products, and even some foods you are taking can interact with diazepam. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about everything you are taking.
Below are some things to pay particular attention to.
- Alcohol: Never take alcohol with diazepam. Both depress the nervous system, which can cause extreme drowsiness, dangerously slow breathing, coma, and even death.
- Opioids for pain or cough: Taking this medicine with strong painkillers like tramadol and morphine is very dangerous.
- Sleeping pills: Taking diazepam with these can cause excessive drowsiness.
- Muscle Relaxants: Taking these together can cause excessive drowsiness and weakness.
- Some medications for depression.
- Medications for other epilepsy diseases.
- Some allergy medications (Antihistamines): You know that some allergy pills make you sleepy. Taking this with such medications can increase sleepiness.
- Grapefruit juice: Grapefruit juice can alter the levels of diazepam in the body.
- Some supplements: Herbal products like St. John's wort and valerian may also interact with this medication.
Be aware of these things when using the medicine.
- Drowsiness and reduced concentration: You may feel drowsy and dizzy after taking this medicine. Your concentration and decision-making ability may be reduced. Therefore, never drive or operate machinery after taking this medicine.
- CNS Depressant: As we mentioned earlier, this drug depresses the function of our brain and nervous system. Things like alcohol, sleeping pills, and opioids do the same thing. When taken together, these can cause very slow breathing, loss of consciousness, and even death. So be very careful with it.
- Risk of addiction: There is a risk of addiction if this medicine is used incorrectly or if it is used continuously. Therefore , use it only as directed by your doctor.
- Mood changes: Some people may experience increased depression or suicidal thoughts while taking this medication. If you have any distressing thoughts or significant changes in your behavior, tell your doctor right away.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers: If this medicine is taken for a long time during pregnancy, the unborn baby may experience temporary withdrawal symptoms. If you are breastfeeding, watch your baby for excessive sleepiness or difficulty breathing. If you notice any changes, see a doctor immediately.
Possible side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, diazepam can cause some side effects, although not everybody gets them.
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Excessive decrease in nervous system activity (CNS depression) | Breathing that is very slow or shallow, extreme dizziness, loss of consciousness, and sleepiness that cannot be awakened. |
| Mental changes | Suicidal thoughts, increased depression, sudden changes in mood. |
| Usually nothing to worry about (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Drowsiness | A common condition caused by the action of the drug. |
| Dizziness | A feeling of dizziness in the head. |
| Nasal discomfort | Feeling of dryness, burning, or discomfort in the nose. |
| Headache | A general headache may occur. |
How to keep medicine safe?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets. This can be very dangerous for them.
- Store at room temperature (20-25 degrees Celsius) away from light. Never freeze.
- Discard expired medication.
- Ask your doctor how to safely dispose of unused or expired medication.
Take-Home Message
- Diazepam Nasal Spray is not a daily medication. It is a medication given to control seizures in an emergency .
- Don't wait until an emergency occurs, learn the correct way to use this in advance and teach it to your family.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and all medications you are taking.
- Never drink alcohol while taking this medication. Also, be very careful when taking other medications that cause drowsiness.
- If the seizure does not stop after using the spray, immediately take the patient to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
- Always keep this medicine in a safe place out of the reach of children .
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