Synonyms
diazepam
Definition
Diazepam is often better known by one of its trade names: Valium®. It belongs to the group of benzodiazepines, which in turn belong to the psychotropic drugs, i.e. they have an effect on the central nervous system (CNS). Diazepam is used, among other things, to treat anxiety disorders, for premedication (before surgery) and to interrupt a seizure in epilepsies.
Effect
Valium® is a benzodiazepine. It works: Valium exerts its effect at the group of GABA receptors in the brain, which are located on the surface of nerve cells. Here it leads to attenuation of the nerve cell.
The half-life of Valium® is up to 48 hours. Therefore, especially when used in patients who are not undergoing inpatient treatment, active ingredients from the same group but with a shorter half-life are used more frequently nowadays. The problem with the long half-life is mainly the overhang.
This means that the effect of the tablet lingers for a long time. If, for example, it was taken in the afternoon or evening of the previous day, those affected are often still clearly tired and sleepy the morning after. Diazepam is used in states of agitation and anxiety, alcohol withdrawal syndrome and acute epileptic seizures.
It is also used for sleep disorders, although due to its long half-life benzodiazepines with a lower risk of overuse are preferred.
- Anxiolytic (anxiety relieving)
- Anticonvulsive (relaxing)
- Muscle relaxant (muscular relaxant)
- Sedative to hypnotic (damping)
Benzodiazepines in general are often called tranquilizers. They are used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, among other things.
They are also used to treat sleep disorders, although short-acting benzodiazepines such as triazolam are more commonly used here, as Valium® (diazepam) has a much too long half-life for this indication, which would lead to overuse, i.e. fatigue well into the next day. In addition, Valium® is often administered as pre-medication, i.e. before surgery, so this is where its anxiety-relieving and sedative components come into play. Valium® is also used as an anticonvulsant (Greek/Latin for seizure), but not as a standard medication. This is due to the strong dependence potential of benzodiazepines in general. It is more commonly used in acute seizures to break through the seizures and get the patient out of immediate danger.
