Indications
Diazepam is a useful adjunct for the relief of skeletal muscle spasm due to reflex spasm to local pathology (such as inflammation of the muscles or joints, or secondary to trauma), spasticity caused by upper motor neuron disorders (such as cerebral palsy and paraplegia), athetosis, and stiff-man syndrome.
Oral Diazepam may be used adjunctively in convulsive disorders, although it has not proved useful as the sole therapy.
The effectiveness of Diazepam in long-term use, that is, more than 4 months, has not been assessed by systematic clinical studies. The physician should periodically reassess the usefulness of the drug for the individual patient.
Therapeutic Class
Pharmacology
Dosage & Administration
ADULTS:
Management of Anxiety Disorders and Relief of Symptoms of Anxiety: Depending upon severity of symptoms 2 mg to 10 mg, 2 to 4 times daily
Symptomatic Relief in Acute Alcohol Withdrawal: 10 mg, 3 or 4 times during the first 24 hours, reducing to 5 mg, 3 or 4 times daily as needed
Adjunctively for Relief of Skeletal Muscle Spasm: 2 mg to 10 mg, 3 or 4 times daily
Adjunctively in Convulsive Disorders: 2 mg to 10 mg, 2 to 4 times daily
Geriatric Patients, or in the presence of debilitating disease: 2 mg to 2.5 mg, 1 or 2 times daily initially; increase gradually as needed and tolerated
PEDIATRIC PATIENTS:
Because of varied responses to CNS-acting drugs, initiate therapy with lowest dose and increase as required. Not for use in pediatric patients under 6 months: 1 mg to 2.5 mg, 3 or 4 times daily initially; increase gradually as needed and tolerated
Interaction
Contraindications
Side Effects
Pregnancy & Lactation
Diazepam has been detected in breast milk. If possible the use of diazepam should be avoided during lactation.