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Diazepam
Brand
Name: Diazepam
Most
Common Medical Uses
Diazepam
affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause
anxiety, seizures, and muscle spasms. Diazepam is used to relieve
anxiety, nervousness, and tension associated with anxiety disorders.
It is also used to treat certain types of seizure disorders and
muscle spasms. Diazepam may also be used for purposes other than
those here.
How
to Take This Medication
Take
diazepam exactly as directed by your doctor. Take each oral dose
with a full glass of water. To ensure the correct dose, measure
the liquid forms of diazepam with a dose-measuring spoon or cup,
not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring
device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Do not take diazepam
more often or in larger doses than is prescribed. Diazepam is habit
forming. You can become physically and psychologically dependent
on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of
medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor.
Withdrawal effects may occur if diazepam is stopped suddenly after
several weeks of continuous use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual
reduction in dose.
Possible
Side Effects
Stop
taking diazepam and seek emergency medical attention or contact
your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; or hives); sores in the
mouth or throat; yellowing of the skin or eyes;a rash; hallucinations
or severe confusion; or changes in your vision. Other, less serious
side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take diazepam
and talk to your doctor if you experience drowsiness, dizziness,
or clumsiness; depression; nausea, vomiting. diarrhea, or constipation.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to
your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is
especially bothersome.
Precautions
Do
not take diazepam if you have narrow-angle glaucoma. Diazepam may
worsen this condition. • Before taking this medication, tell
your doctor if you have kidney disease; have liver disease; have
asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or another respiratory disease; or
if you are depressed or have suicidal thoughts. Do not take this
medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant
or breast feeding a baby. If you are over 65 years of age, you may
be more likely to experience side effects from diazepam. You may
require a lower dose of this medication.
Drug
Interactions
Diazepam
may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including
antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat
insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines,
and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that
you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking
to your doctor. Antacids may decrease the effects of diazepam. Separate
doses of an antacid and diazepam by several hours whenever possible.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with diazepam.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines.
Missed
Dose
Take
the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost
time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the
next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this
medication. A double dose could be dangerous.
Storage
Store
at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all
medications out of the reach of children.
Notes
Use
caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Diazepam will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness.
If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.
Avoid alcohol while taking diazepam. Alcohol may increase drowsiness
and dizziness caused by diazepam. Alcohol may also increase the
risk of having a seizure if diazepam is being taken for a seizure
condition. Diazepam is habit forming. You can become physically
and psychologically dependent on the medication. Do not take more
than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than
is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if diazepam
is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Your
doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose.
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