Currently, there are various ways to effectively treat anxiety problems. The key is to make use of the right medications. These are chosen depending on the severity of the health problem, as well as the frequency with which they appear. Among the drugs used is midazolam, one of the safest and most effective.
Midazolam
In this article we will see in detail what midazolam is, what is the correct way to use it and the side effects it could cause.
What is midazolam?
- Trade name: Dormicum
- Half-life: 2.2-6.8 hours
- Metabolism: Hepatic
- Formula: C 18H 13 N 3 ClF
- Bioavailability: Oral ~36%; intramuscular 90%+
- Excretion: Renal
- Boiling P.: 159 °C (318 °F)
Midazolam belongs to the group of drugs considered to be benzodiazepines . In the particular case of this drug, it has a very short lifespan, in addition to the fact that its effect is practically immediate.
Its design was first accomplished in the 1970s . Among its effects we find the anxiolytic, relaxing and sedative capacity. It must be administered with great care because, if used in very high amounts, it can cause long-term sedation and even death.
midazolam uses
Midazolam, thanks to its many effects, is used in different ways, depending on the objective to be achieved . Among the reasons for which it is used, the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products highlights the following.
- sedate_ This can be in two ways. To keep the patient pain-free during a medical evaluation, or to reduce anxiety symptoms, a small amount is applied. For prolonged sedation, a higher dose is administered.
- anesthetize_ It can be combined with other medications to reduce pain caused by a medical procedure, endoscopy being one of the most frequent.
- Pre-medicate. It is used in order to prepare the body to accept the anesthesia that will be administered later.
Due to the effects it produces, it is very important that it is always used under the strict supervision of a medical professional.
Precautions when using midazolam
In order to minimize the risks of consuming midazolam , it is necessary to take into account the following recommendations.
Allergy
If the patient is allergic to midazolam, or any of its components, it is necessary to completely avoid its consumption. In order to be completely sure, the package insert should be reviewed to find out its exact composition.
Present diseases
Another factor to consider has to do with the physical conditions that the person has. These must be reported to the doctor so that, taking into account the information received, he knows if midazolam can be used in this case.
Among the most important to take into account we find sleep apnea , which produces an alteration in the patient’s breathing, especially during the night. Or if you have muscle weakness on a regular basis.
Alcohol intake
The combination of alcohol with midazolam is completely counterproductive. In fact, it could lead to death, at worst. For this reason, it should not be ingested during treatment. It is the responsibility of the patient and the doctor to use this medicine, only if the person can exercise control over the drink.
Pregnancy
It is also not recommended to take midazolam if the woman is pregnant , due to the high risk it poses to the baby . Therefore, the doctor must be informed about the pregnancy plans, or the presence of it. This will help you decide the best treatment to follow, with or without midazolam. The same is applicable to the lactation period .
Drug’s use
In the case of drugs, something very similar happens with alcohol. They should not be used for any reason during treatment. In fact, they should not be used at any time. The combination with this drug can be lethal.
place of application
This point has to do with patient safety. It should only be administered in a health center . This will make it possible to better attend to any side effect that appears at the time of placing the midazolam.
Interaction with other drugs
The treating physician must know which drugs the patient is using and for what purpose. This is because midazolam, when combined with other products, can cause adverse reactions , or alter the function of this benzodiazepine .
Because the health professional, before indicating the treatment to follow, must fully evaluate the patient, they may point out other recommendations. They need to be followed to the letter.
Midazolam Side Effects
The intake of midazolam brings with it some negative effects. The doctor and the patient must always analyze the benefit-risk . Among the symptoms that may appear, are the following.
- Allergic reaction. The symptoms may vary from one patient to another, but there will always be a rash on the skin, swelling in the throat and mouth and, in the most severe cases, difficulty breathing.
- cardiac arrest. It manifests with pain in the chest area, in addition to the neck, shoulder and arm. Everything happens on the left side of the body.
Those mentioned are the most serious effects that can occur, and urgently require the intervention of a professional doctor. However, many people experience much milder and short-lived symptoms. For example, the following.
- Mild allergy. This only includes skin rashes, as well as inflammation in some areas of the body. It does not affect breathing.
- Nerve disturbance. It can cause increased anxiety, increased irritation and even sudden mood swings, especially related to anger.
- Muscular problems. The patient may not be able to make movements naturally, or may make involuntary movements for long periods.
In the presence of the aforementioned symptoms, it is only necessary for the treating physician to be aware of them . Depending on the patient’s condition, the health professional will determine if it is necessary to modify the treatment with midazolam, or if it should be continued without altering it.