Diazepam is used to relieve symptoms of anxiety and alcohol withdrawal. This medicine may also be used to treat certain seizure disorders and help relax muscles or relieve muscle spasm.

Diazepam is a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines belong to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) depressants, which are medicines that slow down the nervous system.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

To use the oral solution:

Measure the oral liquid with the medicine dropper that comes from the package.
Mix each dose with water, juice, soda or a soda-like beverage before you take it. You may also mix the liquid with a semisolid food such as applesauce or pudding.
Take the entire mixture right away. It should not be saved to use later.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Shakiness and unsteady walk

unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination

Incidence not known

Abdominal or stomach pain

agitation

black, tarry stools

blistering, flaking, or peeling of the skin

blurred vision

changes in patterns and rhythms of speech

chills

confusion

cough

dark urine

decrease in the frequency of urination

decrease in urine volume

difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)

discouragement

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

false beliefs that cannot be changed by facts

fast heartbeat

fast or irregular breathing

feeling sad or empty

feeling that others are watching you or controlling your behavior

feeling that others can hear your thoughts

feeling, seeing, or hearing things that are not there

fever

headache

hyperexcitability

increased muscle spasms or tone

irritability

itching or rash

lack of memory of what takes place after a certain event

loss of appetite

loss of bladder control

loss of interest or pleasure

lower back or side pain

nausea

nightmares

outbursts of anger

painful or difficult urination

pale skin

restlessness

seizures

slurred speech

sore throat

sweating

trouble concentrating

trouble sleeping

trouble speaking

ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth

unpleasant breath odor

unusual behavior

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual feeling of excitement

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting of blood

yellow eyes or skin

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Change in consciousness

difficult or troubled breathing

irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing

lack of coordination

loss of consciousness

loss of strength or energy

muscle pain or weakness

pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin

sleepiness

unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

Constipation

decreased interest in sexual intercourse

diarrhea

difficulty with swallowing

double vision

dry mouth

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

inability to have or keep an erection

increase in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

increased interest in sexual intercourse

increased watering of the mouth

indigestion

loss of sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

passing of gas

seeing double

sensation of spinning

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

It is very important that your doctor check the progress of you or your child at regular visits to see if the medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for any unwanted effects.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.

This medicine may cause some people, especially older persons, to become drowsy, dizzy, lightheaded, clumsy, unsteady, or less alert than they are normally. Also, this medicine may cause double vision or other vision problems. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert or able to think or see well.

This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants. CNS depressants are medicines that slow down the nervous system, which may cause drowsiness or make you less alert. Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, allergies, or colds, sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine, prescription pain medicine or narcotics, barbiturates or seizure medicines, muscle relaxants, or anesthetics (numbing medicines), including some dental anesthetics. This effect may last for a few days after you or your child stop using this medicine. Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you or your child are using this medicine.

If you or your child develop any unusual or strange thoughts and behavior while taking diazepam, be sure to discuss it with your doctor. Some changes that have occurred in people taking this medicine are like those seen in people who drink too much alcohol. Other changes might be confusion, worsening of depression, hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there), suicidal thoughts, and unusual excitement, nervousness, or irritability.

Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine without checking first with your doctor. Your doctor may want you or your child to gradually reduce the amount you are using before stopping it completely. This may help prevent a worsening of your condition and reduce the possibility of withdrawal symptoms, such as convulsions (seizures), hallucinations, stomach or muscle cramps, sweating, tremors, or unusual behavior.

This medicine may be habit-forming. If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.