Anxiety , insomnia , night terrors & somnambulism : Adults : 1-5mg daily, 6-30 mg daily. Muscle spasm , cerebral spasticity : Adults , eldrely , 1-30mg daily; others , 2-60mg daily. Both in divided doses. OR As directed by your physician.

Side Effects

Central Nervous System: confusion, depression, dysarthria, headache, slurred speech, tremor, vertigo ; Gastrointestinal System: constipation, nausea, gastrointestinal disturbances Special Senses: blurred vision, diplopia, dizziness ; Cardiovascular System: hypotension Psychiatric and Paradoxical Reactions: stimulation, restlessness, acute hyperexcited states, anxiety, agitation, aggressiveness, irritability, rage, hallucinations, psychoses, delusions, increased muscle spasticity, insomnia, sleep disturbances, and nightmares. Inappropriate behavior and other adverse behavioral effects have been reported when using benzodiazepines. Should these occur, use of the drug should be discontinued. They are more likely to occur in children and in the elderly.

Drug Interactions

Opioids , phenothiazines, antipsychotics, anxiolytics/sedatives, hypnotics, anticonvulsants, narcotic analgesics, anesthetics, sedative antihistamines, narcotics, barbiturates, MAO inhibitors and other antidepressants , Alcohol , Antacids , Phenytoin

Indication

It is indicated for the management of anxiety disorders or for the short term relief of the symptoms of anxiety.

When not to Use

It is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to diazepam and, because of lack of sufficient clinical experience, in pediatric patients under 6 months of age. It is also contraindicated in patients with myasthenia gravis, severe respiratory insufficiency, severe hepatic insufficiency, and sleep apnea syndrome. It may be used in patients with open-angle glaucoma who are receiving appropriate therapy, but is contraindicated in acute narrow-angle glaucoma.

Precautions

Precaution

The usual precautions are indicated for severely depressed patients or those in whom there is any evidence of latent depression or anxiety associated with depression, particularly the recognition that suicidal tendencies may be present and protective measures may be necessary.

Warnings

Warning 1

Concomitant use of benzodiazepiones, including diazepam, and opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Because of these risks, reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate.

Warning 2

Advise both patients and caregivers about the risks of respiratory depression and sedation when diazepam is used with opioids. Advise patients not to drive or operate heavy machinery until the effects of concomitant use with the opioid have been determined .

Warning 3

It is not recommended in the treatment of psychotic patients and should not be employed instead of appropriate treatment.

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