diazepam

The diazepam - One of the benzodiazepine drugs, used mainly for the short-term treatment of anxiety and insomnia.

Diazepam is also prescribed as a muscle-relaxant drug, as an anticonvulsant drug in the emergency treatment of epilepsy, and to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms in people who are dependent on alcohol. It may also be administered intravenously in order to produce sedation in people undergoing certain medical procedures, such as endoscopy.

Diazepam may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion; therefore, driving and hazardous work should be avoided while taking the drug. Alcohol increases the sedative effects of the drug, and should not be consumed while diazepam is being used.

Like other benzodiazepines, diazepam can be habit-forming if it is taken regularly, and its effects diminish with prolonged use. Individuals who have been taking diazepam regularly for more than two weeks should never stop their treatment suddenly; instead, they should gradually decrease the dose of the drug, under medical supervision, in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms (such as anxiety, sweating, or, rarely, after large doses, seizures).