Drugs used for Muscle Spasm: Diazepam

Diazepam (Valium): long acting benzodiazepam. No other drug is indicated for nocturnal bruxism.

Action: acts to inhibit gamma motor neuron activity at spinal level, reducing reflex spasm.

Uses: adjunct in relief of skeletal muscle spasm due to reflex spasm associated with muscle inflammation secondary to trauma; spasticity caused by upper motor neuron disorders such as cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury; athetosis; stiff-man syndrome; refractory low-back pain

Dental Use: management of severe nocturnal bruxism; muscle relaxing properties (and anxiolytic action).

Doses: for general muscle spasm indications, 2-10 mg tid or qid, p.o. Dental use (bruxism) 5-10 mg at bedtime.


Diazepam is also a sedative, so if given for a bruxism problem the pt will probably sleep well. It is a controlled substance (IV). Because diazepam has action at the spinal cord receptor at the motor neuron it has a good advantage over other anxiolytic drugs for the modification of bruxism associated with anxiety.

Category: Pharmacology Notes