Valium was the first marketing name for the drug now known as Diazepam and is commonly used for treating anxiety, insomnia, seizures including status epilepticus, muscle spasms (such as in cases of tetanus), restless legs syndrome, alcohol withdrawal, benzodiazepine withdrawal and Ménière's disease. It may also be used before certain medical procedures such as endoscopies to reduce tension and anxiety, and in some surgical procedures to induce amnesia.
It possesses anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, hypnotic, sedative, skeletal muscle relaxant, and amnestic properties. The pharmacological action of diazepam enhances the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA by binding to the benzodiazepine site on the GABA receptor leading to central nervous system depression. Diazepam has also been used as a recreational drug.
Adverse effects of diazepam include anterograde amnesia especially at higher doses and sedation as well as paradoxical effects such as excitement, rage or worsening of seizures in epileptics. Benzodiazepines also can cause or worsen depression. Long-term effects of benzodiazepines such as diazepam include tolerance, benzodiazepine dependence as well as a benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome upon dose reduction. Additionally, after cessation of benzodiazepines cognitive deficits may persist for at least 6 months and may not fully return to normal, however it was suggested that longer than 6 months may be needed for recovery from some deficits. Diazepam also has abuse potential and can cause serious problems of addiction.
The distribution half life of diazepam is 2 minutes to 13 minutes, while its biphasic half-life is of about 1-3 and 2-7 days for the active metabolite desmethyldiazepam depending on metabolism with most of the drug being metabolized. However the full elimination half life of diazepam can be up to a month and can even be longer in the elderly. The half life of diazepam is affected just the same as any other drug by a number of factors such as metabolism, fluid consumption, and level of fitness and exercise.
It possesses anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, hypnotic, sedative, skeletal muscle relaxant, and amnestic properties. The pharmacological action of diazepam enhances the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA by binding to the benzodiazepine site on the GABA receptor leading to central nervous system depression. Diazepam has also been used as a recreational drug.
Adverse effects of diazepam include anterograde amnesia especially at higher doses and sedation as well as paradoxical effects such as excitement, rage or worsening of seizures in epileptics. Benzodiazepines also can cause or worsen depression. Long-term effects of benzodiazepines such as diazepam include tolerance, benzodiazepine dependence as well as a benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome upon dose reduction. Additionally, after cessation of benzodiazepines cognitive deficits may persist for at least 6 months and may not fully return to normal, however it was suggested that longer than 6 months may be needed for recovery from some deficits. Diazepam also has abuse potential and can cause serious problems of addiction.
The distribution half life of diazepam is 2 minutes to 13 minutes, while its biphasic half-life is of about 1-3 and 2-7 days for the active metabolite desmethyldiazepam depending on metabolism with most of the drug being metabolized. However the full elimination half life of diazepam can be up to a month and can even be longer in the elderly. The half life of diazepam is affected just the same as any other drug by a number of factors such as metabolism, fluid consumption, and level of fitness and exercise.
