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Chemical
Name:
Diazepam Brand
Name:
Valium Manufacturer:
Roche Description:
A
benzodiazepine that probably acts on the limbic system, thalamus and
hypothalamus of the central nervous system to produce calming effects. Indications
and Use: Indicated
for the management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of the
symptoms of anxiety. Valium may be
useful in acute alcohol withdrawal. Valium
is useful in adjunctive treatment for the relief of skeletal muscle spasm due to
reflex spasm to local pathology, spasticity caused by upper motor neuron
disorders, athetosis and Stiff man syndrome.
Valium may also be used adjunctively in convulsive disorders. Contraindications,
Warnings and Precautions:
Contraindicated
in patients with acute narrow angle glaucoma.
Caution should be used when driving or in hazardous occupations that
require complete mental alertness. When
Valium is used as an adjunct treatment for convulsive disorders, abrupt
withdrawal may be associated with a temporary increase in the frequency and/or
severity of seizures. An increased
risk of congenital malformation in the first trimester of pregnancy has been
suggested in several studies of this type of drug. If Valium is to be combined with other psychotropic agents or
anticonvulsant drugs, careful consideration should be given to the pharmacology
of the agents to be used, particularly with compounds known to potentiate the
action of Valium, such as phenothiazines, narcotics, barbiturates, MAO
inhibitors and other antidepressants. Use
cautiously in the elderly. Do not
use with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants.
Use cautiously in depressed patients.
As with other benzodiazepines, caution must be used in persons known to
be addiction-prone or persons whose history suggests likelihood they might
increase the dose on their own initiative.
Withdrawal symptoms have occurred following the abrupt discontinuation of
diazepam. Adverse
Reactions:
Possible common side effects may include drowsiness, fatigue and ataxia.
Less common side effects may include slurred speech, headache, hallucinations,
blurred vision, nausea, constipation, hypotension, urinary retention and altered
libido. Dosing
Range:
Dosage should be individualized according to reason for use and age of
patient. |
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These pages are solely for public informational purposes. The information cannot be relied on to make diagnoses or prescribe treatment in any individual. Persons who require such services should consult with a licensed professional. Send mail to ropa@redoakpsychiatry.com with questions or comments about this web site.© 2000 Red Oak Psychiatry Associates, P.A. Updated
11/26/2007
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