Diazepam and body weight in myelopathy patients

Because diazepam appeared to affect body weight, spastic myelopathy patients for whom this drug had been prescribed but in whom the dose was altered were compared with similar patients, without changes in antispastic medication. A retrospective survey averaging 10 months was conducted for these two groups to determine weight changes of 10 pounds or more. After reduction or discontinuation of diazepam in seven patients, all lost weight -12 to 35 lbs at rates of 0.9 to 3.5 lb per month. On unchanged medication, only one of twelve patients lost as much as 10 lb, p < 0.001. After partially or fully restoring diazepam in four patients, all gained weight -7 to 26 lbs-at rates of 1.8 to 4.3 lbs per month. Three of the four patients and two of the 12 without medication change gained as much as 10 pounds, p = 0.03. We conclude that body weight in myelopathy patients is affected by the use of diazepam. The effect of other medications used for spasms was not assessed.