Diazepam nursing considerations
Table of Contents
Diazepam nursing considerations
Anxiolytic–hypnotic medications like diazepam are used to soothe an individual with over-responses to environmental stress. These agents are called anxiolytics as they prevent fear. Also, they are referred to as sedatives (help feeling quiet and hypnotics (treat insomnia). These categories are very critical to administer and diazepam nursing considerations should be contemplated.
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What’s diazepam?
Diazepam is an anxiolytic-hypnotic drug belonging to a group of chemically related drugs called benzodiazepines. This group of medicine works by enhancing some neurotransmitters in the brain which are responsible for the calming effects.
Indications
Diazepam is used in several cases:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Preoperative sedation
- Conscious sedation
- Management of seizures
- Treatment of alcohol withdrawal symptoms
Method of administration
– By mouth: tablets, capsules or oral solutions.
– Slow IV injection.
– IV infusion.
– Intramuscular injection: only given if both oral and IV routes are unavailable.
– Rectal (tubes and suppositories) if the patient shouldn’t take it orally.
Diazepam nursing considerations
Here are critical nursing considerations when administering this drug:
Nursing Assessment
The nurse should consider some issues while in conducting assessing the patient, taking history, etc:
Assess for the basic cautions and contraindications for this medication including drug allergies, psychosis, glaucoma, and other contraindications to prevent any unwanted complications.
Perform a detailed physical examination to create baseline data before the treatment journey begins. This assessment is critical for the evaluation of the therapy effectiveness, and to determine the occurrence of any adverse effects during valium drug therapy.
Scan results of laboratory tests (e.g. renal and liver functions tests, complete blood count (CBC), etc.) to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy and determine adverse effects occurrence. Also, monitoring lab results allow immediate treatment for any developing complications.
Administration precautions
These are important nursing interferences to be considered in the case of diazepam administration:
- Administer slowly diuretics intravenously to prevent severe changes in the body fluid and electrolytes.
- Do not mix the drug in solution with any other drugs to avoid possible dangerous drug-drug interactions.
- Keep patients who receive diazepam intravenously in bed for at least 3 hours to ensure patient safety.
- Monitor the patient’s vital signs carefully, hydration, electrolytes and weight to assess the drug therapy effectiveness.
- Monitor kidney and liver function for long-term use to detect dysfunction and to lower or discontinue diazepam if the kidney or liver has been injured.
- Provide safety measures like adequate lighting, protected beds, etc to prevent injuries.
- monitor the blood pressure, pulse and respiration in case of IV administration.
- Provide frequent sips of water for dry mouth.
- advise with enough fluids and food rich with fibre for constipation.
- Evaluate patient response and mental state.
Evaluation
One of the important diazepam nursing considerations is determining the effectiveness of the regimen. The factors that should be examined regularly are:
Observe patient response to the regimen based on the pointed indication like proper sleeping, controlled anxiety, etc.
Track any adverse effects such as hypotension, hepatic or renal dysfunction, etc.
Evaluate patient adherence to the drug regimen, ask him to name the drug, why it’s used, and possible important adverse effects.
Adverse effects
Like any other drug, valium could cause mild to serious side effects, these include:
Gastrointestinal:
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Bloody vomit
Black stools
Central nervous system:
Confusion
Agitation
Depression
Hyperexcitability
Irritability or bad mood
False thoughts and beliefs
Suicidal thoughts or acts
Urinary tract:
Difficult urination
Frequent urination
Decreased amount of urine
Dark urine
Loss of bladder control
Other effects:
Pale skin
Yellow eyes
Headache
Decreased appetite
Fast heartbeat
Fast or irregular breathing
Patient education
If you are using diazepam:
– Tell your doctor about non-prescribed medications you intend to use and don’t start taking them before your doctor approves them.
– Don’t use any other psychoactive drugs unless prescribed.
– Avoid drinking alcohol.
– Do not use this medication for the stress of everyday life.
– Do not use it for more than four months as it may cause dependence unless directed by your doctor.
– Avoid taking bigger doses or more frequent doses than prescribed.
– May cause sleepiness, avoid driving, operating dangerous machinery or any other activities requiring attention.
– Do not stop taking it suddenly without consulting your doctor to avoid harmful withdrawal symptoms.
– Stand up slowly and carefully as fainting may occur.
– Seek psychiatric help if you think you have suicidal thoughts or depression symptoms.
– Store securely, far from children.
Diazepam is a vital and critical drug and should be used with caution. Diazepam nursing considerations and inherent caring for the patient is a must.
Diazepam mechanism
Table of Contents
Diazepam mechanism
Diazepam mechanism:
- Diazepam, which is commonly known in the market by Valium, belongs to the benzodiazepine group.
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- Benzodiazepine groups act by binding with a specific receptor in the brain and spinal cord, this binding causing inhibitory effect of nerves.
- Due to this action, diazepam and benzodiazepine have anxiolytic effects.
- Benzodiazepines contain diazepam, alprazolam, flurazepam, clonazepam, lorazepam, estazolam, chlordiazepoxide, clorazepate and other.
Diazepam mechanism indications for use:
- Sedations before surgery.
- Sleeping disorder.
- Alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
Diazepam mechanism dosage forms and strengths:
Diazepam is available in different dosage forms and variant concentrations:
- Tablets: are available 2mg, 5mg, 10mg.
- Oral solutions: available in concentration 5mg/5ml
- Injections: available in concentration 5mg/ml.
- Rectal gel: available in concentration 2.5mg, 10mg, 20mg.
Diazepam mechanism tips and instructions for use:
You should follow your doctors’ instructions about the use and administration of diazepam:
- You should swallow the whole tablet with a glass of water.
- You should not try to chew or crush the tablet.
- You should not use diazepam for a long duration.
- You should not stop diazepam suddenly.
Diazepam mechanism side effects:
There are many side effects of diazepam, you should carefully read the drug leaflet and talk with your doctor if you feel one of the following.
More common side effects of diazepam:
- Allergic and hypersensitivity reaction.
- Abdominal pain.
- Blurred vision.
- Difficulty in urination.
- Dry mouth.
- Elevated liver enzyme.
- Increase appetite.
- Impaired motor ability.
- Memory impairment.
- Muscle weakness.
- Nasal congestion.
- Respiratory depression.
- Skin rash and urticaria.
- Trouble in speaking.
In severe cases, you may feel more severe symptoms, so in that case, you should call your doctor immediately.
Example of severe side effects:
- Anxiety as the new onset.
- Worsening anxiety.
- Change in behavior and mood.
- Excessive increase in activity and talking.
- Panic attacks.
- Trouble in sleeping.
- Thought about suicides.
Things you should not do during the treatment with the diazepam mechanism:
- You should not drive.
- You should not operate machinery.
- You should not drink alcohol.
- You should not eat or drink grapefruits.
- you should not stop diazepam suddenly.
- You should not use diazepam for a long duration.
- You should not use diazepam in concomitant use with another CNS depressant.
- You should not use diazepam if you age above 65 years.
- You should not use diazepam if your pregnancy test is positive.
- You should not use diazepam if you are planning to be pregnant.
Diazepam mechanism contraindications:
You need to discuss with your doctor if you have the following medical conditions:
- If you have an allergy or hypersensitivity reaction to diazepam or benzodiazepines.
- If you have a psychotic disorder like depression.
- If you have myasthenia gravis disease which is a medical condition causing muscle weakness due to an autoimmune condition.
- If you have a respiratory disorder like respiratory depression or sleep apnea.
- If you have severe liver disease.
- If you are planning to be pregnant or are already pregnant.
- If you have porphyria which is an inherited medical condition causing skin blisters, abdominal pain, nervous system disorder.
Diazepam mechanism withdrawal symptoms:
- Withdrawal symptoms occur when using diazepam for a longer duration or stopping diazepam suddenly.
- Under the supervision of your doctor, to stop the medication you will taper the dose gradually.
Symptoms of withdrawal:
- Upset stomach.
- Mood changes.
- Panic attacks.
- Suicidal thoughts.
Diazepam mechanism overdosing:
Causes of diazepam overdose:
- If you have taken a lot of tablets.
- Concomitant use of medications increases the effect of diazepam.
- Concomitant drinking alcohol or grapefruits.
Overdosing symptoms:
- Low blood pressure.
- Upset stomach.
- Respiratory depression.
- Muscle weakness.
- Blurred vision.
- Reflex problems.
- Breathing difficulties.
Treatment of diazepam overdosing:
If you feel one of the overdosing symptoms:
- You should stop diazepam.
- Call your doctor immediately.
- Visit the emergency department of the nearest hospital.
Management of diazepam overdose:
Under the supervision of the doctor:
- The doctor may give you an activated charcoal to decrease the amount absorbed from the gut.
- The doctor will protect your airway.
- The doctor will manage the low blood pressure.
- The doctor may give you an antidote called flumazenil.
Antidote flumazenil act by counteracting the effect of diazepam.
Diazepam mechanism missed dose:
- You should not take a double dose, if you missed one
- Take the second dose at the right scheduled time.
Diazepam mechanism warnings and precautions:
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using diazepam if you have one of the following conditions:
- If you have severe renal impairment.
- If you are smoking.
- If you have suicidal thoughts.
- If you have breathing difficulties.
- If you are elderly.
- If you have heart or lung problems.
- If you have arteriosclerosis: poor blood supply to the brain.
Is 10 mg of Valium a lot
Table of Contents
Is 10 mg of Valium a lot?
Valium is a drug belonging to a group of medicines known as benzodiazepines.
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valium diazepam 5mg generic 240 tablets | Sleep disorder | 2021-07-25 16:56 | £157.00 | ||
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Benzodiazepines, also called Benzos, are a group of medicines that work in the central nervous system (CNS), and they are used for several medical conditions.
Benzos are used for treating:
- Alcohol withdrawal symptoms
- Anxiety
- Muscles spasms
- Panic disorder
- Seizures
One of the most famous Benzos is diazepam commercially known as Valium.
Valium is used for treating all of the above medical conditions, it works by inducing the activity of specific neurotransmitters in the brain.
So, back to our question, is 10 mg of Valium a lot?
To answer this question, we have to discuss the regularly used doses of Valium first.
The dose of any drug requires knowing the severity of the medical condition, the weight and age of the patient, and the existence of any other chronic medical condition.
However, there are regular doses of each drug determined depending on the average conditions of the patients.
The regular doses for adults:
Anxiety
- Orally: 2 – 10 mg every 6 – 12 hours a day
- IV/IM: 2 – 10 mg every 6 – 12 hours a day
So, in treating anxiety, is 10 mg of Valium a lot?
The answer is No, it is even the average dose used.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms
- Orally: 10 mg every 6 – 8 hours during the first day, then reducing it to 5 mg every 6 – 8 hours a day
- IV/IM: Initiate the treatment with 10 mg, then additional doses of 5 – 10 mg may be added from 6 – 8 hours a day as needed
Is 10 mg of Valium a lot in treating alcohol withdrawal symptoms?
No, it is not.
Muscles spasms
- Orally: 2 – 10 mg every 6 – 8 hours
- IV/IM: Initiate the treatment with 5 – 10 mg, then additional doses of the same concentration may be given every 3 – 4 hours as needed
For relaxation of muscles spasms, is 10 mg of Valium a lot?
No, it is not a lot at all.
Seizures
- Orally: 2 – 10 mg every 6 – 12 hours as adjunctive therapy with other agents
- IV/IM:2 mg for each Kg, then repeated after 4 – 12 hours a day
Is 10 mg of Valium a lot?
No, it is not a lot, it is an acceptable dose for treating most of the medical conditions treated by it.
Dosage modifications:
For patients suffering from renal problems:
- no dose adjustment is needed for short and moderate periods of treatment.
- For longer periods of treatment: the dose is decreased based on the recommendation of the doctor
For patients suffering from hepatic problems:
- Only 50% of the maintenance dose is used
Overdosing:
Taking too much Valium, or taking it concomitantly with alcohol, opioids, or other drugs causing drowsiness or shallow breathing may be fatal.
Symptoms include severe drowsiness, incoordination, weakness of muscles, slow breathing, or it may even lead to coma and death.
Drug-drug interactions:
Some drugs may cause serious interactions when concomitantly used with Valium.
- 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
Never take a new drug without consulting with your doctor about the drugs you are already taking.
And not just the drugs, some medical conditions may also interact with Valium.
Such as:
- Allergy to diazepam, or other excipients in Valium
- Myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness condition)
- Severe breathing problems, such as sleep apnea (stop of breathing during sleep for a short period)
- Narrow-angle glaucoma (an eye condition that results in increasing the intraocular pressure)
- Uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma (an eye condition causing an increase in the eye pressure gradually which may result in damaging the optic nerve)
- Severe liver disease
Before taking Valium, tell your doctor if you are suffering from the following medical conditions:
- Breathing problems
- Glaucoma
- Kidney or liver impairment
- Seizures (except if you are taking Valium as adjunctive therapy for treating seizures)
- Drug abusing
- Mood disorders such as depression or suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Some food and drinks may also interact with Valium leading to serious side effects.
- Alcohol with Valium increases the depressant effects on the CNS leading to shallow or slow breathing that may lead to death
- Grapefruit
Side effects:
Common side effects
- Drowsiness
- Tiredness
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of balance and coordination
The sedative effects may last for a longer time in elders, falls and accidents are more common, that’s why must be taken and hazardous activities must be avoided, such as driving.
Call your doctor immediately if you suffered from,
- Severe drowsiness or dizziness
- Mood or behavior disturbances
- Worsening of depression or anxiety
- Suicidal thoughts
- Confusion and hallucinations
- Sleeping problems
- Worsening seizures
Check with your doctor the information in this article before starting Valium.
Conditions Valium treats
Table of Contents
Conditions Valium treats
Valium or diazepam is a widespread psychoactive drug. Valium treats many conditions; anxiety, muscle spasms and other cases.
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Know more about valium uses and how it’s used in every indication.
What Is Valium?
Valium is the brand name for a drug called diazepam, an anti-anxiety medicine. This medicine is one of the benzodiazepines; a group of chemically related psychoactive drugs. Anti-anxiety medications belonging to benzodiazepines are also known as sedatives. They have tranquillizing and calming effects.
Other familiar benzodiazepines include:
Ativan® (lorazepam)
Xanax® (alprazolam)
Doral® (quazepam)
Klonopin® (clonazepam)
Tranxene® (clorazepate)
This medication is a prescription one that comes as tablets, oral liquid, or in a rectal tube (anal route). It also comes in injection form to be used in the hospital.
Valium indications
Valium treats many conditions, like:
alcohol withdrawal symptoms
psychosis caused by sudden alcohol withdrawal
muscle spasm
anxiety
panic disorder
restlessness/ inability to sit still
inducing of a relaxed easy state
This medication works by influencing a certain neurotransmitter in the brain called GABA. This neurotransmitter is responsible for the regulation of sleep, relaxation, and anxiety. By inducing the GABA receptors, Valium treats the agitation of the central nervous system.
Valium for alcohol withdrawal
Alcohol use affects the way the brain functions and consuming it on a regular basis may cause dependence. When the addicted individual stops drinking alcohol, the brain is disturbed and results in Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS).
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can be incredibly painful and irritating. These symptoms include:
- seizures
- restlessness
- nightmares
- hallucinations
- heart palpitations
- vomiting
Sometimes alcohol withdrawal can even be lethal.
Valium or diazepam helps decrease the effect of these symptoms. Some of the symptoms valium treats include:
- nausea and vomiting
- seizures and tremors
- headaches
- difficulty sleeping
- restlessness
- irritability
- chills and sweats
- DTs (delirium tremens)
- pain
- anxiety
- panic
Dosage
Adult: 10 mg 3 or 4 times to be taken during the first day; then reduced to 5 mg 3 or 4 times per day.
Older adults: 2 to 2.5 mg 1 or 2 times per day to be taken during the first day. The physician will gradually increase your dose as needed.
Valium for Anxiety
Valium is used for the management of anxiety disorders and short-term treatment of anxiety symptoms as it slows down the brain’s activity.
This medication is usually recommended to be used for two to four weeks, not more due to the risk of dependence.
Dosage
Children above 6 months old: 1 to 2.5 mg 3 or 4 times daily. The physician may increase the dose if needed.
Adult: 2 to 10 mg 2 or 4 times daily.
Older adults: 2 to 2.5 mg 1 or 2 times daily. The physician may increase the dose if needed.
Valium for Muscle Spasm
Valium treats skeletal muscle spasms originating from several conditions. Inflammation or trauma combined with spasticity is a main indication.
Spasticity is when your muscles contract involuntarily and can be caused by main conditions like multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy. Also, it could result from exercise or dehydration.
Dosage
Adult: 2 to 10 mg 3 or 4 per day when necessary, THEN 6-8 times per day if necessary.
Older adults: 2 to 2.5 mg 1 or 2 times a day. The physician will gradually increase your dose as needed.
Valium for Seizure Disorder
Valium could effectively control certain types of epileptic seizures as some other benzodiazepines do. Some drugs give stronger anticonvulsant action but Valium works faster and has the longest duration of action.
Mainly this medication is used in combination with other drugs to help people who have seizure disorders (adjuvant therapy).
Dosage
Adult: 2 to 10 mg 2 or 4 per day.
Older adults: 2 to 2.5 mg 1 or 2 times a day. The physician will gradually increase your dose as needed.
For panic disorders
Valium is used on a short term basis for the management of panic attacks. It decreases the feelings of nervousness and agitation, producing relaxation and a sense of relief. Valium has a short onset of action and helps reduce the intensity of panic attacks relatively rapidly.
Valium is a prescription drug and its dosage should be determined by your doctor. The dose differs according to the reason diazepam is used for, the severity of the case, age and the other medical conditions the patient may have.
Valium treats so many conditions, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider about any concerns.
Diazepam action
Table of Contents
Diazepam action
Diazepam (Valium) belongs to a family of medicines called benzodiazepines. A family of drugs means that they work similarly.
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Mode of diazepam action:
All benzodiazepines have hypnotic, muscle relaxant, anxiolytic, and anticonvulsant effect.
They act on the central nervous system and brain. Diazepam increases the activity of a certain chemical in the central nervous system called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
A small amount of GABA makes your body in an excited state which leads to anxiety, muscle spasms, or seizures (convulsions).
This drug increases the amount of GABA in your body and this will reduce your anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures.
Uses of diazepam:
Diazepam is used to treat several conditions including:
- Treatment of anxiety:
Anxiety is an emotional state including some signs as sweating, fast heartbeat, insomnia (sleeping disorder), and other mental health problems.
- Treatment of muscle spasms and cerebral palsy:
A cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that cause muscle weakness and movement problems.
- Treatment of epilepsy:
Diazepam is used with other medicines to treat epilepsy as it is considered an anticonvulsant drug.
- Treatment of symptoms of alcohol withdrawal:
Drinking alcohol can cause some of these symptoms:
- Visual hallucinations.
- Insomnia (sleeping difficulty).
- Relaxing nervous dental patients.
The recommended dose for diazepam action:
In adults:
-
Anxiety:
2 mg tablet to be taken 3 times daily. This dose could be increased to 5 mg and 10 mg per day.
- Sleep problems (due to anxiety):
5 mg to 15 mg to be taken once daily at bedtime.
- Muscle spasms in adults (more than 18 years):
2 mg to 15 mg per day. This dose could be increased up to 20 mg 3 times per day.
- Muscle spasms in children:
The usual dose is 2 times daily with a 10 to 12 hours gap between each dose, this dose may vary depending on the age.
- Treatment of cerebral palsy:
5 mg to 60 mg daily in divided doses.
- Treatment of epilepsy:
2 mg to 60 mg per day as divided doses.
- To control alcohol withdrawal symptoms:
5 mg to 20 mg to be repeated every 2 or 4 hours if needed.
- Before operations:
5 mg to 20 mg.
In children:
- for cerebral spasticity:
5 mg to 40 mg in divided doses.
- Before operation:
2 mg to 10 mg is the usual recommended dose.
You should speak with your doctor if you decided to take diazepam if you:
- Have experienced any allergic reaction to diazepam or any other drug in the past.
- Have hepatic or renal dysfunction.
- Have myasthenia gravis (an autoimmune neuromuscular disease that causes weakness and rapid fatigue of the muscles).
- Have sleep apnea (a sleep disorder where breathing stops and starts during sleep).
- Have arteriosclerosis (thickness and hardening of the walls of arteries leading to a reduced flow of blood throughout you’re your body causing heart attacks and strokes).
- Breathing problems.
- Have suicidal thoughts or depression.
- Have mental or behavioral disorders.
- Have alcohol or drug abuse or addiction.
- A history of seizures.
- Have low levels of albumin (a protein) in your blood.
- Pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- 65 years or more.
- Going to have a general anesthetic due to an operation or surgery.
Side effects of diazepam action:
Like all drugs, diazepam can cause some side effects.
The severity of the side effects varies from one patient to another. Some patients have no side effects at all, others experience minor ones.
Common side effects:
- Feeling sleepy or drowsy.
- Co-ordination problems.
More serious side effects:
- Shallow breathing.
- Amnesia (a form of memory loss).
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real).
- Delusions (thinking of things that are not real).
- Mood changes such as feeling irritable or aggressive or overexcited.
Some medicines may interact with diazepam action especially:
- Sodium Oxybate (used to prevent the sudden onset of sleep).
- Antidepressants (as fluoxetine).
- Antipsychotics (as clozapine).
- Antihistamines (to treat allergy).
- General anesthetics.
- Sedatives (drugs used to give calming effects).
- Hypnotics (sleeping pills).
- Some antibiotics as erythromycin.
- Muscle relaxants.
- Strong pain killers (opioids) such as morphine.
- Antiepileptic medicines such as phenobarbital.
- Antihypertensive drugs (drugs used to lower high blood pressure).
- Diuretics (water tablets).
- Antacids (medicines that reduce stomach acid), these medicines can decrease the absorption of diazepam in your body.
- Oral contraceptives slow down diazepam removal from your body and increase its effect.
Food interaction with diazepam action:
- Drinking alcohol while taking diazepam will increase the sedative effect of diazepam leaving you very sleepy.
- Grapefruit juice may cause an increase in the amount of diazepam in your blood; this will increase the sedative effects of diazepam causing serious side effects especially in elderly patients such as accidental falls and injury.
- Drinks containing caffeine can decrease the effects of diazepam.
Diazepam action is very effective in treating several disorders. If you think you suffer from one of these conditions, talk with your doctor about diazepam.
Is valium a pain reliever
Table of Contents
Is valium a pain reliever
Is valium a pain reliever?
Valium: is one of the benzodiazepine groups, it is containing diazepam active constituent.
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Benzodiazepines group: This is a group of medications that act on the central nervous system CNS for inducing sedation, decreasing anxiety, relieve muscle spasms.
Is valium a pain reliever, and what are its indications?
Valium may use in several indications:
- Sleep disorder.
- Alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
- Sedation before surgery.
- Muscle spasm, spasticity.
Is valium a pain reliever, and what are its adverse effects?
Many adverse effects may occur during the treatment:
- Memory impairment.
- Impaired motor ability.
- Trouble in speaking (speech disturbance).
- Difficulty in urination.
- Allergic reaction.
- Abdominal pain.
- Dry mouth.
- Respiratory depression.
- Hypotension, syncope.
- Increased appetite.
- Elevation of liver function test.
- Apnea (sudden stop of breathing).
- Blurred vision.
- Nasal congestion.
- Skin rash, urticaria, purities.
Is valium a pain reliever, and what are its contraindications?
There are many medical conditions contraindicated to use valium:
- Allergic and hypersensitivity reaction to valium or other benzodiazepines.
- Myasthenia gravis disease: an autoimmune disease affecting muscles causing muscle weakness.
- Acute narrow-angle glaucoma.
- Severe hepatic impairment.
- Severe renal impairment.
- Pregnancy or planning to be pregnant.
- Sleep apnea: which is commonly known as obstructive sleep apnea, cause mainly in obese patients, the airway is blocked causing a sudden stop of breathing.
- Children under 6 months of age.
- Chronic psychosis.
Is valium a pain reliever, what are the interactions between other medications?
- Your doctor will revise your medication carefully before starting valium due to many interactions.
- Interactions may cause an increase or decrease in the efficacy of valium.
- In certain situations, you should avoid concomitant use.
Examples of interactions:
Medication should avoid concomitant use with valium:
- Fusidic acid.
- Oxybate salt products.
Medications decrease the effect of valium:
- Theophylline derivatives.
Medications increase the effect of valium:
- magnesium sulfate.
Is valium a pain reliever, and what about using it in special populations?
There are many concerns about the use of valium in certain populations:
- Elderly: valium should use with caution in elderly patients due to its extended effects and side effects. Your doctor will start with a low dose for you and increase it gradually.
- Pregnancy: valium is contraindicated in pregnancy and even planning to be pregnant. Reported congenital malformation with valium use.
- Breast-feeding: valium secreted in breast milk, so contraindicated in breastfeeding due to possibility of adverse effects on infants.
- Patients with severe renal impairment: valium is used with caution in renal impairment and under the supervision of your doctor.
- Patients with severe hepatic impairment: valium is used with caution in hepatic impairment and under the supervision of your doctor.
- Pediatrics: valium is contraindicated in pediatrics under 6months of age.
- Obese: effect of valium is extended in the obese patient.
- Psychotic patients: valium is not recommended in the psychotic patient.
Tips you should follow during the treatment with valium:
Your doctor will advise you before starting valium:
- You should not drink alcohol in the concomitant use of valium.
- You should not drive.
- You should not operate machinery.
- You should not start valium without referring your doctor.
- You should not stop valium suddenly.
- You should not use in concomitant with other benzodiazepine or CNS depressant medications.
- You should not use valium for a longer duration.
- You should not advise anyone to use valium without doctors’ opinion.
Is valium a pain reliever, and what is an overdose?
Causes of valium overdose:
- Ingestion of excessive dose.
- Concomitant use of medications interacts with valium and increases its effect.
- Concomitant drinking alcohol.
- Concomitant drinking or eating grapefruits.
Symptoms of valium overdose:
- Muscle weakness.
- Blurred vision.
- Low blood pressure.
- Lips and nails turning blue.
- Upset stomach.
- Skin rash.
- Respiratory depression.
Treatment of valium overdose:
- Stop medication immediately.
- Calling your doctor.
- Visit the emergency department of the nearest hospital:
- Your doctor will give you activated charcoal.
- Your doctor will maintain your airway.
- Your doctor will manage your low blood pressure.
- Your doctor will monitor your level of consciousness.
- Your doctor will give you an antidote known as flumazenil.
Is valium a pain reliever, and What are the withdrawal symptoms of it?
Long duration of valium use may cause withdrawal symptoms especially if you stop the medication suddenly.
Symptoms of withdrawal include:
- Muscle pain.
So, you should follow your doctor’s instructions, not use for a longer duration and not stop it suddenly.
Is Diazepam 50 mg too much
Table of Contents
Is Diazepam 50 mg too much?
Diazepam 2mg, 5mg and 10mg tablets, oral concentrate 5 mg/mL, oral solution 5 mg/5 mL and Diazepam 50 mg/10 mL for injection are the possible dosage forms of diazepam.
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Know what diazepam is, its uses, how to take it and how much diazepam is too much.
Diazepam
Diazepam is a prescription drug used essentially for treating anxiety, muscle spasms and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
This medication belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines. “Benzodiazepines” is a class of chemically related psychoactive drugs. They work by central nervous system sedation.
Important information
- This medication is not recommended to be used for longer than 4 weeks.
- Feeling drowsy is one of the most common side effects of diazepam.
- This medication may cause psychomotor functions inhibition. This may decrease the ability to drive or operate machinery.
- Drinking alcohol is contraindicated while taking diazepam as both substances can cause respiration inhibition and difficulty waking up.
How to take diazepam
First of all, Diazepam is a prescription drug, follow your doctor’s directions accurately.
Don’t lower or increase your dosage and don’t stop taking it without consulting your doctor.
The diazepam dosage for every person will depend on several factors. These factors include:
- Patient’s age.
- The case you’re using diazepam for
- The severity of the case.
- The dosage form of diazepam you take
- Other medical conditions you may suffer from
Generally, your doctor will recommend a low dosage and start to increase it over time until adjusted. Adjusted dosage is when the dosage is giving the right response for you. They’ll eventually advise the minimum dosage that provides the wanted effect to avoid the possible side effects.
diazepam 50 mg is much
The following information describes the possible and maximum recommended dosages. But be sure to stick to your doctor’s directions. They’ll specify the best dosage to suit your case.
The maximum recommended diazepam daily dose should not exceed 40 mg.
Doctors normally advise taking this drug at dosages of 2-10 mg. This amount can be taken up to four times per day.
More dosing than prescribed by your doctor might lead to an overdose. The serious side effects are more likely in higher doses. Even if Diazepam 50 mg or a little more isn’t a fatal dose, permanent side effects can develop if such high doses become habitual.
Diazepam overdose
If you take too much diazepam accidentally, it’s possible to have symptoms like:
- feeling sleepy
- feeling overexcited
- poor coordination
- trouble speaking
- slow heartbeat
- uncontrolled eye movements
- muscle weakness
Seek medical attention right away if you have such symptoms and Take the remaining diazepam with you and its leaflet.
Forms and strengths
Dosage form: oral tablet
Strengths: 2 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg
Diazepam 50 mg/10 mL (5 mg/mL) injection
Precautions
You should not use diazepam if you are allergic to it, or if you have any of the following:
- myasthenia gravis
- Sleep apnea
- Severe breathing problem
- narrow-angle glaucoma
- untreated open-angle glaucoma
- severe liver disease
Diazepam is contraindicated for children younger than 6 months old.
Don’t start giving this drug to a child before consulting a doctor.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- breathing problems
- glaucoma
- seizures
- kidney or liver disease
- substance addiction
- depression
- mood disorder
- suicidal thoughts or acts
While taking diazepam, Some people develop thoughts of suicide. Keep in mind, Stay conscious of changes in your mood.
Don’t hesitate to tell your doctor if you notice any new or worsening symptoms.
Pregnancy
If you use diazepam while you are pregnant for seizures, never stop taking diazepam without your doctor’s advice. Having a seizure during pregnancy could harm you and the baby.
Also, If you are using diazepam for anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, or muscle spasms during pregnancy, your baby could become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after birth.
Babies who are born to mothers on habit-forming medicine may need medical attention for several weeks.
Breastfeeding
Do not breastfeed while using this medicine.
Serious side effects
If you think you have serious side effects, call your doctor. Seek medical attention right away if you feel that your symptoms are life-threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency.
Serious side effects of this medication can include the following:
- worsening of seizures
- increase in the frequency of seizures
- increase in severity of seizures
- depression
- feelings of the room spinning
- confusion
- hallucinations
- slurred speech
- blurred vision
- thoughts of suicide
- memory loss
- extreme excitement
- anxiety
- increased muscle spasms
- trouble sleeping
- agitation
- yellowing of your skin
- whites of the eyes
- inability to urinate
- inability to hold urine
- Increase or decrease in sex drive
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4mg diazepam
Table of Contents
4mg diazepam
4mg diazepam is a concentration of active ingredient called diazepam, 4mg.
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valium diazepam 5mg generic 240 tablets | Sleep disorder | 2021-07-25 16:56 | £157.00 | ||
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valium diazepam 5mg generic 60 tablets | Sleep disorder | 2021-07-25 16:38 | £68.00 | ||
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Diazepam one of benzodiazepine group of medications.
Benzodiazepine: act on the central nervous system (CNS) by suppressing the activity of nerves in the brain. This group contains many drugs like:
What are indications of 4mg diazepam?
Diazepam has many indications to use due to its pharmacological activity, for example:
- Sleep disorder: most common indication of diazepam also, known as sleeping pill diazepam.
- Anxiety: diazepam is used in the treatment of anxiety in acute and severe cases.
- Seizures: in the treatment of seizures, you may use diazepam alone or in combination.
- Muscle spasm, spasticity, and rigidity.
- Alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
- Sedation before surgery.
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: for management muscle rigidity and anxiety.
Your doctor will advise you to not do the following during the treatment with 4mg diazepam:
- You should not operate machinery.
- You should not drive.
- You should not drink alcohol or grapefruits.
- You should not take in concomitant with other sedative and CNS depressant medications.
- You should not take 4mg diazepam if you age over 56years.
- You should not use 4mg diazepam if you are pregnant or planning.
- You should not use 4mg diazepam if you are breastfeeding.
- You should not stop 4mg diazepam suddenly.
- You should not increase your dose by yourself.
- You should not use 4mg diazepam for a longer duration.
- You should not advise the use of 4mg diazepam to anyone his\her symptoms seem to yours.
During the treatment with 4mg diazepam your doctor will ask you to monitor the following parameters:
Follow your doctor instruction and keep monitoring the following:
- Blood pressure.
- Heart rate.
- Respiratory rate.
- Mental status.
- Complete blood count.
- Liver enzyme level.
What are the major side effects of diazepam?
Many side effects of diazepam may occur:
- Memory impairment.
- Abdominal pain.
- Muscle weakness.
- Dry mouth.
- Respiratory depression.
- Nasal congestion.
- Difficulty in urination.
- Blurred vision.
- Allergic reaction.
- Increase appetite.
- Trouble in speaking.
- Skin rash and urticaria.
- Elevated liver function enzyme.
- Impaired motor ability.
When do you need to call your doctor?
You need to call your doctor in certain cases, for example when you feel one of the following symptoms:
- Trouble in sleeping.
- Thoughts about suicide.
- Panic attacks.
- Changes in behavior or mood.
- Anxiety or worsening anxiety.
- Excessive increase in activity and talking.
What happens if you take an overdose of 4mg diazepam?
Ingestion of higher dose of diazepam, and in other cases, concomitant use of medications that interact with diazepam and increase its level.
Symptoms of overdose:
- Low blood pressure.
- Blurred vision.
- Upset Stomach.
- Respiratory depression.
- Muscle weakness.
Stop the treatment immediately, call your doctor, and visit the emergency department of the nearest hospital.
Management of diazepam overdose:
Under the supervision of your doctors, the management of overdosing include:
- Your doctor will give you activated charcoal.
- Your doctor will maintain a clear airway for you.
- Your doctor will manage low blood pressure.
- Your doctor will give you an antidote called flumazenil.
- Your doctor will monitor your level of consciousness.
Contraindications of using 4mg diazepam:
Your doctor will ask and discuss with you before starting diazepam, as many medical conditions are contraindicated to use diazepam.
So, diazepam is contraindicated:
- If you have myasthenia gravis disease which is autoimmune disease-causing muscle weakness.
- If you have a respiratory disorder like obstructive sleep apnea.
- If you have narrow-angle glaucoma.
- If you have severe renal impairment.
- If you have severe hepatic impairment.
- If you have an allergy to diazepam or any molecule of the benzodiazepine group.
- If you have any psychotic disorder.
- If you are pregnant or planning.
- If you are breastfeeding.
- If you age above 65 years or below 6months.
What are the symptoms of diazepam withdrawal?
Some patients used extended or higher dose diazepam, which should taper the dose gradually when you need to stop the treatment for preventing withdrawal symptoms.
So, your doctor advises you before starting diazepam to never stop the medication suddenly.
Symptoms of withdrawal:
- Muscle pain and cramps.
In severe cases symptoms may be:
- Numbness and tingling of extremities.
4mg diazepam and other medication interaction:
You need to check all your medication with the doctor before starting the course of treatment, as there may be interactions that may require changing the treatment or modifying the dose.
Medication should avoid use in concomitant with diazepam:
- Fusidic acid.
Medications decrease the effect of diazepam:
- Theophylline derivatives.
Medications increase the effect of diazepam:
What is lyrica used for
Table of Contents
What is lyrica used for?
Lyrica (pregabalin) is an FDA-approved drug for use in adults. It works by slowing down certain impulses in the brain that may cause seizures. Also, it affects some chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain that are responsible for sending pain signals through the nervous system.
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What is Lyrica used for?
Lyrica was originally FDA-approved in 2004 as an anticonvulsant drug. However, nowadays it is used to treat many conditions such as:
- Nerve pain accompanied by diabetic neuropathy.
- Pain from herpes zoster (shingles).
- Nerve pain due to spinal cord injury.
In 2017, FDA also approved Lyrica CR, extended-release tablets to be taken once daily for treating neuropathic pain accompanied by diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
After explaining what is Lyrica used for, let’s discuss its dosage.
Several factors must be taken into consideration when prescribing Lyrica including:
- Age and weight of the patient.
- What is Lyrica used for (type and severity of the condition).
- Dosage form of Lyrica.
- Other medical health conditions.
- Other prescribed medications with Lyrica.
- Side effects that may arise as a result of using Lyrica.
Usually, doctors start on a low dosage. This dose will be adjusted over time to reach the suitable amount of the drug for you.
Doctors prescribe the smallest possible dose needed to reach the desired benefit from the drug.
Patients with kidney problems should ask the doctor for dosage adjustment.
Dosage for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain due to diabetes):
Adult dose (18-64 years):
The starting dose is 50 mg to be taken 3 times daily. According to your body’s response to the drug, the doctor may increase this dose.
The maximum permitted dose is 100 mg 3 times per day (300 mg per day).
Child dose (0-17 years):
Lyrica is not approved for use in children younger than 18 years as it hasn’t been studied yet for children’s use.
Senior dose (64 years and more):
Low doses are recommended for this group of age. Kidneys may not work well at this age causing slow elimination of the drug from your body. This will lead to the accumulation of the drug in the body causing an increase in the risk of side effects.
Doctors start with the minimum dose that keeps a suitable amount of the drug in your body without causing any harm.
Dosage for shingles (nerve pain due to herpes zoster):
Adult dose (18-64 years):
The starting dose is 75-150 mg twice daily or 50-100 mg 3 times daily (150-300 mg). According to your response to the drug, the doctor will adjust the dose.
The maximum daily dosage is 300 mg twice daily or 200 mg 3 times daily (maximum 600 mg per day).
Children dose (0-17 years):
Lyrica shouldn’t be used in children less than 18 years as its safety hasn’t been established yet.
Senior dose (64 years and above):
Seniors are more likely to suffer from kidney problems. This causes slower elimination of the drug from the body and thus accumulation of the drug leading to serious side effects.
Doctors start with a low dose that can be adjusted according to the body’s response and the side effects arise.
Dosage when taken with other Antiseizure drugs for partial-onset seizures:
Adult dose (18-64 years):
The starting dose is 75 mg to be taken twice daily or 50 mg to be taken 3 times daily.
The maximum daily dose is 600 mg per day.
Children dose (4 years-17 years):
The starting dose is 3.5 mg/kg/day to be given in two or three divided doses throughout the day.
The maximum dose is 14 mg/kg/day to be divided into two or three doses through the day with a maximum dose of 600 mg per day.
Children dose (1 month to 4 years):
The starting dose is 2.5 mg/kg/day in two or three divided doses through the day with a maximum dose of 10 mg/kg/day.
Special considerations for Lyrica dosage after knowing what is Lyrica used for:
Patients with kidney problems will need dosage monitoring, doctors prescribe low doses that could be later changed based on your kidney function.
Lyrica overdose will cause some dangerous symptoms including:
- Tremors (continuous shaking).
- Amnesia (loss of memory).
Clinical monitoring:
Certain health issues need monitoring while taking Lyrica. This monitoring will ensure your safety while using Lyrica. These issues include:
- Kidney function:
Your doctor will ask you to do blood tests periodically to check the kidneys’ wellness.
- Mental and behavioral health:
If you already have behavior or mood issues you have to tell your doctor as Lyrica may worsen the case.
What is Lyrica used for is long-term treatment, stick to the dose prescribed, and don’t stop it suddenly to avoid serious side effects and avoid increasing the severity of pain and seizures.
Lyrica drug
Table of Contents
Lyrica drug
Lyrica drug (pregabalin) belongs to a group of medicines called anti-epileptics or anticonvulsants. It works by reducing the action of certain impulses in the brain that causes seizures.
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Lyrica drug is FDA approved to treat:
- Peripheral and central neuropathic pain:
Lyrica drug is used to treat the pain caused by nerves damage. Many diseases can cause peripheral neuropathic pain including diabetes. This pain causes a sensation of hotness, sharpness, numbness, and needles.
Peripheral and central neuropathic pain can also arise due to sleep disturbances, mood changes, and fatigue. This pain highly affects physical health conditions and the overall quality of life.
-
Epilepsy:
Lyrica drug is used to treat a certain type of epilepsy (seizures with or without secondary generalization) in adults. Lyrica is prescribed to epileptic patients whose current treatment is not controlling the condition.
Lyrica is not used alone but always should be taken in combination with other anti-epileptic treatments.
- Generalized anxiety disorder:
Lyrica drug is used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The symptom of GAD is severe anxiety that is difficult to be controlled. GAD leads to difficulty in concentration, feeling of irritability, muscle cramps, and sleep disturbance.
- Pain caused by fibromyalgia
Warnings and precautions:
Talk to your doctor or a pharmacist before taking Lyrica drug, as you may feel one or more of the following reactions:
- Lyrica drug may cause symptoms of allergic reaction such as face swelling, lips, tongue, and throat. Contact your physician immediately if you experience any of these reactions.
- Lyrica drug can cause dizziness that increases the probability of occurrence of accidental falls in elderly patients.
- Lyrica drug may cause blurring or loss of vision. Most of these symptoms are temporary. However, you should consult your doctor if you feel any changes in vision.
- If you are a diabetic patient and gain weight while using Lyrica, you will need some changes in your diabetic medicines.
- Lyrica drug may cause heart failure in some patients especially in elderly patients with cardiovascular problems. You should tell your doctor if you have a history of heart disease before taking Lyrica.
- Few patients treated by anti-epileptics such as Lyrica drug experience thoughts of harming themselves. Immediately contact your doctor if you have any of these thoughts.
- Taking Lyrica with other drugs that may cause constipation (as some types of pain killers) may cause gastrointestinal problems (for example constipation and paralyzed bowel).
- Before taking Lyrica you should tell your doctor if you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse.
- Few patients experience breathing difficulties while taking Lyrica. In general, you should tell your doctor if you have respiratory disorders, renal or hepatic impairment, or if you are older than 65.
You should not take Lyrica drug if you have ever had:
- Any lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Depression or suicidal thoughts.
- Any heart problem especially congestive heart failure.
- Low platelets level in blood.
- If you are on dialysis or have kidney disease.
- Diabetes (unless Lyrica is prescribed to treat diabetic neuropathy).
- Alcohol or drug addiction.
Lyrica drug and other medicines:
You should tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken or may take other medicines with Lyrica.
Lyrica potentiates effect of some drugs that have sedative effects such as opioids, sleeping pills, allergy medicines, muscle relaxants, and anti-anxiety drugs. This may lead to respiratory failure, coma, and death.
Lyrica drug side effects:
Report to your doctor any changes in your mood, behavior, or if you feel irritable, agitated, aggressive, or restless.
Call your doctor if you experience:
- Shallow breathing.
- Drowsiness, confusion, or weakness.
- Vision problems.
- Unusual bleeding.
- Rapid weight gain (especially for diabetic patients or patients with heart problems).
- Unexplained tenderness, or muscle pain.
- Trouble concentrating.
- Increased appetite.
- Dry mouth.
- Decrease in sexual interest.
- Loss of memory.
- Sedation and insomnia.
- Vertigo (problems with balance).
- Sore throat.
- Problems with erection.
- Painful menstrual period.
Children and adolescents:
- The safety and efficacy of Lyrica drug in children and adolescents (less than 18 years) have not yet been established.
- Lyrica is not prescribed for this age.
Driving and operating machines:
Due to the dizziness and decreased concentration that may be caused while using the Lyrica drug, it is not advised to drive or operate machinery or involve in any hazardous activities.
Lyrica drug and pregnancy:
If you are pregnant or planning to be pregnant, consult your doctor about taking Lyrica. This drug will only be used if its potential benefits exceed the potential risk.
In animals, Lyrica in high doses showed an increased risk of fatal effects in the fetus.
Lyrica drug and breastfeeding:
Lyrica passes breast milk in small amounts. Talk to your doctor to stop the drug and recommend another alternative.
Lyrica drug is used for long-term treatment, always stick to the dose prescribed by your doctor, and try not to miss a dose or stop the drug suddenly.