Diazepam

Diazepam can be used to treat mental health conditions like severe anxiety and seizures.

Diazepam usually comes as tablets or a pre-filled tube that's inserted into your bottom.

Side effects of diazepam include feeling less alert, increased anxiety, dizziness and drowsiness. More serious side effects are rare.

Diazepam is suitable for most adults but always check before using it because it's not suitable for everyone.

Taking diazepam with other medicines, food and drink, such as antidepressants or grapefruit juice, can affect your medicine. Always check first.

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).

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.

You can take diazepam in different ways.

For tablets:

• swallow 1 or 2 tablets whole with water (you can take it with or without food)
• you can spread your doses throughout the day – for example if your dose is 6mg, you can take 2mg, 3 times a day
• children are usually given diazepam twice a day, with a 10 to 12-hour gap between doses

A rectal tube is a small, pre-filled tube of medicine that is inserted into the bottom (rectum). It's usually used for seizures if you have epilepsy.

If you're giving someone a rectal tube:

• insert it into the bottom (rectum) and squeeze the tube to release the medicine
• throw it away after you've finished as it's single-use only
• if you have a dose and seizures do not stop, you can usually have another dose after 10 minutes

Your doctor will tell you what dose to take or use, how to take it, and for how long.

If you forget to take diazepam, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as usual.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you take too much diazepam

Taking an extra dose of diazepam can be dangerous.

• you or a child take or use more than the prescribed dose of diazepam

If you're told to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring the diazepam packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.

Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms. If you have side effects such as headaches, muscle pain and anxiety, it can make them worse.

Your doctor will gradually reduce your dose. Always follow your doctor's advice.

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.

• you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away

They may be able to give you advice about how you can reduce the side effects. Keep taking your medicine unless you're advised to stop.

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.

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.