Diazepam/Lorazepam

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

[diazepam] Betapam, Pax, Pharma-Q diazepam injection, Valium

[lorazepam] Ativan

Drug group:

Benzodiazepine, anti-anxiety drug, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant

Prescription needed?

Yes

What does it do?

Diazepam and lorazepam can be used to treat:

• Anxiety and anxiety-related insomnia, alcohol withdrawal, epileptic seizures
• Muscle spasm – diazepam is an effective muscle relaxant

Diazepam can also be used intravenously to sedate people undergoing certain medical procedures.

How should it be used?

Treatment with diazepam should be limited to two weeks or less whenever possible

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Tablets/liquid/injection/suppositories/rectal solution: taken 1–4 x daily
• Anxiety: 2–30mg daily (diazepam); 1–4mg daily (lorazepam)

How quickly will it start to work?

Immediate effect with injection, others 30 minutes–2 hours

How long will the effects last?

Up to 24 hours, some effect up to 4 days   

When should I stop using it?

Stop taking it as soon as no longer needed. If used continuously for less than 2 weeks, it can be stopped abruptly as soon as no longer needed. If used for longer, gradual reduction in dosage may be needed as stopping abruptly may lead to withdrawal symptoms.   

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Not recommended as it can be habit-forming (addictive) if taken regularly for several weeks, and effects may diminish with time as your body adapts (tolerance).

What are the possible side effects?

The following have been reported:

• More common: daytime drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness, forgetfulness, confusion
• Less common: headache, blurred vision
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: severe or persistent sedative effects

OVERDOSE ACTION

Seek urgent medical care! Large overdoses could cause deep coma.

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: severe respiratory disease, liver/kidney problems, history of alcohol or drug abuse, myasthenia gravis or muscle weakness, sleep apnoea, personality disorder, porphyria
• Other medicines: other sedatives (including anti-anxiety drugs, sleeping drugs, antihistamines, opioid analgesics, antidepressants, and antipsychotics), omeprazole, cimetidine, isoniazid, rifampicin fosamprenavir, ritonavir
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not usually recommended
• Children: Reduced dose necessary
• Over 60: Reduced dose may be necessary
• Driving and hazardous work: Caution, drug may cause reduced alertness, slowed reactions, and increased aggression
• Alcohol: Avoid, increased sedative effects