About diazepam
Benzodiazepine; calming medicine
Used for
- Anxiety and short-term relief of severe anxiety symptoms
- Muscle spasms
- Alcohol withdrawal symptoms
- Seizures, usually as part of treatment
Usual adult dose
Anxiety: usually 2–10 mg, two to four times daily. Dose varies by condition and patient.
Usual dose in children
For selected conditions, specialist-directed dosing is based on age and weight; not routinely used for anxiety in children.
Common side effects
- Drowsiness and tiredness
- Muscle weakness and poor coordination
- Confusion or memory problems
- Dependence and withdrawal symptoms
Important warnings
- Can cause dependence; use for the shortest time prescribed.
- Avoid alcohol; combining them can dangerously slow breathing.
- May impair driving and coordination.
- Risk of severe breathing problems increases with opioids or other sedatives.
Pregnancy
May harm the fetus, especially with later-pregnancy use; newborns can have sedation or withdrawal. Use only when clinically necessary.
Breastfeeding
Enters breast milk and may cause infant sleepiness or poor feeding; repeated use is generally avoided.
Interactions
- Opioids and other sedatives increase sedation and breathing risks.
- Alcohol increases drowsiness and breathing impairment.
- Some antifungals and antibiotics can increase diazepam effects.
- Carbamazepine, rifampin, and St John’s wort can reduce its effects.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.