From the Guidelines
Yes, Valium (Diazepam) is used for seizures.
Seizure Management
- Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam, are considered first-line treatment for recurrent seizures 1.
- The management of seizures can be clinically challenging, and benzodiazepines are often used to terminate seizures 1.
Treatment Options
- In cases of benzodiazepine-resistant status epilepticus, other agents such as levetiracetam, fosphenytoin, or valproate may be used to cease seizures 1.
- The use of benzodiazepines, including diazepam, is supported by evidence-based recommendations from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) 1.
Important Considerations
- The terminology for seizures and epilepsy is not straightforward, and a thorough evaluation is necessary to determine the correct categorization of a clinical event as a seizure 1.
- The benefit of early treatment and cessation of status epilepticus is a reduction in morbidity and mortality, with limited harms apart from potential adverse drug reactions 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Oral diazepam may be used adjunctively in convulsive disorders, although it has not proved useful as the sole therapy. As with other agents that have anticonvulsant activity, when diazepam is used as an adjunct in treating convulsive disorders, the possibility of an increase in the frequency and/or severity of grand mal seizures may require an increase in the dosage of standard anticonvulsant medication
Yes, Valium (Diazepam) may be used as an adjunct in the treatment of seizures, but it is not recommended as the sole therapy. It is used to treat convulsive disorders, but the possibility of an increase in the frequency and/or severity of grand mal seizures may require an adjustment in the dosage of standard anticonvulsant medication 2 2.
From the Research
Use of Valium (Diazepam) for Seizures
- Valium (Diazepam) is used as a first-line treatment for status epilepticus, a life-threatening medical condition characterized by prolonged seizures 3, 4.
- Diazepam acts on the GABAA receptor, increasing the conductance of chloride through ionic channels and promoting a state of central nervous system depression, which helps to stop seizures 4.
- The medication is available in various forms, including intravenous, intramuscular, rectal, and buccal film, allowing for different routes of administration depending on the situation 3, 5.
- Studies have shown that diazepam is effective in stopping seizures in adults with acute repetitive seizures and prolonged seizures, with a success rate of 90% in one study 6.
- Rectal administration of diazepam is a viable alternative when intravenous access is not available, and has been shown to be effective in emergency management of seizures in children 7.
- Diazepam buccal film is a convenient and easily administered formulation that has been shown to be equivalent to diazepam rectal gel in terms of efficacy and bioavailability 5.