Description

Treats anxiety, muscle spasms, insomnia, and epilepsy. Belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines.

When you should not use this medicine

You should not use diazepam if you have had an allergic reaction to diazepam or any other benzodiazepine (such as Halcion®, Librium®, or Xanax®). You should not use if you have glaucoma.

How to use and store this medicine

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often. Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Tablets/Solution:

• May be taken with or without food.
• Store tablets and solution at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.

Extended-release capsules:

• Swallow capsules whole; do not chew or crush.
• Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.

If you miss a dose:

• Take the missed dose as soon as possible if within 1 hour of your scheduled dose.
• If you remember more than 1 hour after you should have taken it, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to use this medicine

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

• Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you are also taking cimetidine (Tagamet®).
• Check with your doctor before taking other medicines, especially drugs that can make you sleepy, such as sleeping pills, tranquilizers, sedatives, antihistamines, antidepressants, or narcotic pain-killers.

Warnings

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant while taking this medicine, tell your doctor.
• Talk with your doctor before taking diazepam if you have glaucoma, a seizure disorder, or lung, kidney, or liver disease.
• Tell your doctor if you have a history of depression or mental illness.
• This medicine can be habit-forming. You should not use more than the prescribed amount or for longer periods than your doctor has ordered.
• If you have taken this medicine for 4 weeks or more or in large doses, do not stop taking it suddenly. You may need to take smaller and smaller doses before stopping.
• The side effects of this medicine may be greater in older adults and children.
• This medicine may make you drowsy or dizzy. Be careful if driving a car or using machinery.

Side effects

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

• Hallucinations
• Irritability, agitation, or anger
• Seizures
• Severe confusion
• Slow heartbeat
• Trouble breathing

If you have problems with these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor.

• Blurred vision
• Clumsiness
• Confusion
• Difficulty going to the bathroom (urinating)
• Drowsiness or dizziness
• "Hangover" effects after bedtime use
• Mild nausea and vomiting