Indication of Valium:
Short term management of anxietyAcute alcohol withdrawalAcute benzodiazepine withdrawalMuscle spasmPremedicationConscious sedationStatus epilepticusParasomnias (night terrors; sleep walking)
Action of Valium:
Benzodiazepines potentiate the inhibitory effects of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) throughout the CNS, resulting in anxiolytic, sedative hypnotic, muscle relaxant and antiepileptic effects.
Dose Advice of Valium:
1-10mg up to 3 times a day. Additional doses are sometimes needed Adult: Premedication: 0.1-0.2mg/kg IVAcute severe anxiety, muscle spasm: 5-10mg IV repeated in 3-4 hours if necessaryAcute benzodiazepine withdrawal: give divided doses of diazepam equivalent to the patients daily benzodiazepine consumption, if this is not known, give oral diazepam 20mg every 2 hours until withdrawal symptoms are controlled; gradually taper dosage over subsequent days.Elderly and/or debilitated patient: 2mg orally twice dailyChild: Premedication: rectal/oral 0.2-0.4mg/kgMuscle spasm, anxiety: IV 0.1-0.3mg/kg every 1-4 hours, up to 0.6mg/kg in 8 hours. Oral 0.05-0.3mg/kg 2-3 times dailyAdministration instructions: Give IV no faster than 5mg/minute. Avoid extravasation and intra-arterial injection.Avoid IM administration, particularly as emulsion formulation of injection has been discontinued Avoid dilution and infusion of injection as diazepam has low solubility and adsorbs to PVC giving sets.
Schedule of Valium:
S4
Common side effects of Valium:
DrowsinessOver-sedationLight-headednessMemory lossAtaxiaSlurred speech
Uncommon side effects of Valium:
HeadacheVertigoHypotensionDisorientationConfusionParadoxical excitationEuphoriaAggression and hostilityAnxietyDecreased libido Anterograde amnesiaPain and thrombophlebitis with IV injectionRespiratory arrest with IV use
Diseases treated by Valium:
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Panic disorder Personality disorders Phobic disorders Priapism
