Diazepam
NHS information about diazepam, including what it's used for, who can use it, how to use it and side effects.
What diazepam is for
Diazepam is a type of medicine called a benzodiazepine. It's used to treat a range of symptoms.
These include:
- severe anxiety with symptoms such as sweating, shaking and not sleeping (insomnia)
- seizures (fits)
- muscle spasms
It can also be used to relax you before having treatment or surgery (a sedative).
Important
Diazepam should only be used short term, up to 4 weeks. Taking it for longer can cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms.
How to take or use diazepam
Diazepam comes as 2mg, 5mg or 10mg tablets.
It also comes as a rectal tube. This is a small, pre-filled tube of medicine that's inserted into your bottom (anus).
How you take your medicine and how much you use depends on why you need it.
Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to use it or have any problems using it.
Side effects of diazepam
Like all medicines, diazepam can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
Common side effects of diazepam include:
- feeling less alert
- increased anxiety and depression
- feeling drowsy (sleepy)
- tiredness
- low blood pressure (hypotension)
Diazepam can make you feel sleepy. Do not drive, cycle or use tools or machinery until you feel better.
Diazepam can sometimes cause serious side effects, although most of them are rare.
Possible serious side effects of diazepam include:
- an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash or difficulty breathing
- difficulty breathing (slower, more shallow breaths)
- yellowing of the whites of the eyes or your skin (yellowed skin may be more difficult to see on brown and black skin)
More about side effects
These are not all the side effects of diazepam.
For a full list, see the leaflet that comes with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.
You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website
Who can and cannot use diazepam
Most adults and children can take or use diazepam.
But it's not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if you:
- have long-term kidney, liver, heart or breathing problems
- have certain mental health conditions
- have a history of alcohol or recreational drug misuse
- have ever had an allergic reaction to diazepam or any other medicine
- are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it's suitable for you. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure if you can use it.
Breastfeeding and diazepam
If you're breastfeeding, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using diazepam.
This is because the medicine can pass into your breast milk in small amounts.
You may be advised to take it for a short time at a low dose if the benefits to you outweigh any possible risks to your baby.
Pregnancy and diazepam
You should not take diazepam during pregnancy unless you're advised to by a doctor or pharmacist.
Taking diazepam with other medicines, food and drink
There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with diazepam.
These include:
- antidepressants such as fluvoxamine and fluoxetine
- antipsychotics, such as clozapine
- antihistamines that make you sleepy
- general anaesthetics (to put you to sleep before surgery)
Check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it's suitable for you. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure if you can take it.
Food, drink and alcohol with diazepam
Do not drink alcohol or grapefruit juice while taking diazepam as it can increase the risk of side effects.
Drinks that contain caffeine can sometimes reduce the effects of diazepam.
To find out more about your medicine, you can:
- check the leaflet that comes with it
- search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
- find out more about diazepam for muscle spasm and diazepam (rectal) for stopping seizures
- speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice
