Diazepam allergies do not necessarily indicate allergies to the entire class of benzodiazepines. Diazepam is a sedative, prescribed to ease seizures, muscle spasms, anxiety and alcohol withdrawal. Sometimes, doctors prescribe it during biopsy or surgery, too. If your reaction to diazepam is severe, stop taking it and contact your doctor. She may be able to prescribe a similar alternative drug and advise you if you need immediate medical intervention. If your vision, motor coordination, heart rate or breathing changes suddenly, call 9-1-1.
Benzodiazepines
Diazepam is a member of a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. An allergy to diazepam does not necessarily mean that you are allergic to every other benzodiazepine. Similarly, an allergy to another benzodiazepine doesn't presume an allergy to diazepam. If you are allergic to one or more of the drugs in this class or any other drugs, tell your doctor before beginning diazepam, anyway. Examples of benzodiazepines that are not diazepam include alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, clonazepam, lorazepam and triazolam, which are sold under various brand names.
Symptoms
According to Drugs.com, emergency symptoms of a diazepam allergy include hives or other swelling in the face, lips, tongue or throat or difficulty breathing or swallowing. Additionally, an allergy does not just mean a rash or inflammation, but can include any severe, negative reaction outside the intended effects of the drug. Serious side effects that indicate allergic reaction and require your doctor's attention include hallucinations, confusion, decreased inhibitions, fearlessness of danger, suicidal thoughts, hyperactivity, hostility, muscle tremors and, for patients being treated for seizures, new or worsening seizures. Unexpected or newly onset seizures require immediate emergency treatment.
Administration
Administration may influence the nature and course of the allergic reaction. Should you encounter an allergic reaction, telling doctors or emergency medical personnel about your method of diazepam administration can save your life. According to reports published in the "British Medical Journal," intravenous or intramuscular administration has been known to cause asthmatic reactions, whereas oral administration is associated with pinkeye and blood platelet issues, including low platelet counts and bruising. Never administer diazepam or other drugs except as directed by your prescribing physician.
Alternatives
People with diazepam allergies may benefit from similar drugs in the benzodiazepine family. If you are taking diazepam for anxiety, your doctor may give you alprazolam instead. In biopsies or surgeries, midazolam, a stronger benzodiazepine with a shorter half-life, may be a replacement. If you suffer anxiety or delirium tremens from alcohol withdrawal, your doctor may give you oxazepam. Rehabilitating alcoholics may prefer oxazepam; a study reported in the "Journal of Pharmocology" found the likelihood of abusing oxazepam is less than that of diazepam.
References
- "British Medical Journal"; Allergy to Diazepam and Other Benzodiazepines; J S Ghosh; April 1977
- PubMed Health: Diazepam
- Drugs.com: Valium Information
- "Journal of Pharmacology"; Comparison of Diazepam and Oxazepam: Preference, Liking and Extent of Abuse; Griffiths, et. al.; May 1984
- "Radiology - Journal of Radiological Society of North America"; Fentanyl and Midazolam - An Alternative to Diazepam; Geoffrey Ayre-Smith, M.D.
