What is the best way to give rats the medicine Diazepam?

[somethings_wicked]

Hey everyone
So a bit earlier today I posted a topic about my rat Piggie having seizures. I took him to the vet and he said that Piggie seemed in perfect health except for these seizures he's having. So he ended up giving me a medicine called Diazepam. He told me to give it to him once a day, but if he seems to be a bit overly drowsy, to cut it down to half a pill a day. So I'm trying to give Piggie this medicine with apple sauce or some sort of food that I know he loves to eat.

Any suggestions on what exactly is the best way to give rats medicine and what food I could give it to him with?
Or might anyone know anything about Diazepam that I should know that the vet didn't tell me?

Thanks guys

[ratified]

It's addictive so if humans are taken off it without tapering, they may have seizures and/or symptoms of withdrawal.

[Mischief Mistress]

I think you're doing well with crushing it up and mixing it. One thing you have to look for/research is which medicines can or cannot be given with dairy. I'm not clear on what can or cannot be so I never do. However, it is preferred by many rats that it be given with a bit of ice cream.



Someone should post a link as to what medicines can and cannot be used with ice cream/dairy products.

[Lise]

Diazepam is Valium.  

It is not commonly used as a seizure preventative (in my experience)... it is usually given when a seizure occurs (injected, or into the rectum), to stop it as it is an anticonvulsant.
http://ratguide.com/meds/central_nervous_system_drugs/diazepam.php

Phenobarbitol is a more commonly used drug as a seizure preventative....
http://ratguide.com/meds/central_nervous_system_drugs/phenobarbital.php