Effect of diazepam on muscle contraction in spasticity.

The direct effect of diazepam on skeletal muscle has been examined in 15 patients with neurological lesions resulting in spasticity. Diazepam 15-30 mg. IV reduced the amplitude of the compound action potential of the direct muscle response (M response) and the isometric twitch tension. It is postulated that diazepam may affect the contractile properties of muscle and, possibly, the electrical properties of the muscle membrane. These peripheral effects may contribute to the reported clinical benefits of the drug in patients with spasticity including those patients with complete spinal lesions.