What is this medication?
Diazepam Side Effects DIAZEPAM (dye AZ e pam) treats seizures, muscle spasms or twitches. It may also be used to treat anxiety, including before a procedure. It can also be used to reduce the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. It works by helping your nervous system calm down. It belongs to a group of medications called benzodiazepines.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Valium
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions
- An alcohol or drug abuse problem
- Bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis or other mental health condition
- Glaucoma
- Kidney or liver disease
- Lung or breathing disease
- Myasthenia gravis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Seizures or a history of seizures
- Suicidal thoughts
- An unusual or allergic reaction to diazepam, other benzodiazepines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- Breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If this medication upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed. If you have been taking this medication regularly for some time, do not suddenly stop taking it. You must gradually reduce the dose, or you may get severe side effects. Ask your care team for advice. Even after you stop taking this medication it can still affect your body for several days.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your care team regarding the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose | Diazepam Side Effects?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
- Narcotic medications for cough
- Sodium oxybate
This medication may also interact with the following:
- Alcohol
- Antacids
- Antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold
- Certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, rifampin
- Certain medications for anxiety or sleep
- Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat
- Certain medications for depression, like amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline, tranylcypromine
- Certain medications for fungal infections like ketoconazole, itraconazole, clotrimazole
- Certain medications for psychotic disturbances
- Certain medications for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, valproate
- Cimetidine
- Cyclosporine
- Dexamethasone
- General anesthetics like lidocaine, pramoxine, tetracaine
- MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
- Medications that relax muscles for surgery
- Narcotic medications for pain
- Omeprazole
- Paclitaxel
- Phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
- Theophylline
- Warfarin
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
Do not stop taking except on your care team’s advice. You may develop a severe reaction. Your care team will tell you how much medication to take.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy and fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
If you are taking another medication that also causes drowsiness, you may have more side effects. Give your care team a list of all medications you use. Your care team will tell you how much medication to take. Do not take more medication than directed. Call emergency services if you have problems breathing or unusual sleepiness.
What Diazepam Side Effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- CNS depression—slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, trouble staying awake
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets. This medication can be abused. Keep your medication in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medication with anyone. Selling or giving away this medication is dangerous and against the law.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed.
This medication may cause harm and death if it is taken by other adults, children, or pets. It is important to get rid of the medication as soon as you no longer need it, or it is expired. You can do this in two ways:
- Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
- If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, pour the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.