Diazepam for Anxiety: How It Works and What You Need to Knowfor anxiety is an effective part of a comprehensive treatment plan when used responsibly under medical supervision. This medication helps to ease symptoms so that patients can engage more fully in therapy and learn to manage anxiety long-term with the help of a counselor.
Diazepam is an antianxiety and sedative medicine that works by attaching to nerve cells in the brain and enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutryic acid (GABA). GABA is a natural chemical in the body that acts as a neurotransmitter and slows down abnormal electrical activity in the brain. This helps to calm anxiety, seizure disorders, and tremors or muscle spasms caused by alcohol withdrawal.
Diazepam for Anxiety: How It Works and What You Need to Know
This drug comes in tablet, solution, and concentrated forms that you take by mouth. Follow your doctor’s instructions for how much to take and how often to take it. If you don’t understand these directions, ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain them to you. Avoid consuming grapefruit or taking other medications that contain grapefruit while you are using this medicine. Grapefruit may interfere with how your liver processes this medication, and it can cause more of the drug to stay in your body for longer than it should.
This medication can affect your vision. If you notice blurred vision, contact your doctor immediately. This drug can also cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery if you are feeling dizzy or drowsy. You should not use this medicine if you have acute narrow-angle glaucoma.