Valtoco (Diazepam nasal spray) for Epilepsy

Overview
Valtoco is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acutely adults and children 6 years of age and older for intermittent, stereotypic episodes of frequent seizure activity that are different from a person’s usual seizure pattern. Valtoco is also referred to by its drug name, diazepam nasal spray. It is indicated for short-term, acute rescue treatment.

Valtoco is a member of a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Every detail of how Valtoco works is not fully known, but it is believed to work by strengthening certain nerve signals through binding to proteins called GABAA receptors.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Valtoco is intended for intranasal use only. Health care professionals should instruct the individuals giving the nasal spray when and how to use it appropriately.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Valtoco lists common side effects including drowsiness, headache, and nasal discomfort.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Valtoco include central nervous system depression, suicidal behavior and ideation, glaucoma, depression, slurred speech, syncope (loss of consciousness), changes in libido, urinary retention, bradycardia (slow heartrate), cardiovascular collapse (loss of consciousness due to heart dysfunction), nystagmus (quick uncontrollable eye movements), urticaria (allergic skin rash), neutropenia (low level of white blood cells called neutrophils), and jaundice (yellowing of the skin).

Valtoco carries a warning that taking medications in this class (benzodiazepines) with opioid medicines, alcohol, or other central nervous system depressants can cause severe drowsiness, breathing problems, coma, and death.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Valtoco — Neurelis
www.valtoco.com

Valtoco (Diazepam Nasal Spray) for the Acute Treatment of Intermittent Stereotypic Episodes of Frequent Seizure Activity — Neurology International
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7931041/