Diazepam is the generic name of Zetran, a medication used for alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasms, and as an emergency seizure medication. It is classified as a benzodiazepine, with sedative properties helpful in managing anxiety disorders. It is administered through an IV for fast-acting relief of symptoms, helping the patient to relax before surgery or in cases of status epilepticus (a seizure emergency).
Clearbrook’s Massachusetts treatment center explains what you should know about the Diazepam injection.
How to Use Diazepam
Typically, this medication is injected into a vein while in a medical setting, where the patient can be closely monitored for any adverse reactions. If homecare is required, it is crucial that usage instructions are followed according to the directions given by your doctor.
The size of a dose relies on the patient’s age, medical ailment, and previous response to treatment. It must be injected deep into the muscle but not into the skin or an artery. It is intended for short-term use, as prolonged exposure can cause the medication to stop working.
What to Know Before Taking This Drug
Given that it is administered via injection, it is important to discuss with your doctor any past medical issues that could affect the body’s reaction to this drug.
Conditions that can influence Zetran’s effectiveness include:
- Glaucoma
- Kidney, liver, or heart disease
- Mental illness, including depression or suicidal thoughts
- Breathing problems, such as bronchitis, asthma, or emphysema
You should also tell your doctor if you are or might be pregnant. The diazepam injection has the potential to cause harm to an unborn baby and should be avoided during pregnancy. However, if being taken for status epilepticus, and given that status epilepticus can be life-threatening, the aid in administering this drug outweighs any other risk.
While it is an effective tool in anxiety and withdrawal symptom management, it presents the risk of addiction, especially in individuals with a higher susceptibility to substance use disorders.
What to Do in Cases of Addiction
For many individuals, whether or not they have an understanding of drug addiction, the name brand Valium may seem familiar. It is a well-known title for the diazepam injection and is one of the most easily recognizable benzodiazepines, with a history of popularity and abuse spanning back to the 1960s. An overdose on one of these medications can be life-threatening, and if a patient attempts to continue use after treatment concludes, a greater issue may be at play.
If you find yourself in the midst of a substance use disorder, Clearbrook is equipped with a medically monitored detox program that is designed to safely guide patients through the withdrawal process. Once this concludes, our Massachusetts inpatient drug rehab will apply a variety of effective therapies designed to assist patients in reclaiming control of their lives.
It is never too late to seek treatment until it is. Don’t wait for something to become more of a problem if you feel addiction is forming.
Call Clearbrook at 570-536-9621 to learn more about how our Massachusetts drug rehab programs can help you today!
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