Effects of Diazepam on the body
Diazepam is a sedative which you can consume to treat muscle spasms, anxiety or seizures. It is a strong medicine and can affect the human body in several ways.
Diazepam enhances the production of calming chemicals and relaxes the brain and body.
Alcohol withdrawal patients may take it to improve their sleep and eliminate excessive sweating and anxiety. They may also benefit from Diazepam to cure their muscle spasm caused by zero alcohol intake.
Diazepam works effectively to treat prolonged and too frequent seizures in combination with other anti-seizure drugs. In addition, patients with pre-surgery anxiety also take Diazepam to calm down.
However, Diazepam must only be used on prescription. It is addictive and, thus, should be used for short-term treatments only.
Diazepam effect on the body
A healthy person of 18 to 60 years of age with no medical condition may experience the following effects of consuming Diazepam.
- An increased risk of falls due to muscle weakness, drowsiness, and struggle to stand up.
- Lack of focus, depression, confusion, headache, low blood pressure, blurred vision and gastrointestinal issues are also unwanted effects of Diazepam.
- Diazepam patients are at higher risk of experiencing amnesia, particularly if consuming higher doses. They may exhibit anti-social behaviour also.
- A prolonged dosage of Diazepam may affect reflux actions. Consequently, it negatively impacts one's ability to operate machinery, drive or perform other tasks which require quick action. The effect may worsen if the patient consumes alcohol.
- Since Diazepam is addictive, the users have a tendency to become physically or emotionally dependent.
- Diazepam must be consumed in the lowest possible dosages, and that too for shorter periods. In case of abrupt withdrawal, the patient may experience cramps, convulsions, vomiting, insomnia, tremors, and sweating. This is why patients should leave Diazepam gradually, and that too under a doctor's supervision.
- Diazepam can cause shallow and unusually slow breathing among its users, but this respiratory depression rarely occurs. However, people already suffering from respiratory problems can be at a higher risk of respiratory depression if they use high doses of Diazepam.
- Most anticonvulsants induce suicidal thoughts; the same is valid with Diazepam. The patient may experience suicidal thoughts after one week of using Diazepam.
- Although Diazepam is used to treat paradoxical reactions, it may worsen them. Disturbed sleep schedule, flared rage, agitation, anxiety, hallucinations and decreased libido can occur with heavy doses of Diazepam.
Diazepam has contradictions with a wide range of medicines, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, and sedative antihistamines.
Prevention
There are ways to reduce the side effects of Diazepam and reap its benefits to the fullest.
The most crucial step is to follow the doctor's prescriptions religiously. Self-medication is dangerous, and the danger is far greater with Diazepam. Most doctors would divide the intake of Diazepam into 2 or 3 doses. In such cases, the heaviest dose is taken before bed to reduce the side effects caused by drowsiness.
In the case of using Diazepam for a more extended period, never stop it abruptly. Follow the withdrawal protocol devised by your doctor.
Avoid using Diazepam with grapefruit or grapefruit juice because it can enhance the effects of Diazepam.
Avoid pairing Diazepam with alcohol because you may be at a higher risk of respiratory depression and sedative effects.
Consult your doctor immediately if you find yourself getting addicted to Diazepam.
Lastly, discuss all of your medical conditions and allergies with your doctor before starting Diazepam.