Herbal Alternatives to Diazepam!!

Diazepam is a popular benzodiazepine derivative drug. It contains the anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, sedative, skeletal muscle relaxant and amnestic properties. Diazepam is used for the treatment of anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety. It can also be taken to relieve agitation, shakiness, insomnia, seizures, alcohol withdrawal and muscle spasms. Diazepam affects the chemicals in the brain that may become unstable and cause anxiety. Diazepam is one of the core medicines listed in the World Health Organization’s “Essential Drugs List”. It is a list of the minimum medical needs required for a basic health care system.

Physical Properties of Diazepam

Diazepam comes in the form of solid white or yellow crystals. The physical properties of Diazepam are as follows:

* It melts at 131.5 to 134.5 °C.
* It is odorless and has a somewhat sour taste.
* Diazepam is partially soluble in water, completely soluble in alcohol and freely soluble in chloroform.
* The pH level of diazepam is neutral (i.e. pH = 7).

Brief History of Diazepam

Diazepam was the second benzodiazepine drug to be invented by Sternbach of Hoffmann-La Roche. It was approved for use in the year 1963. It is two and a half times more powerful than its predecessor, chlordiazepoxide. The drug very quickly surpassed in terms of sales.

Diazepam was the largest selling drug in the United States from 1969 to 1982. Diazepam along with other drugs like nitrazepam, oxazepam and temazepam represent 82% of the benzodiazepine market in Australia. The drug is also the first line of defense for a extraordinary disorder called stiff-person syndrome.

How is Diazepam taken

* Diazepam comes in the form of tablets, extended-release (long-acting) capsule, and concentrate (liquid) to be taken by mouth.
* You should not open, chew, or crush the extended-release capsules. It is swallowed whole.
* The drug is typically taken one to four times a day.
* It may be or may not be taken with food.
* It is advisable that you follow your Doctor’s prescription or consult a pharmacist before taking Diazepam.

How is Diazepam used

The Diazepam concentrate liquid comes packed with a specifically marked dropper for measuring the dose. You can ask your pharmacist to show you how to use the dropper. Usually the concentrate is diluted in water, juice or carbonated beverages before taking it. You can also mix the drug with applesauce or pudding.

Regular intake of Diazepam can become a habit. Therefore it is advised not to take a larger dose or for a longer period of time unless a doctor tells you to. Too much intake of the drug in large doses can lead to tolerance and make it less effective. This medication must be taken regularly as directed by the Doctor to be effective. You should not skip doses even if you feel that you do not need them any more.

Warning

Do not take diazepam continuously for more than 4 months or stop taking this medication abruptly without talking to your doctor. Stopping the drug suddenly can have an adverse effect on your health condition and cause withdrawal symptoms like anxiousness, sleeplessness, and irritability. You can consult your doctor to decrease the doze slowly if you feel that you do not need them anymore.

Storage conditions for Diazepam

Diazepam should be kept in its own container. It should be kept tightly closed and out of reach of children. The drug should be stored at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture. Do not keep expired Diazepam drugs at home. Consult your doctor about the proper disposal of the medicine.

Special Precautions before taking Diazepam

Diazepam is a strong drug. You must take all the precautionary measures to ensure that you benefit from it. Here are some special precautions that you must take:

* Always tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to drugs like diazepam, oxazepam (Serax), temazepam (Restoril), prazepam (Centrax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Librax), alprazolam (Xanax), clorazepate (Tranxene), estazolam (ProSom), clonazepam (Klonopin), flurazepam (Dalmane), lorazepam (Ativan), triazolam (Halcion) or any other drugs.

* Tell your physician about the prescription and nonprescription medications that you are taking on a regular basis. Your doctor must know if you are taking other drugs like antihistamines; digoxin (Lanoxin); cimetadine (Tagamet); fluoxetine (Prozac); isoniazide (INH, Laniazid, Nydrazid); disulfiram (Antabuse); ketoconazole (Nizoral); medications for depression, seizures, pain, Parkinson’s disease, asthma, colds, or allergies; levodopa (Larodopa, Sinemet); metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL); oral contraceptives; muscle relaxants; probenecid (Benemid); propoxyphene (Darvon); propranolol (Inderal); ranitidine (Zantac); rifampin (Rifadin); sedatives; sleeping pills; theophylline (Theo-Dur); tranquilizers; valproic acid (Depakene); and vitamins.

* If you use antacids, then it is advisable that you take diazepam first and then wait 1 hour before taking the antacid.

* If you ever had complications like glaucoma; seizures; or lung, heart, or liver disease, then remember to tell your doctor about it.

* If you are pregnant or are planning to conceive in the near future or are breast-feeding, then tell your doctor about it. If by chance you take diazepam when you are pregnant, then see a doctor immediately.

* If you are about to have a surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking diazepam.

* This drug has the tendency to make you feel drowsy. Therefore, do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know the affects that the drug has on you.

* Alcohol can add to the drowsiness that is caused by Diazepam.

* In case you use tobacco products then tell your doctor about it. Cigarette smoking can decrease the effectiveness of this drug.

* In case you miss a dose of Diazepam then you can skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule. You must never take a double dose to make up for a missed one as this can cause side effects.

Common side effects caused by Diazepam

Diazepam is known to cause some common side effects. There is no need to worry if you get symptoms like the following:

* Tiredness
* Weakness
* Drowsiness
* Dry mouth
* Dizziness
* Diarrhea
* Upset stomach
* Changes in appetite

But in case you experience more difficulties in your day to day activities after taking the dose of Diazepam then consult a doctor. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms occur:

Constipation problem

Frequent urination

Difficulty while urinating

Blurred vision

Alterations in sex drive

Call your doctor immediately if severe symptoms like the following occur after taking the Diazepam dose:

* Fever
* Seizures
* Problems while walking
* Heartbeat irregularity
* Difficulty breathing or swallowing
* Severe skin rash
* Skin or eyes becoming yellow

What you must remember:

Remember to keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. This is important because your doctor will order specific lab tests to check your reaction to diazepam.

Diazepam can give false results in urine tests for sugar if using Clinistix and Diastix. Diabetic patients who take the diazepam drugs should use TesTape to test their urine for sugar.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Keep your medicines away from the reach of children. Consult your doctor in case you have to refill your prescription.

Always keep a well maintained list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines that you are taking. You must carry the list with you each time you visit a doctor or when you are admitted to a hospital. This is very important especially in case of emergencies.