How often do you use Valium?

midnitelpn · Mar 19, 2008

clonazepam seems to be the routine narc med of choice where i work.

lorazepam is used more for prns, here.

i will have 3-4 pts on routine diazepam at any given time (out of 70 pts), however. depends alot on the doc. the im drug we use is ativan. i see diazepam used im alot more for medical emergencies.

i'm not sure either about one being more addictive than the other....i've seen difficulties weaning pts off/tolerance, w/all 3 when used for extended periods.

midnitelpn · Mar 19, 2008

maybe the addiction potential could have to do w/the onset, peak & duration? i really dont know...isnt valium a longer acting benzo....i cant remember. (wheres my drug book?!) i know its not a benzo, but we used to use alot of chloral hydrate, and now i hardly ever see that...

drmorton2b · Mar 19, 2008

Mostly Klonopin where I work as the primary benzo. Ativan occasionally we use it in the PO form, mostly we use Ativan injections for emergencies. Primarily Klonopin for all the usual psych uses. The other benzo we use a lot is Librium, to help prevent seizures and the like from ETOH withdrawal.

KrissyPRN · Mar 20, 2008

We use ativan alot prn for agitation usually along with haldol and benadryl. Klonopin is used sometimes for anxiety but more commonly we try to use vistaril first. There is a physician on our unit who uses a valium taper for his alcohol detox pt's. The rest of our physcians use the CIWA protocol with Ativan. I actually think the valium detox works better.

MedicalLPN, LPN · Mar 20, 2008

Where I'm at currently, it's Ativan and Xanax all the way. For agitation we most commonly give Ativan and Geodon IM and occasionally Haldol.

aloevera · Mar 20, 2008

Our facility does not use Valium....we use Ativan/Klonopin/ and occasionally Zanax....I think because Valium is more addictive, I don't know for sure

Mish56, BSN, RN · Mar 20, 2008

Valium is much longer acting, and a ***** to taper off for the addicted patient, LONG TAPER!! Read "I'm Dancing as Fast as I Can" if you want to learn about Valium addiction.

We use lots of ativan, and of course librium for the alcohol WD.

marianneclara · Mar 23, 2008

I recently administered to a 15 yr old girl who was prescribed Valium QHS.

But that is the first time since I've worked here (7 mos.)

Mish56, BSN, RN · Mar 25, 2008

Marrianneclara,

I hope the MD was kidding, altho I doubt it. Benzodiazapines (valium included) are very risky for adolecents. It commonly causes them to become totally dis-inhibited!! It travels the same neuropathways as alcohol. They lose any ability to contain their emotional responses, just as people who are drunk behave. They cry more, they just plain act like someone with zero inhibitions (which they are just developing anyway). I won't say I haven't seen kids do OK with it, I have. And certainly if it is used as an anesthia agent, that's a whole different ball of wax. But in psych, it's just plain stupid. Most of the adol psych BOARD certified MD's I have worked with use something like LOW dose (25-50 mg) Seroquel for agitation or sleep problems. Works like a charm and no risk of addiction. How did your kid do with it? Hope all worked out OK.

marianneclara · Mar 25, 2008

Well that is interesting! She actually behaved much the way you have described. Crying a lot and very dis-inhibited. She was also on a long list of other meds. The valium was prescribed, I believe as a response to desperate staff who struggled with her raging until 3 am every night before she would finally give up and go to sleep. We are a crisis unit. I am new here and appreciate the info. Thanks

ritaPHIL · May 31, 2008

we usually used diazepam as per orem coz it is fast acting.we only give im if the patient refuse to take po and in state of restlessness or agitation