Reviews reflect personal experiences and are not medical advice. Always consult your doctor.
Manufacturer
Sunrise Pharmaceutical, Inc.
ATC Code
N05BA01
Source
OPENFDA_NDC
USDailyMed:Diazepam
AU:C
N05BA01(WHO)
AU:S4(Prescription only)BR:Class B1(Psychoactive drugs)CA:Schedule IVDE: Prescription only (Anlage IIIfor higher doses)NZ: Class C5UK:Class CUS:Schedule IVUN:Psychotropic Schedule IVEU:Rx-onlySE: Förteckning IVRx-only
TemazepamOxazepamNordiazepam
7-chloro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-3H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one
439-14-5Y
3016
3364
DB00829N
2908Y
Q3JTX2Q7TU
D00293Y
CHEBI:49575Y
ChEMBL12Y
DTXSID4020406
Interactive image
c1ccccc1C2=NCC(=O)N(C)c3ccc(Cl)cc23
InChI=1S/C16H13ClN2O/c1-19-14-8-7-12(17)9-13(14)16(18-10-15(19)20)11-5-3-2-4-6-11/h2-9H,10H2,1H3YKey:AAOVKJBEBIDNHE-UHFFFAOYSA-NY
Diazepam, sold under the brand nameValiumamong others, is a medication of thebenzodiazepinefamily that acts as ananxiolytic.It is used to treat a range of conditions, includinganxiety,seizures,alcohol withdrawal syndrome,muscle spasms,insomnia, andrestless legs syndrome.It may also be used to causememory lossduring certain medical procedures.It can be takenorally(by mouth), as asuppositoryinserted into the rectum,intramuscularly(injected into muscle),intravenously(injection into a vein) or used as anasal spray.When injected intravenously, effects begin in one to five minutes and last up to an hour.When taken by mouth, effects begin after 15 to 60 minutes.
Common side effects include sleepiness and trouble with coordination.Serious side effects are rare.They include increased risk ofsuicide, decreased breathing, and a paradoxical increased risk of seizures if used too frequently in those withepilepsy.Occasionally, excitement oragitationmay occur.Long-term usecan result intolerance,dependence, and withdrawal symptoms on dose reduction.Abrupt stopping after long-term use can be potentially dangerous.After stopping,cognitiveproblems may persist for six months or longer.It is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.Its mechanism of action works by increasing the effect of the neurotransmittergamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA).
Diazepam was patented in 1959 byHoffmann-La Roche.It has been one of the most frequently prescribed medications in the world since its launch in 1963.In the United States it was the best-selling medication between 1968 and 1982, selling more than 2billion tablets in 1978 alone.In 2023, it was the 183rd most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 2million prescriptions.In 1985 the patent expired, and there are more than 500 brands available on the market.It is on theWorld Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.