Diazepam+propranolol
About
Diazepam+propranolol belongs to the class of medications called ‘anxiolytics’ used in the treatment of anxiety disorder. Anxiety is the repeated or persistent feeling of fear and worry about what’s about to come, which can interfere with your daily activities. Symptoms include irritability, lack of concentration, nervousness, fatigue, rapid heartbeat, and trembling.
Diazepam+propranolol contains Diazepam and Propranolol. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine and works by increasing the levels of chemicals in the brain that produce a calming effect. Propranolol is a beta-blocker. It has anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) action. It works by reducing blood flow to the brain by directly acting on the brain's blood vessels. This reduces heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on the heart.
You should take this medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor. The common side effects of Diazepam+propranolol are drowsiness, tiredness, slow or irregular heartbeat, cold extremities (hands and feet), and nightmares. Inform your doctor immediately if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
It is not recommended to take Diazepam+propranolol if you are allergic to any contents of it. Do not take Diazepam+propranolol if you have severe breathing problems, depression, phobia, myasthenia gravis (a muscle disorder), sleep apnoea (a sleep disorder), severe liver failure, porphyria (an inherited blood disorder), untreated heart failure, poor blood circulation, diabetes, slow heart rate, untreated pheochromocytoma (untreated high blood pressure due to kidney tumour), and metabolic acidosis (increased acidity in the blood). It is not recommended for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Do not take alcohol as it may cause excessive drowsiness. Diazepam+propranolol may cause drowsiness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you are not fully alert.
Uses of Diazepam+propranolol
Medicinal Benefits
Diazepam+propranolol is used in the treatment of anxiety. It has anxiolytic action and acts by reducing brain function and producing a calming effect. It can effectively treat symptoms such as excitability, fear, and nervousness in patients with anxiety. This, in turn, helps you to perform daily activities without much difficulty and improve quality-of-life.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Diazepam+propranolol
- Drowsiness
- Tiredness
- Slow or irregular heartbeat
- Cold extremities (hands and feet)
- Nightmares
- Headache
- Confusion
- Urinary retention
- Decreased sex drive
- Impotence or difficulty having an orgasm
- Memory impairment
- Uncoordinated body movements
- Constipation
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Before taking Diazepam+propranolol, inform your doctor if you have liver, kidney, or heart problems, overactive thyroid, blood circulation problems, psoriasis (a skin disorder), Raynaud’s disease (cold sensation in fingers and toes), intermittent claudication (narrowing of arteries in the legs leading to pain while walking), decreased albumin (a protein) levels in the blood, depression, suicidal thoughts, and fits. It should be used with caution in the elderly as there is a risk of side effects such as agitation, restlessness, and hallucinations (seeing or listening to things that are not real). It may also cause partial or total memory loss in some cases, especially if high doses are taken. Diazepam+propranolol may cause dependence, so it should be used for the shortest time possible in patients with a history of alcohol or drug abuse. After a few weeks of treatment, if the tablets are not working for you, inform your doctor immediately, as it can be a sign of tolerance.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Diazepam+propranolol may interact with a medicine used to treat sleep problems (sodium oxybate), antidepressants (fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, and Hypericum perforatum), an antipsychotic (clozapine), medicines used to treat allergies, medicines used to treat heart disease (verapamil, diltiazem, and nifedipine, etc.), medicines used to treat irregular heartbeats (disopyramide, quinidine, and flecainide, etc.), general anesthetics, local anesthetic (lidocaine), anti-diabetic medicine (insulin), an antibiotic (erythromycin), medicines used to treat tuberculosis (rifampicin and isoniazid), medicines that induce sleep, muscle relaxants (suxamethonium and tubocurarine), opioid pain killer (morphine), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (indomethacin), medicines used to treat fits (phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine, and sodium valproate), water pills, antacids (cimetidine, omeprazole, and esomeprazole), medicine used to treat alcohol addiction (disulfiram), anti-parkinsonian agent (levodopa), steroid medicines, anesthetic (ketamine), medicine used to treat nausea and vomiting (nabilone).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid consumption of alcohol and grapefruit juice as they may increase the risk of side-effects.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Diazepam+propranolol should not be used in patients with severe breathing problems, depression, phobia, myasthenia gravis (a muscle disorder), sleep apnoea (a sleep disorder), severe liver failure, porphyria (an inherited blood disorder), untreated heart failure, poor blood circulation, diabetes, slow heart rate, untreated pheochromocytoma (untreated high blood pressure due to kidney tumor), and metabolic acidosis (increased acidity in the blood).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeDo not take alcohol while using Diazepam+propranolol as it can cause excessive drowsiness.
Pregnancy
unsafeDiazepam+propranolol is not recommended for pregnant women as it may cause harmful effects to the unborn baby. It is prescribed by a doctor only if he/she thinks the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
unsafeDiazepam+propranolol may pass into breastmilk and cause harmful effects to the nursing baby. So, it is not recommended to use in breastfeeding mothers.
Driving
unsafeDiazepam+propranolol may cause drowsiness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you are not fully alert.
Liver
cautionDiazepam+propranolol should not be used in patients with severe liver diseases. It should be used with caution in patients with mild to moderate liver diseases, and the dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionDiazepam+propranolol should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
cautionDiazepam+propranolol is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly helps in improving overall health and boosts self-esteem.
- Regularly attend therapy sessions.
- Perform meditation and yoga. This helps in relieving stress and provides relaxation.
- Follow a regular sleep pattern to improve the amount and quality of sleep you get.
- Include foods rich in omega fatty acids such as fish, nuts, fresh fruits, vegetables, and olive oils.
- Neurotransmitters are made up of amino acids. Amino acid-rich foods such as meat, dairy products, and certain fruits and vegetables help maintain neurotransmitter's proper maintenance.
- Complex carbohydrates help in stimulating serotonin (a feel-good neurotransmitter). These include whole grains, legumes, spinach, broccoli, oranges, and pears.
- Exercising helps in the production of the body’s natural antidepressants. It also helps in relieving stress, improving mood, boosts self-esteem, and provides restful sleep.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Learn about your condition, understand the risk factors, and follow the doctor’s treatment plan.
Special Advise
- It is not advised to stop Diazepam+propranolol suddenly as it may lead to withdrawal reactions such as nervousness, difficulty speaking, sweating, diarrhea, and irritability. The doctor may gradually reduce the dose before completely stopping the treatment.
- Let your doctor know that you are taking Diazepam+propranolol before undergoing any laboratory tests, surgery, or dental treatment.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Anxiety disorder: Anxiety is a feeling of fear, worry, or uneasiness. It is usually a normal emotion. However, if a person experiences repeated anxiety episodes that worsen over time or interfere with daily activities, then the condition is called anxiety disorder. Fear can arise due to anxiety and emotional response to an immediate threat related to more staying to fight or leaving to escape danger. Fear before getting ready for the surgery is also a part of short-term anxiety. Anxiety disorders can affect an individual’s job performance, schoolwork, and personal relationships.
FAQs
Diazepam+propranolol contains Diazepam and Propranolol. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine and works by increasing the levels of chemicals in the brain that produce a calming effect. Propranolol is a beta-blocker. It has anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) action. It works by reducing blood flow to the brain by directly acting on the brain's blood vessels. This reduces heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on the heart.
Diazepam+propranolol may cause drowsiness. So, do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you are not fully alert while taking this medicine. In addition, do not consume alcohol as it can cause excessive drowsiness.
Long-term or prolonged use of Diazepam+propranolol may lead to dependence and suicidal thoughts in some cases. So, use Diazepam+propranolol for a duration as prescribed by your doctor. Consult your doctor immediately if you notice any behavioral changes during the use of Diazepam+propranolol.
Diazepam+propranolol should not be taken with pain killers, especially opioid pain killers such as morphine, as it can cause excessive drowsiness and breathing difficulties.
Anxiety is a feeling of fear, worry, or uneasiness. Symptoms include irritability, lack of concentration, fatigue, trembling, and rapid heartbeat. If you experience repeated episodes of anxiety, consult a doctor immediately.