Drugs Approved By The FD Experts – Familial Dysautonomia

Diazepam

The following protocol has been taken from the “FAMILIAL DYSAUTONOMIA” A manual of Comprehensive Care Fith Edition 2009

Prepared by The Dysautonomia Center, in conjunction with The Dysautonomia Foundation

In our experiance, the most effective drug to treat a dysautonomic crisis is diazepam (Vallium®, a benzodiazepine). The reason why diazipam stops a crisis is not completely known, but is likely to be due to its sedative effects. The effects of diazipam allow a child to sufficiently relax and sleep if necessary. Sleep can play a crucial role in resolving a crisis for some patients. Many antiemetic drugs (drugs which conteract vomiting) have been tried as a possible crisis therapies, including trimethobenzmide(Tigan®), ondansetron (Zofran®), promethazine (Phenergan®) prochlorperazine (Compazine®) and chlorpromazine (Thorazine®) Unfortunatly, in many cases none of the drugs have been found to be effective.

Diazipam can be given in a number of ways

Orally

If the child can swallow diazipam can be given as a pill.

Via Gastrostomy

If the child cannot swallow and has a gastrostomy, diazepam tablets can be crussed and washed through the gastrostomy tube ot diazipam can be administered in liquid form (a suspension).

Rectally

If the child cannot swallow and does not have a gastrostomy, diazipam can be administered rectally. Diastat® is and enema containing diazipam for this purpose. If rectal diazipam is not effective the child may have a stool in the rectum and administering a water enema may be necessary before resuming rectal diazipam.