Imagine that someone in your family or someone you know suddenly has a seizure. At such times, we get very worried, don't we? Today we are talking about a special medicine that doctors recommend to quickly control the seizure in such an emergency. This is Diazepam Nasal Spray. This is not a medicine that is usually given, but is used only in emergencies.
What is this Diazepam Nasal Spray?
Simply put, this is a medication that is given to treat a condition called a fit or seizure. When a fit occurs, there is some kind of hyperactivity in our brain and nervous system. This medication works by calming that nervous system and stopping the fit. It belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines . It is designed to be sprayed into the nose, so that it can be absorbed into the body quickly and take effect in an emergency.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
This is a very important point. Before your doctor prescribes this medicine to you, it is essential that he/she is fully aware of your health condition. Because using this medicine with certain medical conditions can be risky. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
| Health condition/matter | Details to inform the doctor |
|---|---|
| Glaucoma | If you have glaucoma. |
| Kidney or liver disease | If you have any kidney or liver disease. |
| Breathing difficulties | If you have lung or breathing problems, such as asthma. |
| Myasthenia Gravis | If you have a condition that weakens these muscles. |
| Mental health problems | Having thoughts of harming yourself, depression, having such thoughts or having tried to do so in the past. |
| Allergies | If you have an allergy to diazepam or other benzodiazepines, food, or coloring. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How exactly do you use this nasal spray?
This is a medicine that you spray into your nose. Follow the instructions given by your doctor or on the medicine label exactly . Do not use more than the prescribed amount. If you are not sure how to use this properly, ask your doctor for instructions.
Most importantly, this medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else. Misusing it is dangerous.
Use for children
This may also be recommended for children over the age of 6 under certain circumstances. However, special care should be taken, so please discuss it with your doctor and seek advice.
What to do if you overdose ?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not delay . Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Can this interact with other medications? (Drug Interactions)
Yes, this is something to be very careful about. Diazepam is a drug that can interact with many other drugs. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the drugs you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and even herbal remedies. Also, if you drink alcohol, you should tell your doctor about that as well.
There are things that are especially not good to take with this medicine.
- Some narcotic cough medicines
- Sodium oxybate
In addition, many other drugs can interact with it. For example:
- Alcohol
- Medicines for allergies, coughs, and colds (Antihistamines)
- Medicine that calms the mind or makes you sleepy
- Some antibiotics
- Medication for depression
- Medications for high blood pressure or heart disease
- Narcotic pain medications
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about all the medications you take .
What are the things to be careful about when using this medicine?
- Emergency: If the fit does not stop after using this medicine, call an emergency ambulance service immediately (1990) or go to a hospital.
- Stopping suddenly: Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause serious reactions.
- Dependence: Continued use of this medication can cause a degree of dependence on the body and mind. Therefore, use it only as directed by your doctor.
- Drowsiness and alertness: This medicine may make you feel very sleepy, dizzy, and have trouble concentrating . Therefore , do not drive or operate machinery after using this medicine. This effect can be more severe if taken with alcohol.
- Behavioral changes: If you or your family member notice any changes in their behavior, such as severe anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts , tell your doctor immediately.
- Pregnancy: If you are planning to become pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding, be sure to talk to your doctor about this medication, as it can cause serious birth defects in your baby .
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Central nervous system depression (CNS Depression) | Slow or shallow breathing, difficulty breathing, extreme drowsiness, and loss of consciousness. |
| Mental changes | Suicidal thoughts, increased depression, anxiety. |
| Common side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Dizziness/drowsiness | Dizziness / Drowsiness |
| Nasal discomfort | Dry or irritated nose. |
| Headache | Headache |
How to properly store and dispose of medicine?
This is a very powerful medicine, so keep it out of reach of children and pets . Keep it in a safe place to protect it from theft, as it can be misused.
Store at room temperature (between 15-30 Celsius), away from light and moisture, and keep the container tightly closed.
It is very important to properly dispose of expired or no longer needed medications. These can be deadly if they fall into the wrong hands.
- Ask your doctor about the best way to remove these.
- If that's not possible, crush the medicine, mix it with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, put it in a well-sealed bag, and throw it in the trash. Never flush it down the toilet.
Take-Home Message
- Diazepam nasal spray is not a daily medication. It is a medication used only for emergencies, such as a fit.
- Always inform your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Never drive or operate machinery after using this medicine. It can cause severe drowsiness.
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with others.
- If the fit does not stop despite using the medication, or if you experience a severe side effect such as difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න