Avoid drinking alcohol. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. It is also used to relieve muscle spasms and to provide sedation before medical procedures. If directed by your doctor, take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Diazepam belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. It is also used as a preanesthetic in the hospital setting. See also Warning and How to Use sections. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Currently, off-label diazepam uses can include treating the following conditions: Diazepam should be used for only a short time. Diazepam also is used for the treatment of agitation, tremors, delirium, seizures, and hallucinations resulting from alcohol withdrawal. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. The risk of serious side effects (such as slow/shallow breathing, severe drowsiness/dizziness) may be increased if this medication is taken with other products that may also cause drowsiness or breathing problems. Diazepam is used to treat anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and seizures. Diazepam should not be given to a child younger than 6 months old. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Diazepam is sometimes used with other medications to treat seizures. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company. Background: Vaginal diazepam is frequently used to treat pelvic floor tension myalgia and pelvic pain despite limited knowledge of systemic absorption. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Equipotent benzodiazepine doses are reported as ranges due to paucity of literature supporting exact conversions, thus reported ranges are based on expert opinion and clinical experience published in … You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to diazepam or similar medicines (Klonopin>, Xanax, and others), or if you have myasthenia gravis, severe liver disease, narrow-angle glaucoma, a severe breathing problem, or sleep apnea. Select a condition to view a list of medication options. For an effective short term relief from alcohol consumption, muscle spasms and anxiety, diazepam can be used. So, chances are less your dog will experience side effects if he or she takes diazepam for a certain event – maybe a car trip or a visit to the groomer – than if he or she is taking the drug to treat a chronic medical condition. Valium (diazepam) is a prescription medication that is used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal and seizures. Diazepam is sometimes used with other medications to treat seizures. Valium is also used as a sedative before certain surgical procedures. Measure liquid medicine carefully. It is also used to relieve muscle spasms and to provide sedation before medical procedures. TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) in Dogs. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Copyright 1996-2021 Cerner Multum, Inc. Take your next dose at the regular time. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: slow/shallow breathing. If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as shaking, abdominal/muscle cramps, vomiting, sweating, anxiety, restlessness, seizures). Diazepam is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen)). Do not give this medication to a child younger than 6 months old. Breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended. Diazepam may also be used … Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Diazepam is a sedative with anti-anxiety, muscle relaxing, and hypnotic properties. Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Keep track of your medicine. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. It is designed to be used only under the care and supervision of a doctor. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Because of the short half-life of diazepam in dogs (2-4 hours) and the development of tolerance, diazepam should only be used for emergency management of seizures. It’s a sedative recommended for short-term treatment only because it can quickly become addictive. To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had: seizures (unless you are taking this medicine to treat a seizure disorder); depression, a mood disorder, or suicidal thoughts or behavior. If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug. Diazepam is used for the treatment of disorders with anxiety. Before taking diazepam, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other benzodiazepines (such as oxazepam, temazepam); or if you have any other allergies. When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Diazepam is sometimes used with other medications to treat seizures. If you are using the concentrated solution, discard the opened bottle after 90 days. This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Version: 14.01. cyclobenzaprine, alprazolam, duloxetine, escitalopram, clonazepam, lorazepam, atenolol, Lexapro, Xanax, tizanidine. Taking benzo diazepines with opioid medicines, alcohol, or other central... Diazepam tablets can make you sleepy or dizzy, and can slow your thinking and motor skills. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. This is known as using the medication "off-label." It is commonly used to treat a range of conditions, including anxiety, seizures, alcohol withdrawal syndrome, benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome, muscle spasms, trouble sleeping, and restless legs syndrome. Diazepam, sometimes known by the brand name Valium, is a prescription only medicine that is used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal and seizures. If this drug is used for a long period of time, lab and/or medical tests (such as liver function tests, complete blood count) may be done while you are taking this medication. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, What Happens When You Have a Panic Attack, Help for Facing Fear and Anxiety Over Hep C, Recovering From Trauma: 13 Tips to Help You Heal, Commonly Abused Prescription and OTC Drugs, Busy Brain? Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to diazepam: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Diazepam 101. Diastat (dye-ah-stat) is the brand name used in the United States and Canada for the seizure medicine with the generic name diazepam rectal gel. Dangerous side effects or death could occur. Dosage Forms: oral concentrate (5 mg/mL); oral solution (5 mg/5 mL); oral tablet (10 mg; 2 mg; 5 mg). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness and loss of coordination. Do not take this medicine for longer than 4 months without your doctor's advice. Avoid the use of grapefruit products. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. It may harm an unborn baby. When treating anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, or muscle spasms: If you use diazepam while you are pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the drug. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, prescription cough medicine, or medicine for depression or seizures. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 3 Mar 2021), Cerner Multum™ (updated 1 Mar 2021), ASHP (updated 3 Mar 2021) and others. Should I avoid certain foods while taking Diazepam? Benzodiazepines (benzos, diazepam, valium) Benzodiazepines are a group of pharmaceutical drugs. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Diazepam passes into breast milk and can cause sedation, feeding difficulties, and weight loss in the nursing infant. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use. Drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, blurred vision, or unsteadiness may occur. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen) that is used to treat anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, or muscle spasms. Diazepam is used to relieve anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures and to control agitation caused by alcohol withdrawal. Diazepam is sometimes used with other medications to treat seizures.. Diazepam may also be used for purposes not listed in … The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. However, drug use with benign paroxysmal vertigo (BPV) is controversial which led to this study to evaluate the value of diazepam and lorazepam for relief of BPV. It works … Diazepam tablets are a benzodiazepine medicine. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Do not store in the bathroom. Does Diazepam interact with other medications? Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. An overdose of diazepam can be fatal if you take it with alcohol, opioid medicine, or other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing. Do not give this medicine to a child without a doctor's advice. Medically reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD. Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking diazepam and each time you get a refill. Diazepam is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of Anxiety, Endoscopy, Alcohol Withdrawal, Muscle Spasm, Seizure Disorder and Sedation. The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. There are many drugs in this group and some, such as diazepam and valium, are prescribed as medicines in the UK. Do not stop using this medicine suddenly, even if you feel fine. All rights reserved. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. … Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. How to Clear Your Mind So You Can Sleep, List Diazepam side effects by likelihood and severity. new or worsening symptoms of depression or anxiety; confusion, hallucinations, sleep problems; or. Things to remember when you fill your prescription. Aim: To determine the pharmacokinetic and adverse event profile of diazepam vaginal suppositories. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. If you are using the concentrated solution, use the medicine dropper provided and mix the measured dose with a small amount of liquid or soft food (such as applesauce, pudding). Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Brand Name: Valium You should not use diazepam if you are allergic to it, or if you have: myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness disorder); sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep); untreated or uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma; or. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information -, Drug class: benzodiazepine anticonvulsants. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries. Diazepam is used to treat anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, or muscle spasms and stiffness. Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Properly stop the medication when so directed. Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, loss of balance or coordination, limp or weak muscles, slow breathing, or coma. Know how does Diazepam work, its effectiveness, dosage and side effects. It is thought that benzodiazepines work by enhancing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen) that is used to treat anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, or muscle spasms and stiffness. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Diazepam use during breast-feeding is not recommended. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen)). This product is only recommended for short-term treatment of seizure attacks. You should be aware if anyone is using it improperly or without a prescription. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of diazepam. Do not double the dose to catch up. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis), lung/breathing problems (such as COPD, sleep apnea), mental/mood disorders (such as depression, thoughts of suicide, psychosis), personal or family history of a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol), glaucoma, liver disease, kidney disease. Though it helps many people, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. They are generally prescribed for anxiety or … Sharing it is against the law. Select one or more newsletters to continue. COVID-19 is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation. This calculator should be used as a reference for oral benzodiazepine conversions. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have weak or shallow breathing, if you are hard to wake up, or if you stop breathing. Diazepam is a regulated prescription drug most commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, muscle spasms or seizures, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It is used for the treatment of seizures, relief of muscle spasms in some neurological diseases, and for sedation during surgery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal. Fatal side effects can occur if you use this medicine with opioid medicine, alcohol, or other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing. Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. For some older adults, instead of having a calming effect, diazepam may have the opposite effect, causing mental/mood changes (such as agitation, hallucinations, restlessness). Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Other drugs may interact with diazepam, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. It can be taken by mouth, inserted into the rectum, injected into muscle, injected into a vein or used as a nasal spray. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used diazepam for a long time or in high doses. Methods: We used a prospective pharmacokinetic design with repeated assessments of diazepam levels. Diazepam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It is thought that benzodiazepines work by enhancing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. These side effects are more likely to occur after long-term use. These side effects can increase the risk of falling. Diazepam is used for the treatment of disorders with anxiety. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. MISUSE OF diazepam CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Never use this medicine in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Taking diazepam with opioid medications (such as codeine, hydrocodone) may increase your risk of very serious side effects, including death. What should I know regarding pregnancy, nursing and administering Diazepam to children or the elderly? WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Does Diazepam interact with other drugs you are taking? Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use diazepam only for the indication prescribed. It is … psychosis caused by sudden alcohol withdrawal, a feeling of restlessness with inability to sit still. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen) that is used to treat anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, or muscle spasms and stiffness. In the 21st century, less addictive medications may be prescribed first for anxiety. Do not start or stop taking diazepam to treat seizures during pregnancy without your doctor's advice. Take all of the mixture right away. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Do not take two doses at one time. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. Diazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication, alcohol, or other drugs that can slow your breathing. Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. In the 1970s, Valium was the gold standard of treatment for anxiety disorders. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely. Despite lack of clinical studies, diazepam and lorazepam have been used empirically for relief of vertigo. Having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Diazepam rectal gel is used in emergency situations to stop cluster seizures (episodes of increased seizure activity) in people who are taking other medications to treat epilepsy (seizures). It is a seizure rescue medicine that is inserted into a person's rectum to stop a cluster of repeated seizures. Do not breastfeed while using this medicine. Total Ear Canal Ablation and Ventral Bulla Osteotomy (TECA) for End-Stage Ears in Dogs and Cats. In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Valium, also known as Diazepam, is part of a group of drugs called benzodiazepines. Taking diazepam with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Diazepam (brand names: Valium®, Diastat®, E Pam Tab®, Meva®l, Vivol®) is a benzodiazepine anticonvulsant and tranquilizer used as a muscle relaxant, anti-anxiety medication, appetite stimulant, and an anti-seizure medication. Off-Label Diazepam Uses On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend diazepam for something other than the condition listed in this article. Topical Therapy for Skin Conditions in Dogs and Cats. Diazepam is used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes (such as memory problems, agitation, hallucinations, confusion, restlessness, depression), trouble speaking, trouble walking, muscle weakness, shaking (tremors), trouble urinating, yellowing eyes/skin, signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills). Do not share this medication with others. This medication works by calming the brain and nerves. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law. Some products that may interact with this drug include: clozapine, fluvoxamine, orlistat, sodium oxybate. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Diazepam is used to treat anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, or muscle spasms and stiffness. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine (type of medicine used to calm and sedate) used for the short-term treatment of anxiety and seizure disorders. Stopping suddenly may cause increased seizures or unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. It may also be used to cause memory loss during certain medical procedures. Diazepam is a class II drug and is thus available by prescription only. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking this medicine. Diazepam also is used for the treatment of agitation, tremors, delirium, seizures, and hallucinations resulting from alcohol withdrawal. Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking diazepam. For some children, instead of having a calming effect, diazepam may have the opposite effect, causing mental/mood changes (such as agitation, hallucinations, restlessness). Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Diazepam concentrations were assessed in 3 breast-feeding mothers receiving diazepam 30 mg daily for 6 days after delivery. Transporting an Injured Pet: First Aid. When given i… MISUSE OF THIS MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Keep all medications away from children and pets. The sedative effects of diazepam may last longer in older adults. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Grapefruit may interact with diazepam and lead to unwanted side effects. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe drowsiness, slow reflexes, slow/shallow breathing, fainting, loss of consciousness. Diazepam is used to treat anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and seizures. Do not store the mixture for later use. It is used for the treatment of seizures, relief of muscle spasms in some neurological diseases, and for sedation during surgery. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well. © 2005 - 2021 WebMD LLC. It can be used to treat seizures, appetite loss in cats, anxiety, and other disorders. Some liquid products may contain alcohol. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. For this medicine, the following should be considered: Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Diazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication, alcohol, or other drugs that can slow your breathing. It may also be used to sedate your pet before surgery or other procedures. In a hospital setting, it is given intravenously to treat status epilepticus, or a state of continuous seizures. The dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to treatment. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. Get medical help right away if any of these very serious side effects occur: slow/shallow breathing, unusual lightheadedness, severe drowsiness/dizziness, difficulty waking up. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. Like all medications, diazepam can trigger side effects in dogs. Consult your doctor for more details. Diazepam is used to treat anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasms, and certain types of seizure. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Take diazepam exactly as it was prescribed for you. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor. Last updated on Feb 19, 2021. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Diazepam | C16H13ClN2O | CID 3016 - structure, chemical names, physical and chemical properties, classification, patents, literature, biological activities, safety/hazards/toxicity information, supplier lists, and more. Available for Android and iOS devices. Diazepam is used to treat episodes of increased seizures (such as cluster or breakthrough seizures) in people who are already taking medications to control their seizures. To lower your risk, your doctor should have you take the smallest dose of diazepam that works, and take it for the shortest possible time. This medication may interfere with certain lab tests, possibly causing false test results. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. Diazepam, first marketed as Valium, is a medicine of the benzodiazepine family that acts as anxiolytic. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), other drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine). Diazepam may be used alone or with other medications. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose. Generic Name: diazepam (oral) (dye AZ e pam) Common diazepam side effects may include: problems with balance or muscle movement.