Patient/caregiver was instructed upon therapeutic uses of diazepam as follows:
Obsessive-compulsive disorders
- Anxiety contributes heavily to continuation of obsessive compulsive behaviors in individuals with history of obsessive compulsive disorders (OCDs). Control of anxiety in these individuals can help relieve the behaviors associated with OCDs.
- Diazepam, by reducing the anxiety, can help with controlling the obsessive compulsive behaviors and manage the symptoms of OCDs.
Muscle spasms
- As diazepam depresses the brain and spinal cord, it helps with reducing and weakening the impulses reaching out to the skeletal muscles from the brain and spinal cord. This can lead to reduced motor activity, relief of muscle spasms, promotion of skeletal muscle relaxation and rest.
Seizure disorders
- Diazepam by inhibiting the nerve impulses can help with reduced excitation of nerves, thus contributing to seizure control.
- Diazepam can be used as an anticonvulsant, for seizure control, in combination with other antiseizure medications
Sleep disorders
- Diazepam, by enhancing the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA, can reduce excitability of the brain, reduce alertness & activity, and reduce time to fall asleep. This can contribute towards promoting sleep in individuals with complaints of trouble falling/staying asleep and insomnia.
