GROUP 3 ASSIGNMENT 2023

PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES WITH

DIAZEPAM.
TITLE: RISING CONCERNS WITH DIAZEPAM: ADDICTION,
DEPENDENCE, AND OVERDOSE RISK.
LECTURER-IN-CHARGE: DR. MRS UCHENNA IFENYINWA
HELEN EZE
COURSE CODE: PCL 302
COURSE TITLE: CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

LIST OF THE GROUP MEMBERS

S/N NAME MATRIC NO

1 IDRIS ZULAIKHA OMAYOZA PHA/20/21/0051
2 SONUGA HAMMED OBATOMIWA PHA/20/21/0093
3 OGUNBANJO LYDIA OLABIMPE PHA/20/21/0066
4 UTHMAN AZEEZAT ADETOMIWA PHA/21/22/0136
5 OREBELA ITUNUOLUWA ADENIKE PHA/20/21/0081
6 OYEYEMI HASSANAT GBEMISOLA PHA/20/21/0084
7 OSENI BASIT OLUWATOSIN PHA/21/22/0110
8 ADETORO ABDULSALAM ENIOLA PHA/20/21/0021
9 ADENIYI OLUWAFEMI EDWARD PHA/20/21/0013
10 ADESOKAN TOSIN MERCY PHA/21/22/0019
GROUP 3 PUBLIC HEALTH NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER EDITION

RISING CONCERNS WITH DIAZEPAM: ADDICTION,

DEPENDENCE, AND OVERDOSE RISK.
PUBLIC HEALTH INITIATIVES ADDRESSING DIAZEPAM CONCERNS

INTRODUCTION.
As we embark on this immersive journey through the intricacies of diazepam, our goal is
to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of rising public health issue of
diazepam. In this newsletter, we train our gaze on the public health issue of diazepam, a
drug that has sparked significant discussion and fascination. Join us as we plunge into
the depths of diazepam unraveling its historical significance, multifaceted applications,
economical importance, and the most recent breakthroughs that molds its role in
contemporary
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Diazepam, originally marketed as Valium is a member of the
benzodiazepine family, known for its wide range of applications in the
field of medicine. They act as depressants of the central nervous
system and are known for their ability to induce a calm feeling,
drowsiness, and sleepiness. They achieve this effect by enhancing the
binding of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA at various GABA
receptors throughout the CNS. Notably, benzodiazepines have a
reduced risk of causing potentially lethal CNS depression compared to
earlier drugs like barbiturates. Diazepam was originally marketed under
the brand name "Valium" in 1963, by the pharmaceutical company
Hoffmann-La Roche. The choice of the brand name "Valium" was likely
influenced by its association with the Latin word "valere," which means
"to be strong" or "to be well."

The drug occurs as colorless crystals, and it is available for use in tablet form, capsules, and occasionally
as injectables. When administered intravenously, its effects manifest within one to five minutes, and orally
ingested, it typically takes effect between 15 to 60 minutes.
SOME OF THE MEDICAL USES OF DIAZEPAM INCLUDE
 To treat anxiety disorders
 Relieve muscle spasms
 To manage alcohol withdrawal
 It also helps to treat seizure
 It is used as a sedative

THE RISE IN PRESCRIPTIONS FOR DIAZEPAM CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO SEVERAL FACTORS

 Increased Awareness of Mental Health: Growing awareness and reduced stigma surrounding
mental health issues have led more individuals to seek treatment for anxiety disorders and related
conditions, for which diazepam may be prescribed.

 Changing Demographics: An aging population has contributed to the rise in prescriptions, as older
adults are more prone to conditions like anxiety and insomnia for which diazepam is prescribed.

 Pandemic-Related Stress: The global COVID-19 pandemic has caused heightened levels of
stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, prompting more individuals to seek pharmaceutical
solutions, including diazepam.

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 THE PROBLEMS
 The use of diazepam poses a wide range of issues to health and it is a cause of concern in the
public health space. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the use of Diazepam a
Benzodiazepine has contributed substantially to the current opioid overdose epidemic with
Benzodiazepine involved in nearly 30% of opioid overdose death in 2015.

 Physical dependence: Diazepam belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines, which

are central nervous system depressants. When taken regularly, the body can develop a physical
dependence on these drugs. This means that the body has adapted to the presence of diazepam
and has come to rely on it to function normally. When someone stops taking diazepam suddenly,
they can experience withdrawal symptoms, which can be uncomfortable and distressing. These
symptoms often include anxiety, restlessness, muscle tension, and even seizures. To alleviate
these symptoms, individuals may be tempted to resume diazepam use.

 Addiction and Over prescription: According to A 2022 article entitled Valium addiction and abuse
from the Recovery Village, in 2011, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted a
survey that revealed more than 200million Americans over the age of 12 had abused
benzodiazepines like valium at least once in their lifetime. Diazepam addiction is common since it
is the third most widely abused tranquilizer in the U.S. as indicated by a 2023 article on the history
of Valium use from drugabuse.com. Taking valium for longer than 4-6 weeks, even with a
prescription from a doctor, increases the likelihood of becoming addicted over time as a valium
user's brain cannot function normally without the drug. This has led to an increase in the request
for the drug.
 Withdrawal symptoms: Abruptly discontinuing diazepam after prolonged use can result in
withdrawal symptoms, which can be severe and uncomfortable. This can include anxiety,
insomnia, tremors, and seizures.

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 BROADER IMPACT ON PUBLIC HEALTH

 Drowsy driving is a major concern for public health. When individuals drive while drowsy, their
reaction times are slower, their attention is impaired, and their decision-making abilities are
compromised. This increases the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities on the road.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy driving is
estimated to be responsible for thousands of crashes and hundreds of deaths each year.
This is a result of the side effects of diazepam.

 Impaired Cognitive Functioning: Drowsiness and sleep deprivation can significantly impair
cognitive functioning, including memory, attention, and decision-making. This can have
consequences in various aspects of life, such as education, work performance, and overall
productivity. In academic settings, sleep-deprived students may struggle to concentrate, retain
information, and perform well on exams. In the workplace, sleep-deprived employees may
have difficulty focusing, making sound judgments, and effectively completing tasks. Addressing
sleep deficiency and promoting healthy sleep habits can help improve cognitive functioning
and overall well-being.

 Overburdened Mental Health Services: Diazepam is often prescribed for the treatment of
anxiety and related mental health conditions. Overuse of diazepam can contribute to an
increased demand for mental health services, including therapy and counseling. This can put a
strain on mental health resources, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and
reduced availability of services for individuals who genuinely require them.

 Increased Healthcare Costs: Overuse of diazepam can lead to increased healthcare costs.
When individuals misuse or overuse the medication, they may require more frequent doctor
visits, emergency room visits, or hospitalizations. These additional healthcare services can
strain healthcare resources and contribute to higher healthcare expenses.

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 PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Addressing the issues associated with the use of diazepam involves careful management,
monitoring, and potential interventions. Here are some strategies to address the issues;

 Medication Review: Conduct a thorough medication review to determine if diazepam is still

necessary for the patient's condition, if diazepam is no longer needed, develop a tapering plan
to gradually reduce the dose under medical supervision. Tapering helps minimize withdrawal
symptoms.

 Lifestyle Modifications: Encourage patients to make healthy lifestyle changes, such as

reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, quitting smoking, and avoiding recreational drug use.
These changes can complement diazepam management.

 Alternative Treatments: Explore non-pharmacological treatments such as mindfulness

meditation, yoga, exercise, or dietary changes that can help manage anxiety or related
conditions.
Dietary changes like the use of natural teas which includes;

 Chamomile tea: This tea is abundant in Apigenin a substance that generates special
chemicals that attack anxiety and promote sleep.

 Valerian root herbal teas: Valerian has a proven effect as a root herb on conditions like
insomnia, headaches, and anxiety. Valerian has an additional benefit which is to
increase GABA(a neurotransmitter that initiates better sleep) levels.

CONCLUSION
Addressing the public health issues related to the use of diazepam is a critical health priority for several
compelling reasons such as improving the quality of life and increasing productivity of the healthcare of the
entire populace. In addressing these issues, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to follow prescription
guidelines, provide alternative treatments, and monitor patients closely. It is equally important to educate the
public through several media like social media, news, community pharmacies, etc. about the impacts of this
drug on health.

THANK YOU FOR READING OUR NEWSLETTER…

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