Diazepam is a medication that helps treat anxiety, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal. This medicine works by calming nerves and the brain which helps relieve muscle spasms and provides sedation before medical procedures. Diazepam belongs to the benzodiazepines category of drugs. So, it functions like other drugs in this category.
Diazepam can slow down or stop your breathing, especially if you were recently taking alcohol, opioid medication, or other drugs that affect your breathing. Diazepam is still not under consideration for use by anyone younger than six months. Do not give Diazepam to a child without medical consultation.
Before taking it, you must know that in treating anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, or muscle spasms: your baby could become dependent upon it if you take this drug during pregnancy. It can cause life withdrawal symptoms in the baby. The drug-dependent baby may need medical treatment for several weeks. You should resist taking it if you are allergic to Diazepam or other similar drugs such as Klonopin, Xanax, and others or if you have:
During the treatment of seizures, do not initiate or stop taking Diazepam during pregnancy without the doctor's advice. It may harm the unborn baby, but having an attack during pregnancy is harmful to both the mother and the baby. Tell your doctor if you conceive while taking this medicine. This medicine is still not under consideration for use by anyone younger than six months. Do not give this medicine to a child without medical consultation.
Read the available medication guide carefully before you start taking diazepam and each time you get a refill. Take this medicine orally with or without food as per your doctor's directions. If you are taking the liquid form of this drug, carefully measure the appropriate dose using a dose-measuring device rather than a kitchen spoon. If you are taking the concentrated solution of Diazepam, use the available medicine dropper and mix the measured dose with soft food such as pudding, applesauce, or a small amount of liquid. Please take all the mixture immediately instead of storing it for later use. Your dosage will depend upon your age, medical condition, and response to the treatment. Do not use Diazepam more often or increase your dose or for longer than recommended. It will add more risk of side effects and will not improve your condition any faster.
Typically the doctor starts on a low dosage and adjusts it over time to reach the required dosage according to your condition. Ultimately they will provide the smallest dosage that will give the desired effect.
Adult dosage (ages 18 to 64 years)
Child dosage (ages six months to 17 years)
Child dosage (ages 0 to 5 months)
Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)
The doctor will slowly increase your dosage in this case. The drug processing ability of your body will be slower. Your doctor may start on a lower dosage because too much of the drug in your body can be toxic. Starting dosage for a debilitating disease is 2 mg to 2.5 mg, once or twice per day.
Adult dosage (ages 18 to 64 years)
Child dosage (ages six months to 17 years)
The doctor will start at the lowest dosage and increase it with time-based on your response after consuming this medicine.
If you overdose on Diazepam, take urgent medical help or call the Poison helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms may include lack of coordination or balance, extreme drowsiness, slow breathing, limp or weak muscles, or coma.
Avoid alcohol consumption and grapefruit products. Interaction of these two with Diazepam can cause severe side effects or death. Avoid driving any vehicle or performing any hazardous activity until you know the effect of this medicine on your health.
The use of Diazepam may cause dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, tiredness, or unsteadiness. If any of the side effects persist, tell your medical healthcare professional immediately.
Tell your medical healthcare professional immediately if any severe side effects occur, including:
A very serious allergic reaction to Diazepam is rare. However, take medical help immediately if you notice any severe allergic reaction symptoms, including severe dizziness, hives, trouble breathing, and swelling/itching of your lips, throat, face, or tongue. It is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. If you notice these or other effects, consult your medical healthcare provider regarding it. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Diazepam can interact with various drugs and cause dangerous reactions. Ask your medical healthcare provider before taking opioid medication, muscle relaxers, sleeping pills, prescription cough medicine, or any cure for depression or seizures.