Diazepam (By mouth)

Diazepam (dye-AZ-e-pam)

Treats anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures.

Brand Name(s):

Valium, diazePAM Intensol

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to diazepam, if you are pregnant, or if you have narrow-angle glaucoma or untreated open-angle glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, sleep apnea or severe breathing problems, or severe liver disease.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Liquid

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Some medicines can affect how diazepam works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following:
- Theophylline
- A phenothiazine, such as chlorpromazine, perphenazine, promethazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
- An MAO inhibitor
- Medicine to treat depression or mental illness
- Medicine for seizures
Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have glaucoma, seizures, breathing problems, liver disease, or kidney disease. Tell your doctor if you have a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
Too much of this medicine can cause death. Symptoms of an overdose include extreme dizziness or weakness, trouble breathing, slow heartbeat, seizure, and cold, clammy skin.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
Seizures
Confusion, severe drowsiness, trouble breathing, muscle weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Mild nausea
Tiredness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

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

Last Updated: 1/27/2017