Is Diazepam an antidepressant? What is it used for?

Diazepam is not an antidepressant. That actually belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepine. Mostly used to treat severe anxiety or agitation. It is also used to treat trembling and muscle spasm due to tetanus or poisoning. As well as seizures or fits, confusional states or anxiety associated with alcohol withdrawal. Relaxing patients before minor operations or procedures is another use of diazepam.

How long does it take for Diazepam to start working?

It depends on what you are taking it for. If for anxiety, you should start feeling better within a few hours. Though it may take a week or two before the full benefits become evident. Similarly, if taking to relieve muscle spasm you may notice a difference after 15 minutes. Your muscles start relaxing when taking Diazepam regularly for a few days.

Is Diazepam addictive?

Yes it can be very addictive. Taking Diazepam in high doses or long periods may lead to addiction. Those with history of alcoholism and drugs are more likely to become addicted. Therefore, Diazepam should be taken for the shortest possible time and in lowest effective dose.

Can I stop taking Diazepam if I start feeling better?

No, do not stop taking Diazepam suddenly. By stopping, you may experience withdrawal effects. These effects can include;

• depression
• nervousness
• difficulty sleeping
• irritability
• sweating
• upset stomach
• diarrhea

Stopping suddenly can bring back the symptoms and make them harder to treat. You may also experience;

• mood changes
• anxiety
• restlessness
• changes in sleep patterns

These effects may occur even after taking low doses for a short period of time.

For how long should I take Diazepam?

Treatment with Diazepam should be as short as possible. Your doctor will evaluate you after 4 weeks usage. This is to assess the need of continued treatment. This is especially if you do not have any symptoms. Treatment doesn’t generally go beyond 8-12 weeks. This includes the ‘gradually reducing the dose’ process.

Does Diazepam have any effect on contraception?

Diazepam does not alter any affect of any type of contraception. This is including birth control pills and emergency contraception. Though birth control pills do have another effect. They can keep Diazepam in your body for a longer time and increase its effect. Bleeding between periods has been known if Diazepam and birth control pills are taken together. But your contraceptive method will still work.

Is it safe to take clozapine and Diazepam together?

No, it is not recommended to take clozapine and Diazepam together. This is because the effects of both medicines may combine. This can result in;

• a severe drop in blood pressure
• breathing problems (respiratory depression)
• can even stop your heart which can lead to death.

Is Diazepam safe for elderly patients?

The elderly generally get half the normal dosage. Diazepam causes muscle relaxation which poses a hazard to the elderly. Because when falling over, the elderly are more likely to suffer bone fractures.