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'''Diazepam''' (marketed under the tradename '''Valium''') is a derivative of the [[benzodiazepine]] class of minor tranquilizers and possesses the five therapeutic benzodiazepine properties; working as an [[anxiolytic]], [[sedative]]/[[hypnotic]], [[anticonvulsant]], [[muscle relaxant]], and [[amnestic]] agent<ref>[http://health.yahoo.com/topic/anxiety/medications/drug/healthwise/d00148a1 "Diazepam" on Yahoo! Health]</ref>. All benzodiazepines share some commonalities. These include their mode of action, indications, potential side-effects, and the physical and psychological dependence that may develop after extended use. Benzodiazepines like Diazepam have been shown to produce various withdrawal effects if the drug is discontinued rapidly and without gradual reduction in dosage.  

'''Diazepam''' (marketed under the tradename '''Valium''') is a derivative of the [[benzodiazepine]] class of minor tranquilizers and possesses the five therapeutic benzodiazepine properties; working as an [[anxiolytic]], [[sedative]]/[[hypnotic]], [[anticonvulsant]], [[muscle relaxant]], and [[amnestic]] agent.<ref>[http://health.yahoo.com/topic/anxiety/medications/drug/healthwise/d00148a1 "Diazepam" on Yahoo! Health]</ref> All benzodiazepines share some commonalities. These include their mode of action, indications, potential side-effects, and the physical and psychological dependence that may develop after extended use. Benzodiazepines like Diazepam have been shown to produce various withdrawal effects if the drug is discontinued rapidly and without gradual reduction in dosage.  

===Pharmacology===

==Pharmacology==

Diazepam is a [[central nervous system]] depressant. It accomplishes this by augmenting the effect of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) by binding to its endogenous [[ionotropic receptor]] (The GABA_A receptor) at a location distinct from GABA itself.<ref>[http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/100000757.html NetDoctor]</ref> <ref>[http://bjp.rcpsych.org/cgi/content/abstract/133/3/239 British Journal of Psychiatry]</ref> This ultimately results in the hyperpolarization of the neuron by increasing its inward chloride conductance, raising the threshold of stimulation, and making it more difficult for the cell to produce excitatory action potentials.

Diazepam is a [[central nervous system]] depressant. It accomplishes this by augmenting the effect of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) by binding to its endogenous [[ionotropic receptor]] (The GABA_A receptor) at a location distinct from GABA itself.<ref>[http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/100000757.html NetDoctor]</ref><ref>[http://bjp.rcpsych.org/cgi/content/abstract/133/3/239 British Journal of Psychiatry]</ref> This ultimately results in the hyperpolarization of the neuron by increasing its inward chloride conductance, raising the threshold of stimulation, and making it more difficult for the cell to produce excitatory action potentials.

===Uses<ref>[http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/diazepam_ids.htm RXList]</ref>===  

==Uses<ref>[http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/diazepam_ids.htm RXList]</ref>==

==References==

==References==

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[[Category: Drugs]]

[[Category:Drugs]]