Diazepam
benzodiazepine sedative From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Diazepam (brand names: Valium, Dialar, Diazemuls, Diazepam Desitin, Diazepam RecTubes, Stesolid and Tensium) is a benzodiazepine. It acts to reduce anxiety (as an anxiolytic medication).[13]
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It is made mostly to treat anxiety,[14] certain forms of epilepsy,[14] muscle spasms (seizures[14]), fits,[14] and sleeping problems[verification needed]. It can also be taken to help people relax before an operation or other medical or dental treatments. This is known as a pre-med.[14] Compared to similar medications, its half-life is on the longer end.
It works by increasing the levels of a calming chemical in the brain called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). Like with other benzodiazepines, there is a risk of addiction if it is used for long periods of time. For this reason the drug used for 2-4 weeks maximum to avoid dependence.[14]
Diazepam was patented in 1959 by Hoffmann-La Roche.[15][16][17] It has been one of the most prescribed medications in the world since 1963[15] many times. In 1985, the patent ended. There are now 500 or more brands available on the market.[15] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[18]
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Prescribing
It has been the most prescribed medicine in the United States many times. It was the best-selling medication between 1968 and 1982 in America.[15] There, it sold more than 2 billion tablets in 1978 alone.[15] In 2022, it was the 169th most popular medication in the United States, with more than 3 million prescriptions.[19][20]
Use
It is sometimes used recreationally to cause a calming effect. Diazepam has caused huge problems in Scotland in the past.[21]
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References
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