Brand name of diazepam
Brand name of diazepam
When a drug company produces a new drug, they apply to the responsible institutions for patency.
This reserves the right for this company to be the only selling company for this drug, and this patency may last for about 20 years.
The company sells the drug under a brand name given by the producing company itself.
After the patency expires, other companies have the right to produce the same drug with the same active constituent, the same quality, efficacy, and safety, but under other brand names, these drugs are known as generic drugs.
Generic drugs differ from the brand one in shape, color, and taste as the trade laws state.
These differences have resulted from inactive ingredients such as dyes, fillers, and preservatives.
The first brand name of diazepam is Valium, it was first manufactured by Hoffman La Roche in 1959, it entered the market under that name in 1963, and then became from the most selling drugs in the United States from 1968 to 1982.
Another brand name of diazepam is Diastat, manufactured by Bausch company, and got approval from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in 1997.
What is the brand name of diazepam?
Valium is a drug containing diazepam as an active constituent, taken under the supervision of a doctor to treat symptoms of anxiety, muscle spasms, withdrawal symptoms of alcohol, and it is used also as a sedative before having surgery or for managing seizures.
Diazepam can also be used with other medicine, however, not all drugs can be combined, some drugs when combined may cause serious side effects.
Drug-drug interactions:
There are no drugs that are completely contraindicated with diazepam, however, there is a list of drugs that may cause serious side effects with diazepam, and they should not be used together unless the benefits outweigh the risks.
- abametapir
- apalutamide
- benzhydrocodone/acetaminophen
- calcium/magnesium/potassium/sodium oxybates
- carbamazepine
- cimetidine
- clarithromycin
- darunavir
- erythromycin base
- erythromycin ethylsuccinate
- erythromycin lactobionate
- erythromycin stearate
- fedratinib
- fexinidazole
- hydrocodone
- idelalisib
- ivosidenib
- ketoconazole
- lonafarnib
- metoclopramide intranasal
- mifepristone
- nefazodone
- rifabutin
- rifampin
- selinexor
- sodium oxybate
- St John’s Wort
- sufentanil SL
- tipranavir
- tucatinib
- valerian
- voxelotor
One of the most important drugs interactions that even lead the FDA to issue a black box warning, is the combination between opioids and diazepam.
The combination of them may cause severe drowsiness, slowed breathing, coma, and death.
Opioids include hydrocodone, codeine, and tramadol.
Not just drugs, there are also a group of medical health problems that prevent the use of diazepam.
Warnings for patients with certain health problems:
- Patients with kidney impairment:
Diazepam is not effectively eliminated, and more drug stays in the body for a longer time, increasing the risk of side effects
- Patients with acute narrow-angle glaucoma:
An eye problem including increased pressure in the eye preventing the use of diazepam with this condition
- Patients with a history of drug or alcohol abuse:
Diazepam may lead to dependence or addiction, that’s why it should not be used with patients with a history of it
- Patients with liver impairment:
Liver impairment may lead to prolonged effects of diazepam in the body, putting the patient at a higher risk of side effects
- Patients with mental health problems:
Make sure to tell your doctor if you have a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or acts, as diazepam worsens these conditions which may be dangerous
- Patients with myasthenia gravis:
Myasthenia gravis is a medical health problem causing extreme muscle weakness and tiredness, that’s why diazepam should not be used with patients with this medical condition
- Patients with breathing problems:
Diazepam affects the CNS (Central Nervous System) causing breathing difficulties, using it with patients with breathing problems may cause the stop of breathing
Pregnancy:
Diazepam is classified as pregnancy category D, which means that the studies showed an increased risk of adverse effects affecting the fetus such as deformities, muscle weakness, breathing and eating problems, low body temperature, and withdrawal symptoms.
So, diazepam should not be used in pregnancy if only the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breastfeeding:
Diazepam is secreted into breast milk and it may cause serious side effects to the baby.
Side effects:
Call your doctor immediately if you felt:
- Severe drowsiness or dizziness
- Mood or behavioral changes
- Depression or anxiety (new or worsened symptoms)
- Suicidal thoughts
- Confusion or hallucinations
- Sleeping problems
- Seizures (new or worsened ones)
Common side effects:
- Drowsiness
- Tiredness
- Muscle weakness
- Balance and coordination problems
Overdose:
Taking too much diazepam may lead to serious side effects such as,
- Change of consciousness
- Confusion
- Difficulty in breathing
- Lack of coordination
- Loss of strength and energy
- Pain and weakness of muscles
- Paleness
- Bluish lips, fingernails, or skin
- Shakiness and sleepiness
- Unsteadiness
- Trembling
Taking drugs as the doctor prescribed and determined prevents undesirable side effects or dangerous ones.
Ask your doctor about the information in this article before taking diazepam.
