Can I Take Diazepam With Other Medications
Diazepam may affect the way other drugs work. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines. If you are taking any other medicines, some dose adjustments may be required to ensure you get the best from the diazepam with as few side effects as possible
Tell the pharmacist you are taking diazepam if you buy medicines over the counter for common complaints, including tablets and topical medicines .
If You Forget To Take Valium
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember and then go back to taking it as you would normally.
Do not take a double a dose to make up for one you have missed. If you are not sure whether to skip the dose, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Benzodiazepine Effect On Sleep
One of the most common uses of benzodiazepines is for sleep. When taken before bedtime, they reduce what is known as sleep latency, otherwise known as the time to fall asleep.
They also decrease the number of times you wake up during sleep and decrease stage 0 sleep .
According to sleep studies, they also reduce stage 4 and REM sleep. They do not affect the normal secretions of hormones that occur during usual sleep. Patients generally report that the use of the medication gives them a feeling of both a refreshing and deep sleep.
The usefulness and effectiveness of medicating before sleep typically decrease with chronic use so, for most people, it is important to only take the medication as needed for insomnia.
Patients who chronically take the medication and then stop cold turkey usually notice a decrease in total time asleep as well as an increase in the times they awaken throughout the night.
Read Also: Sleep Number Bed Vs Saatva
Things To Be Careful Of
Be careful if you are elderly, unwell, drinking alcohol or taking other medicines.
Some people may experience side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, dizziness and unsteadiness which may increase the risk of a fall.
Your doctor may suggest that you avoid alcohol or reduce the amount of alcohol you drink while you are taking Valium.
Avoid drinking grapefruit juice as it may affect the absorption of Valium.
The Official Stance On Benzos For Insomnia:
The FDA warns about adverse reactions such as depression, dizziness, unsteadiness, confusion and memory problems. Nine out of ten studies in one review found an increased risk of dementia among long-term benzodiazepine users . Not all scientists are convinced that this is a problem, but your concern may have merit.
We are sending you our Guide to Getting a Good Nights Sleep for information about sleeping pills and many other approaches to overcoming insomnia. This recently revised 16-page downloadable guide is available at PeoplesPharmacy.com.
You May Like: Ideal Mattress For Side Sleeper
When You Start Taking Diazepam
Diazepam is usually taken 1 to 3 times a day. It’s important to take your dose exactly as your GP says.
If you are unsure, read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine or ask your GP or pharmacist.
You should take diazepam tablets for as short a period of time as possible. It is usually only recommended for use up to 4 weeks.
The amount of time it takes before diazepam starts to work will depend on your conditions. Your GP will prescribe the best dose for you.
Check If You Can Take Diazepam
Diazepam is suitable for adults aged 18 years and over.
If prescribed by a doctor, it can also be taken by children aged 1 month or older for muscle spasms.
It may not be suitable if you:
- have had an allergic reaction to diazepam or other medicines
- have liver or kidney problems
- are breathless or have difficulty breathing
- suffer from obsessions or phobias
- are over 65
- have current or past problems with alcohol or drugs
- have recently had a loss or bereavement
- have a condition that affects the blood flow to your brain
- have low levels of protein called albumin
- are going to be put to sleep for an operation
Read Also: How Common Is Central Sleep Apnea
The Importance Of Medical Assistance
Both withdrawal symptoms and ongoing benzodiazepine abuse are dangerous. Medical oversight during detox can prevent severe, life-threatening symptoms like seizures.
The most common method for ending physical dependence on these sedatives is tapering, but an overseeing physician is needed to manage the process. Many rehabilitation programs will help you focus on sleep hygiene and other lifestyle changes to improve anxiety and insomnia symptoms. The goal is to avoid substance abuse and promote good sleep.
Written by: Staff Writer
About Staff Writer: Arete Recovery is staffed by a great team of writers who dedicate themselves to quality research and content.
Diazepam May Interact With Other Medications
Diazepam can interact with several other medications. Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some can interfere with how well a drug works, while others can cause increased side effects.
Below is a list of medications that can interact with diazepam. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with diazepam.
Before taking diazepam, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also, tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.
If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Examples of drugs that can cause interactions with diazepam are listed below.
Read Also: Where Can I Stream Doctor Sleep
Detection In Body Fluids
Diazepam may be quantified in blood or plasma to confirm a diagnosis of poisoning in hospitalized patients, provide evidence in an impaired driving arrest, or to assist in a medicolegal death investigation. Blood or plasma diazepam concentrations are usually in a range of 0.1â1.0 mg/l in persons receiving the drug therapeutically. Most commercial immunoassays for the benzodiazepine class of drugs cross-react with diazepam, but confirmation and quantitation are usually performed using chromatographic techniques.
Problems With Using Benzodiazepines As Sleep Aids
As a treatment for chronic insomnia, benzodiazepines do not force the person to pass out or fall asleep. Instead, they reduce sleep latency, or how long it takes for the person to fall asleep.
One study found that sleep latency was reduced to four minutes, and there was an average of one more hour of sleep gained by taking a benzodiazepine as part of overall insomnia management. They also reduce the number of times a person may wake up during the night. Insomnia and anxiety are linked through GABA neurotransmitter management, so allowing the person to relax helps them fall and stay asleep.
Benzodiazepines change how the brain manages sleep cycles. While the drugs allow the person to fall into non-rapid eye movement sleep faster, they may change how many sleep cycles the person experiences, how long they stay in NREM sleep, and how often they enter REM sleep.
People who take benzodiazepines to treat insomnia may experience daytime sleepiness as a common side effect. This is because the brain does not move through a regular sleep cycle even though the person may have been asleep for an average timeframe of seven to nine hours.
Benzodiazepines are not recommended for consistent, long-term use anymore. These drugs are addictive, and even when taken as prescribed, they can quickly lead to physical dependence and tolerance.
After a couple of weeks, you will likely start to feel like you need a higher dose to help you fall asleep. This indicates tolerance to the substance.
Also Check: Sleep Number Bed Sacramento Ca
How Long Should You Take Klonopin For Sleep
The duration of your treatment with Klonopin will depend on what you are taking it for. If Klonopin is for sleep-related problems, your doctor should regularly review whether you need to continue taking it. Generally Klonopin is recommended for short term use, namely for weeks, not months or years.
What Do Sleeping Tablets Do
Sleeping tablets are designed to induce drowsiness. They are usually short-acting and are not necessarily effective in maintaining sleep .
Some sleeping tablets are made specifically to aid sleep, while others are used because their side effect includes sedation.
You must only ever use sleeping tablets when prescribed by a qualified doctor.
Read Also: How To Sleep After Smoking Crystal
What Valium Is Used For
Valium is used for anxiety. Anxiety or tension associated with the normal stress of everyday life usually does not require treatment with medicines.
Valium is used to relax muscles.
Valium can also be used to treat trembling, confusional states or anxiety associated with alcohol withdrawal. It is also used to treat panic attacks.
Valium belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. They are thought to work by their action on brain chemicals.
Benzodiazepines are not recommended as the only treatment of severe mental illnesses and should not be used alone to treat depression.
Your doctor, however, may have prescribed Valium for another purpose.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why Valium has been prescribed for you.
In general, benzodiazepines such as Valium should be taken for short periods only . Continuous long term use is not recommended unless advised by your doctor.
The use of benzodiazepines may lead to dependence on the medicine. This medicine is available only with a doctor’s prescription.
The Physical Side Effects Of Klonopin For Sleep
Klonopin studies show that 30% of people taking the medication experience ataxia. Ataxia is a loss of balance or problems coordinating our body movements.
Other physical side effects might include seizures, accidental falls, weak or shallow breathing, or an unusual heartbeat.
Adverse effects that Klonopin can produce include painful or difficult urination, chronic insomnia or sleepiness, blurred vision, headache, and slurred speech.
Some additional, potential physical side effects from Klonopin include fluctuations in your weight, loss of appetite, diarrhea, pain and inflammation, sweating, nausea, and fever.
If you stop taking Klonopin, you may experience heart palpitations. Consult with your doctor regarding these or other effects you may experience.
Read Also: Low Heart Rate When Sleeping
Dosage For Acute Alcohol Withdrawal
Adult dosage
The standard dosage is 10 mg taken by mouth three to four times during the first 24 hours. This will be reduced to 5 mg taken three to four times per day as needed, based on withdrawal symptoms.
Child dosage
This drug hasnt been studied in children and shouldnt be used in children under the age of 6 months.
Child dosage
- The usual starting dosage is 1 mg to 2.5 mg taken by mouth three or four times per day.
- Your doctor will start you at the lowest dosage and increase it as needed based on how youre responding to and tolerating this medication.
Senior dosage
- The usual starting dosage is 2 mg to 2.5 mg taken by mouth one or two times per day.
- Your doctor will slowly increase your dosage as needed based on how youre responding to and tolerating this medication.
- Your body processes this drug more slowly. Your doctor may start you on a lower dosage so that too much of this drug doesnt build up in your body. Too much of the drug in your body can be toxic.
Special considerations
People with debilitating disease:
- The usual starting dosage is 2 mg to 2.5 mg, given one or two times per day.
- Your doctor will slowly increase your dosage as needed based on how youre responding to and tolerating this medication.
Taking Klonopin While Pregnant And Breastfeeding
It is not usually recommended to take Klonopin for anxiety and sleep if pregnant. Several studies done on animal subjects noted the occurrence of congenital conditions, such as cleft palate and open eyelid. Reduced maternal weight gain also has been reported.
There is simply not enough information to conclude whether Klonopin is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In addition to the risk of congenital conditions noted above, your newborn may experience withdrawal symptoms.
If you become pregnant while taking Klonopin, you should speak to your doctor or an expert at Minded. However, do not stop taking Klonopin without medical guidance, especially if you have been taking it for weeks or longer.
Similarly, Klonopin for anxiety and sleep is not recommended for women who decide to breastfeed. If you are breastfeeding, or want to breastfeed, be sure to consult your doctor or one of our Minded experts regarding the best course of action you might take, as well as to explain the possible side effects of continuing your Klonopin treatment.
Read Also: Sleep Number Mattress With Adjustable Base
How To Get Valium Out Of Your System
The first step to getting Valium out of your system is to stop taking the drug, though you should never stop taking your prescribed medication without talking to your doctor first. Because your body can develop a tolerance and dependence on the substance, suddenly stopping your medication can decrease your body’s tolerance for the drug.
If you start taking it again at the same dose, it can result in an accidental overdose. Discuss your options for safely stopping your medication, which may involve a gradual reduction in your dose in order to avoid withdrawal effects, a process known as tapering.
Once you have safely stopped taking Valium, make sure that you stay well hydrated, eat a healthy diet, and get regular physical exercise. Such habits may help to slightly increase how quickly your body metabolizes and excretes the drug and its metabolites.
Are There Any Other Interactions I Should Know About
Watch your caffeine intake while you are taking diazepam as caffeine has the opposite effect of diazepam in your body and interferes with it working.
Do not drink large amounts of caffeine drinks while you are taking diazepam.
Caffeine can cause anxiety and sleep loss stopping these drinks might help to improve your symptoms.
Read Also: Sleep Number Bed King Of Prussia
How To Use Diazepam Syringe
See also Warning section.
This medication is given by injection into a vein or deep into a muscle as directed by your doctor. You should be closely monitored for several hours after receiving this medication.
If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to treatment. Giving the medication too fast into a vein can cause serious side effects. If giving this medication into a vein, inject it slowly into a large vein. Do not inject this medication into an artery or into the skin.
When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.
Though it helps many people, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder . Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
How Long Does It Take To Feel Effects
Valium works by facilitating the activity of the chemical GABA at various receptor sites in the brain. GABA reduces activity in different areas of the brain, including regions that help control emotion, thought, memory, and automatic functions such as breathing. By increasing the effects of this brain chemical, Valium helps reduce anxiety, relax muscles, and increase drowsiness.
Valium can be taken by mouth, injection, or rectal gel. When administered via injection, valium takes just one to five minutes to take effect. When taken orally, people usually begin to feel the effects 15 to 60 minutes after ingestion. Rectal gel may be used for those who are experiencing seizures and begins working quickly after administration.
If you take Valium, it’s important to know how long the drug stays active in your system to avoid associated risks.
You May Like: Sit N Sleep Mattress Brands
What Does Xanax Do
Xanax belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines , along with Valium, Ativan, and Klonopin. Doctors and psychiatrists usually prescribe them for anxiety.
They mimic your brains GABA neurotransmitter and provide a sedating effect, Farber says. This basically calms you down and can make you sleepy, which is why some people reach for Xanax at night.
But thats kind of a roundabout way of doing things. In comparison, Farber says, the Z drugs , or non-benzodiazepines specifically made for sleep, dont mimic GABA but activate the receptor that GABA would normally trigger.
Think Lunesta, Sonata, or Ambien. Same endgame glorious sleep but theyre faster-acting and without many of the side effects.
Side effects of benzodiazepines are nothing to mess around with. They range from temporary amnesia to grogginess to reduced motor function.
Some others include:
- sweating
- vomiting
Farber says people taking benzodiazepines regularly adapt to the dosage, so they dont experience the hangover effect quite as strongly.
But if youre prescribed Xanax for only occasional use and you pop a one-off in the middle of the night, youll likely feel the effects in full force.
Plus, Xanax was made to treat anxiety. Say youre a nervous flier: When you take a benzo before boarding, the medicine goes up against the chemicals surging in your body.
This counteracts some of the drugs effect, says Joseph Ojile, MD, medical director and chief executive officer of the Clayton Sleep Institute.
The Behavioral Side Effects Of Klonopin For Sleep
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Klonopin can affect behavior and mood in rare cases.
Behavioral and mental side effects include hallucinations, paranoia, excitement, unexplained rage, nightmares, irrational thoughts,and suicidal thoughts.
The side effects that can affect our mood include anxiousness, depression, loss of memory, feelings of loss, feelings of sorrow, mood swings and lack of interest in activities that we once found enjoyable.
Also Check: Associates In Sleep Medicine Orland Park
