myoclonus), (5) symptomatic treatment of acute alcohol withdrawal, (6) as oral premedication for the nervous dental patient, and (7) for premedication before surgery. Particular label information from the United Kingdom also lists particular age-specific indications, including for adults: (1) The short-term relief (2-4 weeks) only, of anxiety which is severe, disabling, or subjecting the individual to unacceptable distress, occurring alone or in association with insomnia or short-term psychosomatic, organic or psychotic illness, (2) cerebral palsy, (3) muscle spasm, (4) as an adjunct to certain types of epilepsy (eg. 10įurthermore, diazepam is a useful adjunct for the relief of skeletal muscle spasm due to reflex spasm to local pathologies, such as inflammation of the muscle and joints or secondary to trauma spasticity caused by upper motor neuron disorders, such as cerebral palsy and paraplegia athetosis and the rare "stiff man syndrome". Moreover, in acute alcoholic withdrawal, diazepam may be useful in the symptomatic relief of acute agitation, tremor, and impending acute delirium tremens. In general, diazepam is useful in the symptomatic management of mild to moderate degrees of anxiety in conditions dominated by tension, excitation, agitation, fear, or aggressiveness such as may occur in psychoneurosis, anxiety reactions due to stress conditions, and anxiety states with somatic expression. Type Small Molecule Groups Approved, Illicit, Investigational, Vet approved Structure This current development is subsequently an important addition to the rescue therapy tool chest for patients with epilepsy 7. Combining diazepam, a proven effective therapy for acute repetitive seizures, with an auto-injector designed for subcutaneous administration that is quickly and easily administered offers the potential for complete, consistent drug absorption and rapid onset of effect 7. Given diazepam's storied history as a commonly used and effective medication for a variety of indications, contemporary advancements in the formulation and administration of the agent include the development and US FDA approval of an auto-injectable formulation for the rapid treatment of uncontrolled seizures in 2015-2016 7. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p589) It is used in the treatment of severe anxiety disorders, as a hypnotic in the short-term management of insomnia, as a sedative and premedicant, as an anticonvulsant, and in the management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Its actions are mediated by enhancement of gamma-aminobutyric acid activity. Diazepam should not be given to dogs who are pregnant or dogs who suffer from liver or kidney disease.Diastat, Valium, Valtoco 5 Mg Dose Kit Generic Name Diazepam DrugBank Accession Number DB00829 BackgroundĪ benzodiazepine with anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, sedative, muscle relaxant, and amnesic properties and a long duration of action. If you see the signs of allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, then you should contact your vet immediately. There’s also a risk of allergic reaction, as with all medication. Always follow your veterinarian’s guidelines. In humans, overdose can lead to hypotension and cardiac arrest, though it is unknown how these rare cases may apply to dogs. Overdose can also lead to serious consequences such as confusion, delayed reflexes, and coma. Sedation, reduced energy, and drowsinessĭiazepam can also interact poorly with other medications, including ordinary antacids, which is why your vet should always be aware of what other drugs your dog is taking.Here are some of the more typical side effects you might expect if you use diazepam for your dog: Severe symptoms such as liver damage, anemia, and bruising or bleeding can also appear with extended exposure to the drug. The risk of encountering these side effects increases with long term use, as does the risk of withdrawal symptoms if prolonged use is abruptly stopped.
There are some common side effects of diazepam use in dogs.