Diastat: plugging valium like a pro

About 8 or 9 years ago I had a prescription for Diastat, a 20mg diazepam rectal gel that comes in a twin pack of single-use devices called Acu-Doses. To use one, you remove the cover, exposing a long, narrow, rounded tube, lube it up with one of the included packs of lube, twist the desired dosage level from 2.5-20mg, insert, apply the proprietary gel, hold it in, then feel the effects. This is what it looks like:

http://latexallergylinks.org/images/diastat3.jpg

The reason I had a script was that I had experienced two seizures of the grand mal type. My doc had mentioned this form of diazepam called Diastat that has the drug bound in an alcohol-based gel that takes effect in about 10-15 minutes and is administered by a by-stander or significant other.(You're supposed to keep this stuff on you at all times) He prescribed it as an emergency measure, along with two anti-seizure meds. I refilled the script a few times because it was a good recreational drug. After 5 years of no more seizures, my doc took me off all meds, claiming I no longer had epilepsy. Let's face it - it's better to just swallow valium pills anyway.

 

so let me get this straight... if you have a seizure, whoever is standing next to you is supposed to put that gel in your butt? whatever happened to the epi pen

 

Well, hopefully that person is a loved one like a girlfriend that you've told about the product. A random person or a co-worker would be unlikely to oblige - they'd probably call 911 rather than try to stick it up your butt while you're flailing around on the floor. I think these things are used most by parents of small kids with epilepsy, paramedics, coaches - you'd have to have some familiarity with the product and plus it's really embarrassing for the user and the provider!

 

I have epilepsy and I have the same stuff. I have never used it and am so uncomfortable with the thought of someone having to use it on me!! UGH. My Mom has threatened to use it after a seizure but I have made it pretty damn clear I would rather spend the night in the ER than have her put something up my bum. And I am too out of it after them to do it myself..