Diazepam in the Treatment of Childhood Epilepsy

Thirty-eight epileptic children with a variety of seizure types were treated with diazepam (Valium) orally. The median duration of treatment was two years. Dosages ranged from 3 to 60 mg/day depending upon patient tolerance and seizure response, although the usual effective dose was 15 mg/day. Seizure suppression was good to excellent in 29 children. The best results were seen in those with petit mal and other minor seizures. Side effects were few and usually limited to drowsiness. Diazepam is a very safe and effective long-term anticonvulsant in some seizure disorders of childhood.