Diazepam

Question 1

Class

Answer 1

Anticonvulsant
Sedative
Benzodiazepine Schedule 4 controlled substance

Question 2

Actions

Answer 2

Enhances the effects of GABA (gamma amino butyric acid) (a manor inhibitory neurotransmitter of the brain) causing depression on all levels of the CNS.
Produces anxiolytic effects, elevates Sz threshold, and has skeletal relaxation effects.
Calms the CNS to have sedative/anxiolytic effect

Question 3

Indications

Answer 3

Status epilepticus.
Cocaine induced persistent svt
Acute anxiety
Vertigo symptoms with nystagmus
Sedation before elective cardioversion
Acute alcohol withdrawl symptoms (delirium, irritability, tremors)

Question 4

Contraindications

Answer 4

Hypersensativity
Myasthenia gravis
Narrow angle glaucoma
Pts with ETOH or other CNS depressants
Hypotension/shock/hypovolemia
Pregnant or breastfeeding pts
Isolated head or multisystem trauma

Question 5

Side effects

Answer 5

Pain at injection site (Flush well)
N/V
Hypotension
Respiratory depression
HA
Decreased LOC

Question 6

Precautions

Answer 6

Expect short duration of action and get a PRN order.
Flumazenil (Romazicon) is used for benzodiazepine OD.
Have resuscitation equipment available with O2.

Note:Benzos supress action potentials of neurons on the same way that GABA does, but at an adjacent binding site. it opens chloride channels which etoh withdrawl closes.