In the brain of different species including humans and in several plant products, desmethyldiazepam and diazepam are detectable by immunological methods and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Thus, benzodiazepines represent natural drugs which may be incorporated into animals and humans through plant products.
What is diazepam made from?
Valium (diazepam) is a benzodiazepine derivative. The chemical name of diazepam is 7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin 2-one. It is a colorless to light yellow crystalline compound, insoluble in water. The empirical formula is C16H13ClN2O and the molecular weight is 284.75.
Is diazepam a synthetic drug?
Benzodiazepines are widely used in medicine to treat anxiety and insomnia. These are synthetic substances normally seen as pharmaceutically-manufactured tablets, capsules and occasionally as injectables. They act as depressants of the central nervous system (CNS).
Does benzodiazepine come from a plant?
There is accumulating evidence that benzodiazepines (BZD)–agents widely used as anxiolytics and hypnotics-could be regarded as “natural” drugs since they have been found in trace amounts also in plants, various tissues of different animal species and even humans.
Is there a herbal alternative to diazepam?
Chamomile– Tea made from this herb can be used to calm yourself, with compounds that bond to the same brain receptors as drugs like Valium. Chamomile can also be taken as a supplement for reduced anxiety.
What does diazepam do to the brain?
Diazepam improves the effect of a chemical in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is a chemical whose transmission across nerves in the brain is known to produce a ‘calming effect’.
What drug is Mother’s Little Helper?
Approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1963, Valium has now been with us for half a century. From the late 1960s to the early 1980s, “Mother’s Little Helper” (as described by the Rolling Stones in a 1966 song) was the Western world’s most widely prescribed drug.
What type of drug is diazepam?
Benzodiazepines are a group of depressant drugs. There are many drugs in this group and some, such as diazepam (Valium), are prescribed as medicines in the UK. They are generally prescribed for anxiety or occasionally sleeping problems.
How long can I safely take diazepam?
It is usually only recommended for a short period of time of up to 4 weeks. If you’re prescribed diazepam for more than 4 weeks, your dose may be reduced gradually to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Why is diazepam a controlled substance?
However, doctors prescribe Valium for anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and insomnia, but people abuse Valium for its pleasant relaxation effects. The Federal Controlled Substances Act claims Valium has low potential for abuse. The DEA classifies Valium as a Class IV substance for this reason.
What is a natural Benzo?
Naturally occurring benzodiazepines (BZDs) were first detected in mammalian tissues in 1986. They comprise a variety of 1,4-benzodiazepines corresponding to drugs commercially available for the treatment of anxiety disorders, sleep disturbances and epileptic seizures.
What food contains benzodiazepines?
The origin of these compounds is still unknown but they are present in medicinal plants and foods. Herein we report the detection of BDZ-like molecules in fruits, vegetables, cereals, meat, milk and cheeses and in different cultivars of potatoes, tomatoes and carrots.
What plant makes benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepine-Like Effects of the Alcohol Extract from Erythrina velutina. Leaves: Memory, Anxiety, and Epilepsy.
What is a good replacement for diazepam?
- Alprazolam.
- Lorazepam.
- Buspirone.
- Ativan.
- Hydroxyzine.
- Lexapro.
What can I take instead of diazepam for anxiety?
Some non-addictive alternatives to benzodiazepines for anxiety available by prescription include:
- SSRIs (antidepressants)
- SNRIs (antidepressants)
- Beta-Blockers (blood pressure medications)
- Buspirone (anti-anxiety)
- Hydroxyzine (brand name Vistaril, a prescription antihistamine).
What is comparable to diazepam?
Diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax XR, Niravam) are benzodiazepines used to treat anxiety. Both are available as generic drugs. Both drugs are in the same class as other benzodiazepines including clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), and flurazepam (Dalmane).
What are the long term effects of taking diazepam?
Long-term use of diazepam can lead to chemical dependency and, eventually, to severe addiction. Understanding the health complications of Valium addiction may encourage nonmedical users of this drug to reach out for help.
Does diazepam calm your nerves?
Valium (diazepam) is a medication that can be used to treat anxiety as well as alcohol withdrawal and seizures. Valium also has a sedative effect that is useful for treating muscle spasms. Valium for anxiety works by calming the brain and nerves.
Does diazepam affect memory?
The results suggest that diazepam affects memory for the stimulus discrimination of anticholinergic drugs and does so persistently, which could be an important consideration during the treatment of amnesic patients with benzodiazepines.
What is the mommy pill?
Mother’s Little Helpers or Mother’s Little Helper may refer to: Nickname for the drug Diazepam (Valium)
Where did benzodiazepines come from?
The first benzodiazepine, chlordiazepoxide (Librium), was synthesized in 1955 by Leo Sternbach while working at Hoffmann–La Roche on the development of tranquilizers. The compound showed very strong sedative, anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant effects when submitted for a standard battery of animal tests.