Diazepam is a type of benzodiazepine, a class of drug that causes sedation, muscle relaxation, and a decrease in anxiety. Though using diazepam for insomnia can be effective in the short term, there are many possible adverse effects for this medication. It can be habit-forming and can cause several side effects, such as daytime drowsiness or tiredness.
Also known under the brand name Valium, diazepam is often used to relieve anxiety and is effective in the short term for insomnia caused by anxiety. It can also help people who suffer from panic attacks. This medication is a muscle relaxant, and it is used to control muscle spasms or seizures. It can also be used to control agitation from alcohol withdrawal and treat some of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
The efficacy of diazepam for insomnia when used for short periods of time is well-established. Its effectiveness decreases over longer periods, however. Patients taking benzodiazepines for a long time may also develop tolerance to the medication, meaning they no longer feel its effects as strongly.
Benzodiazepines such as diazepam are habit-forming, meaning that people taking the medication may come to rely on it and suffer withdrawal when they stop taking it. There is also the possibility that people may abuse this drug. Although diazepam can be effective, often it is used as a last resort, if other medications for insomnia do not work.
This type of drug helps treat insomnia by changing sleep patterns in several ways. They increase sleep duration, but can also cause drowsiness during the daytime. Diazepam for insomnia helps people fall asleep more quickly. It also decreases nighttime arousal, allowing for a deeper and more restful sleep.
The most common side effects of diazepam include drowsiness and tiredness, which can occur even if a person gets a full and restful night of sleep by taking diazepam for insomnia. This medication may also cause weakness or dizziness. It can cause changes in appetite, nausea, or diarrhea, which may lead to weight loss. More serious side effects of diazepam include seizures, difficulty breathing, or irregular heartbeat. People with these side effects should contact a physician immediately.
Diazepam can be used to treat recovering alcoholics who suffer from anxiety, agitation, or insomnia. It is habit-forming, however, so it is usually only used when other medications have failed. There are safer alternative medications for insomnia which are typically the first choice of treatment.