What does valium do
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Understanding the Effects of Valium (Diazepam)
Valium, also known by its generic name diazepam, is a widely used medication with a range of therapeutic effects. This article synthesizes research findings on Valium's actions, including its anticonvulsant properties, muscle relaxant effects, and its role in treating anxiety and status epilepticus.
Anticonvulsant Properties of Valium
Valium is highly effective in managing seizures and epilepsy. Research involving cats with implanted brain electrodes demonstrated that Valium significantly depresses and often abolishes seizures induced by electrical or chemical stimulation in various brain regions, including the amygdala, hippocampus, and motor cortex. The drug's effects appear within 5-15 minutes of administration and can last over seven hours1. Additionally, Valium increases postsynaptic inhibition in the motor cortex, enhancing the suppression of action potentials, which contributes to its anticonvulsant action8.
Muscle Relaxant Effects
Valium is also known for its muscle relaxant properties. Studies have shown that it reduces the amplitude of electromyographic (EMG) recordings from neck muscles and decreases muscle tone in limb muscles1. This muscle relaxation effect is beneficial during general anesthesia, although it does not consistently produce abdominal relaxation and may require additional muscle relaxants like tubocurarine4. The drug's ability to lower muscle tone is linked to its depressant action on the reticular formation in the brain, which regulates postural tone1.
Treatment of Anxiety and Status Epilepticus
Valium is a potent anxiolytic, making it a popular choice for treating anxiety disorders. It has been a leading tranquilizer for many years due to its safety and efficacy5. In the context of status epilepticus, Valium is considered the drug of choice for emergency treatment. It can stop most seizures within seconds or minutes when administered intravenously or intramuscularly, without significant respiratory or cardiac side effects3. This rapid action is crucial in distinguishing between different types of convulsive episodes and managing them effectively.
Clinical Use and Safety
Valium's clinical applications extend beyond seizure control and anxiety relief. It is used for muscle spasms, sedation during medical procedures, and even as an induction agent for anesthesia7. Despite its broad utility, Valium must be used cautiously due to potential adverse effects and dependence issues2. For instance, it can cause central respiratory depression and lower blood pressure during anesthesia4.
Conclusion
Valium (diazepam) is a versatile medication with significant anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, and anxiolytic properties. Its rapid onset of action and effectiveness in treating status epilepticus make it invaluable in emergency settings. However, its use requires careful management to avoid adverse effects and dependence. Understanding these multifaceted actions helps in optimizing its therapeutic applications while minimizing risks.
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AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE ANTICONVULSIVE AND RELAXANT ACTIONS OF VALIUM.
Valium has a generalized depressant effect on epileptogenic structures throughout the brain, potentially selectively depressing reticular facilitatory neurons involved in postural tone regulation.
Non-RCT
Animal StudyClassics in chemical neuroscience: diazepam (valium).
Diazepam (Valium) is a successful drug for treating anxiety and epilepsy, setting the standard for pharmacotherapy in terms of potency, onset of action, and safety.
Highly CitedTreatment of Status Epilepticus with Diazepam (Valium) *
Valium effectively treats status epilepticus, stopping most cases in seconds or minutes without respiratory or cardiac side effects.
Highly CitedDiazepam (valium) as a muscle relaxant during general anaesthesia: a pilot study.
Diazepam (Valium) during general anesthesia did not consistently produce abdominal relaxation and may cause central respiratory depression and lower blood pressure.
Non-RCTThe benzodiazepine story.
Valium® is a safe, potent anxiolytic with pronounced muscle relaxant properties, and is the most frequently prescribed drug in the world.
Highly CitedAn investigation of cognitive-behavior therapy combined with oral valium for children undergoing painful medical procedures.
Orally administered Valium did not significantly increase the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in reducing children's distress during painful medical procedures like bone marrow aspirations and lumbar punctures.
RCTHighly CitedA study of diazepam (Valium) for induction of anaesthesia.
Diazepam is a useful induction agent for anesthesia in standard operative procedures, with its sedative effects making it useful for regional anesthesia and cardioversion.
Observational StudyAnticonvulsant Action of Diazepam: Increase of Cortical Postsynaptic Inhibition
Diazepam increases postsynaptic inhibition in the cat motor cortex, effectively suppressing action potential generation and providing anticonvulsant effects.
Non-RCTAnimal Study