Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines belong to the group of sleeping and sedative medications and are also used to treat seizures.
Valium (Diazepam)
Section titled “Valium (Diazepam)”Mechanism of Action
Section titled “Mechanism of Action”Diazepam enhances the effect of a neurotransmitter (gamma-aminobutyric acid / GABA) in the brain that dampens brain activity.
Effects:
- Anxiolytic
- Sedating
- Anticonvulsant
- Muscle-relaxing
Indications
Section titled “Indications”- Anxiety, agitation, and tension states
- Sedation and anxiety relief before operations or examinations
- Conditions with increased muscle tension (e.g., severe cramps)
- Epileptic seizures
- Febrile convulsions
Package Sizes
Section titled “Package Sizes”- 5 Amp. (N1) 2 ml
- 5 Amp. (N1)
- 10 Amp. (N2)
Contraindications
Section titled “Contraindications”The medication is not suitable for:
- Acute increase in intraocular pressure (glaucoma attack)
- Known hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines
- Ataxia (movement disorders due to nerve disease)
- Myasthenia gravis (pathological muscle weakness)
- Medication, drug, and alcohol dependence
- Severe liver dysfunction
- Impaired respiratory function (caution)
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Section titled “Pregnancy and Breastfeeding”- During pregnancy, preferably do not use
- During breastfeeding, do not use
Side Effects
Section titled “Side Effects”- Headaches
- Gastrointestinal complaints
- Visual disturbances
- Confusion
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Drowsiness
- Emotional numbness
- Restlessness, sleep disturbances, anxiety (especially in children and elderly persons)
- Reduced breathing
- Dizziness
Interactions
Section titled “Interactions”- Intensifies the effect of other sedating medications and alcohol
- Intensifies the effect of painkillers and muscle-relaxing medications
- Effects on cardiovascular medications can be unpredictable
- Effect is intensified by cimetidine (acid-suppressing medication)
Ativan/Tavor (Lorazepam)
Section titled “Ativan/Tavor (Lorazepam)”Mechanism of Action
Section titled “Mechanism of Action”Lorazepam acts, depending on the dose:
- Sedating
- Anxiolytic
- Muscle-relaxing
- Anticonvulsant
Dosage (Guidelines)
Section titled “Dosage (Guidelines)”For anxiety states and psychovegetative disorders:
- 1-3 mg per day in 2-3 divided doses
- Main dose in the evening (e.g., 0.5 mg morning/noon, 1 mg evening)
For sleep disorders:
- 1 mg before bedtime
For epileptic seizure:
- 4 mg slowly intravenous, repeat after 10 minutes if necessary
Usage Instructions
Section titled “Usage Instructions”- Regular monitoring of the course of illness is required
- Long-term use and self-initiated dose increases can lead to dependence
- Only taper gradually, never stop suddenly
If stopped suddenly: weakness, dizziness, perceptual disturbances, anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, trembling, cramps.
Contraindications
Section titled “Contraindications”Do not take in cases of:
- Medication, drug, and alcohol dependence
- Hypersensitivity to the active substance
- Myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness)
Use with caution in:
- Addiction disorders
- Narrow-angle glaucoma
- Chronic bronchitis and asthma
Side Effects
Section titled “Side Effects”- Confusion
- Paradoxical reactions with agitation
- Muscle weakness
- Balance disorders
- Rarely: respiratory paralysis, slowed heartbeat
- With prolonged use: physical and psychological dependence
Interactions
Section titled “Interactions”- Intensifies the effect of other sedating medications (e.g., diazepam) and alcohol
- Duration of effect may be prolonged by:
- Cimetidine (acid-suppressing medication)
- Estrogens (contraception, menopause treatment)
- Isoniazid (tuberculosis medication)
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Section titled “Pregnancy and Breastfeeding”- Do not take during pregnancy
- If taken before/during childbirth: effects on the newborn are possible (drowsiness, poor feeding)
- Active substance passes into breast milk — do not take during breastfeeding
Children and Adolescents
Section titled “Children and Adolescents”Medications with this active substance should only be given to those under 18 after very strict benefit-risk assessment.
Preparations Containing Lorazepam
Section titled “Preparations Containing Lorazepam”- duralozam 1mg / 2.5mg
- Laubeel 1.0 / 2.5
- Lorazepam-neuraxpharm 1 / 2.5
- Lorazepam-ratiopharm 1mg / 2.5mg
- Somagerol 1.0 / 2.5
- Tavor 0.5 / 1.0 / 2.5 / Tabs 2.0
- Tavor Expidet (to dissolve under the tongue)
- Tolid 1.0 / 2.5
All preparations are prescription-only.
General Information About Benzodiazepines
Section titled “General Information About Benzodiazepines”Addiction Potential
Section titled “Addiction Potential”- For barbiturates and barbiturate-like substances (sleeping pills): 15% become psychologically dependent
- Physical dependence sets in after only about 3 weeks
- For most sedatives (tranquilizers): approx. 6-10 weeks until dependence
Cross-Tolerance with Alcohol
Section titled “Cross-Tolerance with Alcohol”Certain medications (morphines, benzodiazepines, barbiturates) bind to the same receptors in the brain as alcohol. When alcohol and tablets are consumed simultaneously, the effect is amplified exponentially — there are no calculations for this.
Cross-tolerances inevitably develop.
This patient information does not claim to be comprehensive and does not replace consultation with a doctor or pharmacist.