Mechanism of Action
Positive allosteric modulator at GABA_A receptors β sedative, anxiolytic, muscle-relaxant effects
Medical Indications
**Treatment of anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasm, convulsive disorders
**Pre-procedure sedation/amnesia; emergency use (e.g. eclampsia)
Precautions & Side Effects
**Common: drowsiness, ataxia, muscle weakness
**Serious: respiratory depression, hypotension, depression, suicidal ideation
**Avoid in lactose-intolerant users, hepatic/renal impairment, pregnancy, breastfeeding, infants <6β―mo, sleep apnea, myasthenia gravis
Contraindications
**Acute narrow-angle glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, significant respiratory insufficiency, severe hepatic impairment, infants under 6 months
Drug Interactions
**Concomitant use with opioids or other CNS depressants β risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression
**Interacts with barbiturates, phenothiazines, MAO inhibitors
History & Development
**Patented by HoffmannβLaβ―Roche in 1959; marketed as Valium in 1963
**Patent expired in 1985 β mass generic production (>500 manufacturers)
Abuse & Misuse
**High addiction potential: tolerance, dependence, withdrawal
**Misused for sleep, anxiety, often combined with opioids or stimulants
**Risk in impaired driving while medicated
Reviews
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