Diazepam is a 1,4-benzodiazipine. A substituent in the 7th position such as halogen or a nitro group is required for its sedative, hypnotic activity. Benzdiazipines are the most widely used anxiolytic drugs. The benzodiazipines are more effective and safer. They have largely replaced barbiturates and meprobamate in the treatemnt of anxiety. Diazepam is also useful in reducing muscletone in spasticity and as an anticonvulsant.
Effects
Diazepam produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Blood dyscrasias, Respiratory arrest, Cardiac Arrest. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Diazepam therapy.The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Diazepam include Apnea, Coma, Drowsiness, Confusion, Areflexia, Reduced reflexes, Cardiorespiratory depression.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Diazepam are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Headache, Fatigue, Excitement, Ataxia, Nausea, Anxiety, Tachycardia, Skin rashesX, Constipation, Insomnia, Blurred vision, Urinary retensionX, Confusion, Hematuria, VertigoX, Hallucination, Sleep disturbance, Hypotension, Depression, Flushing, Muscle weakness, Tremor, Diplopia, Phlebitis, SomnolenceX, Slurred speech, Euphoria, Faintness, Hypoactivity, Dysarthria, Impairment of memory, Changes in libido, Pain at injection site, Poor appetite.