Sometimes a doctor may prescribe you a medicine called Diazepam. Maybe it's for your seizures, or for muscle stiffness, or for a lot of anxiety. It's normal to feel a little scared and curious when you hear this name. So today, let's talk clearly and very simply about what Diazepam is, how to use it, and what things to be careful about.
What exactly is Diazepam?
Simply put, diazepam is a drug that calms your nervous system and provides a little relaxation to the mind and body. It belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Doctors use this drug mainly for several reasons.
- Control seizures .
- Reduce muscle twitching, stiffness (muscle spasms) , and stiffness.
- Reduce excessive anxiety, especially before surgery.
- Manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms .
This medicine can be used for other situations like this. Your doctor will explain this to you.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before giving you this medicine, it is very important that your doctor knows your health history. Especially if you have any of the conditions listed below, you should definitely tell them without hiding it.
| Health conditions you should report |
|---|
| If you have an addiction to alcohol or other drugs. |
| If you have a mental illness such as depression or bipolar disorder. |
| Glaucoma is an eye disease. |
| Kidney or liver disease. |
| Lung or breathing difficulties. |
| Myasthenia gravis is a muscle weakness disease. |
| Parkinson's disease. |
| If you have suicidal thoughts. |
| If you have an allergy to diazepam or other benzodiazepines, foods, or dyes. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
What is the best way to use the medicine?
To get the best results from the medicine, it is very important to use it correctly.
1. Take only the prescribed dose as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the instructions on the medicine bottle.
2. Since this is a solution, shake well before use.
3. Use a specially provided measuring spoon or cup to measure the medicine. Do not measure with household teaspoons or tablespoons. They are not accurate.
4. Take the prescribed dose at the prescribed time. Never take more than the prescribed amount.
5. Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without consulting your doctor. Doing so may cause new problems. If you do stop, do so gradually, as your doctor tells you.
Most importantly: This medicine is for you only. Do not share your medicine with anyone else for any reason. It is dangerous and illegal.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, it is an emergency . Don't delay. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once (double dose).
What other medications may interact with Diazepam?
When some medications are taken together, they affect each other. This is called a drug interaction. This can increase side effects or change how well the medication works.
| Do not take diazepam with this medicine! |
|---|
|
| If you are taking diazepam with these things, be sure to tell your doctor. |
Alcohol, narcotic pain medications, other medications for anxiety or sleep, muscle relaxants, some medications for depression (e.g. amitriptyline, fluoxetine), other medications for epilepsy (e.g. carbamazepine, phenobarbital, valproate), some antibiotics, antifungals, antihistamines, antacids, blood pressure medications, warfarin, theophylline, and many other medications. |
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements. Also tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medication may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore , do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- Alcohol: Avoid taking this medication with alcohol altogether. It can increase drowsiness and dizziness, which can be dangerous.
- Getting up suddenly: To avoid dizziness and fainting, don't get up suddenly from a sitting position. Especially if you are elderly, get up slowly.
- Symptoms: If your symptoms do not improve, or if they seem to get worse, tell your doctor immediately.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medication, diazepam can cause side effects. Some of them are serious, while others are common.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Decreased nervous system function (CNS depression) | Slow or shallow breathing, difficulty breathing, excessive sleepiness, inability to wake up, and loss of consciousness. |
| Mental changes | Thoughts of self-harm, mood swings, depressive symptoms. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be mentioned to the doctor if they persist | |
| Dizziness | Drowsiness |
| Headache | |
How to store and dispose of medicine safely?
Storage: Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets . Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius), away from light and moisture, and keep the bottle cap tightly closed. Do not refrigerate.
Disposal: It is important to properly dispose of expired or unwanted medications. They can be fatal if they fall into the wrong hands. Ask your doctor about the proper way to dispose of medications. Sometimes there may be a drug take-back program. Alternatively, if it is safe to throw the medication in the trash, mix the liquid medication with something like cat litter, soil, or coffee grounds, put it in a tightly sealed bag, and throw it in the trash.
Take-Home Message
- Diazepam is a medication that calms the nervous system and should only be taken under the advice of a doctor.
- Take the correct dose at the correct time. Do not measure with household spoons. Use the measuring cup provided for that purpose.
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medication. Avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking. Never share your medicine with others.
- If a serious side effect occurs (difficulty breathing, excessive drowsiness, allergic reaction), go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
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