Diazepam

Generic Name: diazepam (dye AH zeh pam)

What is diazepam?

• Diazepam is used to relieve anxiety, nervousness, and tension associated with anxiety disorders. It is also used to treat certain types of seizure disorders and muscle spasms.

• Diazepam is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Diazepam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety, seizures, and muscle spasms.

• Diazepam may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about diazepam?

• Avoid alcohol while taking diazepam. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by diazepam. Alcohol may also increase the risk of having a seizure if diazepam is being taken for a seizure condition.

• Diazepam is habit forming. You can become physically and psychologically dependent on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if diazepam is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose.

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Diazepam will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.

How should I take diazepam?

• Take diazepam exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

• Take each oral dose with a full glass of water.

• To ensure the correct dose, measure the liquid forms of diazepam with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

• Do not take diazepam more often or in larger doses than is prescribed.

• Diazepam is habit forming. You can become physically and psychologically dependent on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if diazepam is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose.

• Store diazepam at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking diazepam?

• You may not be able to take diazepam, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

• Diazepam passes into breast milk. Do not take diazepam without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

• Diazepam is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that diazepam is known to harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

• Do not take diazepam if you have narrow-angle glaucoma. Diazepam may worsen this condition.

• If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from diazepam. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

What happens if I miss a overdose/dose?

• Symptoms of a diazepam overdose include sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, a slow heart beat, difficulty breathing, difficulty walking and talking, an appearance of being drunk, and unconsciousness.

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication. A double dose could be dangerous.

What other drugs will affect diazepam?

• Antacids may decrease the effects of diazepam. Separate doses of an antacid and diazepam by several hours whenever possible.

• Diazepam may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.

• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with diazepam. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

What should I avoid while taking diazepam?

• Avoid alcohol while taking diazepam. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by diazepam. Alcohol may also increase the risk of having a seizure if diazepam is being taken for a seizure condition.

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Diazepam will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.

• Diazepam may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.

Useful Resources • Canadian Pharmacies • Consultations • Diet Supplements • Drugs Business • Fitness • Hair Care • Health • Health Resources • Herbal Products • Medication • Online Pharmacies • Others • Pain Relief • Pharmaceuticals • Pharmacies • Sexual Health • Vitamins