ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses diazepam, a neuropsychotropic drug. It presents the approved indications of the drug for neuropsychological disorders, usual dosage and administration, available dosage forms, storage, and compatibility, and the mechanism of action. Information on relative contraindications, clinically significant drug interactions, adverse drug reactions, and overdosage is also provided. Sold under the trade names Diazemuls®, Dizac®, Novo-Dipam®, Valium®, and Vivol®, diazepam injectable emulsion (Diazemuls®) is for intramuscular and intravenous use. The exact mechanism of action of diazepam has not yet been fully determined. However, it appears to be primarily mediated by, or to work in concert with, the inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA. Thus, diazepam appears to act by binding to the benzodiazepine receptors within the GABA complex. Diazepam pharmacotherapy commonly has been associated with drowsiness, fatigue, and incoordination (ataxia).
