What Is Diazepam Used For? (Cont.)

Diazepam and Anxiety

Most people experience feelings of anxiety before an important event, such as a big exam, business presentation, or first date. Anxiety disorders, however, are illnesses that load people's lives with overwhelming anxiety and fear that are chronic and unremitting, and that can grow progressively worse.
 
Depending on the type of anxiety, a person can experience several possible anxiety symptoms, including:
 
  • Feeling shaky, jittery, or nervous
  • Feeling tense, fearful, or apprehensive
  • Avoiding certain places or activities because of fear
  • A pounding or racing heart or trouble catching your breath
  • Unexplained sweating or trembling
  • Fear of losing control, going crazy, or dying.
     
Diazepam is approved for anxiety treatment. However, diazepam is not for "everyday anxiety" and is recommended only for short-term use. Other anxiety medications (such SSRIs, a certain type of antidepressants) are more appropriate for long-term use.
 

Diazepam and Muscle Spasms

Muscle spasms are involuntary contractions of a muscle or group of muscles. While not usually dangerous, muscle spasms can be uncomfortable and painful. Diazepam is useful for treating muscle spasms due to the following causes:
 
  • Joint or muscle inflammation
  • Injury
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Paraplegia
  • Athetosis (a movement disorder of the hands and feet)
  • Stiff-man syndrome (a rare neurological disorder).
     

Diazepam and Seizures

Diazepam is approved to treat seizures. However, it is not approved to be used alone. Instead, it is used along with other seizure medications. It can be useful for stopping a seizure that is particularly difficult to control.
 
(What Is Diazepam Used For? Continued: Page 3)

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;