Diazepam

Diazepam belonging to the benzodiazepine group, acts as an anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant, amnestic, hypnotic and sedative.

Diazepam, though is a drug that is to be given under prescription, it is also available online under names like Valium and many other generic names. As Diazepam is available online even without a prescription, it is very important to get a detailed knowledge about the contraindications and drug interactions before getting it online.

The contraindications of Diazepam include the patients who suffer from ataxia, severe depression, severe apnea, severe kidney diseases, severe liver diseases or liver failure, acute narrow angle glaucoma, patients with suicidal tendencies, patients on other benzodiazepine drugs, patients in coma and shock, psychosis, respiratory disorders, acute intoxication with alcohol, and patients hypersensitive to benzodiazepines.

Patients who are pregnant and those who are lactating should avoid taking Diazepam. Diazepam when used in the third trimester of pregnancy causes floppy infant syndrome and benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. If a lactating mother takes Diazepam, the nursing baby becomes atonic and it becomes drowsy with weak suckling reflex.

Diazepam itself is a sedative. Hence it should not be taken with other drugs like alcohol or other sedatives that cause sedation. Diazepam increases the CNS depressant actions of anticonvulsants, hypnotics and muscle relaxants. This may lead to psychological dependence.

Drugs like ketoconazole, itraconazole, cimetidine, omeprazole, disulfiram, isoniazid, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, and fluoxetine prolong the action of Diazepam, thus requiring a decrease in the dosage of Diazepam.

Drugs like rifampicin, phenytoin, Phenobarbital and carbamazepine increase the metabolism of Diazepam thereby decreasing the levels of Diazepam in the body. This may require an increase in the dosage of Diazepam.