Diazepam is used in the treatment of anxiety disorders and for short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety. It belongs to a class of drugs known as Benzodiazepines.
How to Take
Take Diazepam exactly as prescribed. If you are taking Diazepam for epilepsy, make sure you take it every day at the same time.
Warnings and Precautions
Diazepam should be used for only a short period of time. Do not take this medication for longer than 4 months without your doctor's advice. Do not stop using Diazepam suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may have increased seizures or withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking Diazepam. Withdrawal symptoms include tremor, sweating, trouble sleeping, muscle cramps, stomach pain, vomiting, and unusual thoughts or behaviour. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. Contact your doctor if this medicine seems to stop working as well in treating your symptoms.
Important Information
Diazepam can be habit-forming or addictive. You may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop using Diazepam abruptly. Discontinue or change your dose only on your doctor's advice.
Diazepam may cause you to become drowsy or less alert; therefore, you should not drive or operate dangerous machinery or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know how Diazepam affects you.
If you have liver or kidney problems, use Diazepam cautiously.
Possible Side Effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Diazepam.
Side effects may include:
Anxiety, drowsiness, fatigue, light-headedness, loss of muscle coordination
Side effects due to a rapid decrease in dose or abrupt withdrawal from Diazepam:
Abdominal and muscle cramps, convulsions, sweating, tremors, vomiting
Missed Dose
Take it as soon as you remember if it is within an hour or so of your scheduled time. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.
Overdose
Seek medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of Diazepam can be fatal.
Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, limp or weak muscles, fainting, shallow breathing, or breathing that stops.
Storage
Store Diazepam at room temperature, 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C), in a tight, light-resistant container. Store it away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store the medication in the bathroom. Keep Diazepam out of the reach of your children and away from your pets.
Please note, all the information given above is just a summary. You should visit your doctor or health care provider to get more details about this medicine. Do not share Diazepam with the others who it was not prescribed for. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Do not store this medication with an end term of its storage.
