Diazepam - pro and contra. Diazepam: uses Diazepam is used to treat episodes of increased seizures ( e. g. , acute repetitive seizures, breakthrough seizures ) in people who are already taking medications to control their seizures. Diazepam is only recommended for short-term treatment of seizure attacks. It's not for ongoing daily use to prevent seizures. Uncontrolled seizures can turn into serious ( possibly fatal ) seizures that don't stop ( status epilepticus ) .
Diazepam belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines which produce a calming effect on brain and nerves ( central nervous system ) . It is thought to work by increasing effect of a certain natural chemical ( GABA ) in brain. Diazepam: how to use Read Patient/Caregiver Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before we use Diazepam and each time you get a refill. If we have questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Diazepam is given rectally by a caregiver trained to recognize symptoms of your seizures and to correctly give the product. You and your caregivers must follow all instructions from your doctor and pharmacist exactly. Review all the instructions on how to give Diazepam in the product package. If we have any questions or feel unsure about using Diazepam, call the doctor or pharmacist before using Diazepam. Get emergency help if the person is having a seizure and you do not feel comfortable using Diazepam.
Before using, check syringe for the correct dose. Your pharmacist should set correct dose and lock the syringe in " ready " position before giving we product. Before leaving pharmacy, look at each syringe. The dose should be in display window on side. We should see a green band with word " ready " at bottom of the syringe barrel. Look to make sure we have correct syringe tip ( e. g. , smaller tip for a child ) and that there are no cracks around the syringe tip. Return product to pharmacist if there's a problem or if you have any questions
Cracks can cause medication to leak out and not provide the correct amount of medication. If we see a crack, use a different syringe. Cracks can appear over time, so keep checking your syringes to make sure we have good ones ready to use. Also check the expiration date on package, and refill your prescription before medication expires.
The dosage is based on age, weight, medical condition, and response to therapy. Be sure we understand when Diazepam should be used, how to use it, and how to check for side effects/seizure control. In some cases, a second dose may be prescribed and given 4 to 12 hours after first dose. Usually, Diazepam shouldn't be used to treat more than 5 episodes per month and no more than one episode every 5 days. If seizures continue after using Diazepam as prescribed ( e. g. , no change 15 minutes after dose is given ) , or if there's a change in the person's breathing, behavior, or condition that alarms you, get emergency help right away.
Diazepam shouldn't be used regularly. This medication may cause dependence when it has been used regularly for a long time ( more than a few weeks ) or if it has been used in high doses. In such cases, if you suddenly stop Diazepam, withdrawal reactions may occur while use Diazepam. Such reactions can include increased seizures. Report any such reactions to your doctor immediately. When stopping extended, regular treatment with Diazepam, gradually reducing dosage as directed will help prevent withdrawal reactions. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Though it's very unlikely to occur, Diazepam can also result in abnormal drug-seeking behavior ( addiction/habit forming ) . Don't increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer time than prescribed.
Dispose of Diazepam properly. Follow directions in the Patient Information Leaflet. Don't reuse syringe.
Don't stop taking your regular seizure control medications when you are given Diazepam. Diazepam: side effects Drowsiness, dizziness, diarrhea, and unsteadiness may occur. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Diazepam because he or she has judged that benefit to we is greater than risk of side effects. Many people using Diazepam don't have serious side effects. Diazepam stays in body for a long time. Be sure to watch for reactions for at least 4 hours after giving the medication.
Seek immediate medical attention if any of these unlikely but very serious side effects occur:
A serious allergic reaction to Diazepam is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include:
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Diazepam: precautions Before using Diazepam, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other benzodiazepines ( e. g. , oxazepam, temazepam ) ; or if we have any other allergies.
Diazepam should not be used if we have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have:
Before using Diazepam, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
Diazepam may make we dizzy or drowsy; use caution while engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving, riding a bicycle, or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Caution is advised when using Diazepam in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of Diazepam, especially drowsiness effect.
Diazepam is not recommended for use during pregnancy. If we become pregnant or think we may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Consult your doctor for more details.
Diazepam may pass into breast milk. Because of possible harm to infant, breast-feeding while using Diazepam isn't recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Diazepam: interactions Your healthcare professionals ( e. g. , doctor or pharmacist ) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Don't start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Diazepam should not be used with following medications because a very serious interaction may occur while use Diazepam:
If you are currently using either of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before using Diazepam.
Before using Diazepam, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products we may use, especially of:
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: antidepressants ( e. g. , amitriptyline, nefazodone ) , certain antihistamines ( e. g. , diphenhydramine ) , anti-seizure drugs ( e. g. , carbamazepine, phenobarbital, valproate ) , medicine for sleep or anxiety ( e. g. , alprazolam, kava, zolpidem ) , muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers ( e. g. , codeine ) , psychiatric medicines ( e. g. , chlorpromazine, risperidone ) .
Diazepam contains a small amount of alcohol. Tell your doctor if you're taking drugs such as disulfiram or metronidazole that can can cause an unpleasant reaction when combined with alcohol.
Avoid alcohol when using Diazepam because it may increase side effects such as difficulty breathing and drowsiness.
Check labels on all your medicines ( e. g. , cough-and-cold products ) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.
This document doesn't contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using Diazepam, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products we use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share list with your doctor and pharmacist.
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