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Diazepam and other benzodiazepines can be used for the following indications in the patient with cerebral palsy:
- Flexor and extensor spasms
- Stiffness, pain, and insomnia
- Spasticity and seizures
- In combination with baclofen in patients with severe spasticity
- Postoperative spasm
- Preprocedure sedation
Since diazepam produces CNS depression, it is often prescribed at night to suppress spasms that may produce insomnia. In infants and children, therapy is initiated with 1 to 2 mg at bedtime. In young adults, treatment can begin with 5 mg which can later be increased to 10 mg. The maximum dose for children is 0.8 to 1.0 mg/kg/d in divided doses.