additional information

Diazepam common uses

Diazepam may also be used to prevent extremely bad nightmares (night terrors).

Diazepam directions

When used for an extended period, diazepam may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if diazepam stops working well. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with diazepam unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit juice can increase the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor for more details.

The usual dose, for the treatment of anxiety disorders and short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety, is, depending upon severity of symptoms, 2 to 10 mg 2 to 4 times daily.

For acute alcohol withdrawal, the usual dose is 10 mg 3 or 4 times during the first 24 hours, then 5 mg 3 or 4 times daily as needed.

For the relief of muscle spasm, the usual dose is 2 to 10 mg 3 or 4 times daily.

For the treatment of convulsive disorders, the usual dose is 2 to 10 mg 2 to 4 times daily.

Diazepam should not be given to children under 6 months of age. The usual starting dose for children over 6 months is 1 to 2.5 mg 3 or 4 times a day. Your doctor may increase the dosage gradually if needed.

The usual dosage of older adults is 2 mg to 2.5 mg once or twice a day, which your doctor will increase as needed. Your doctor will limit the dosage to the smallest effective amount because older people are more apt to become oversedated or uncoordinated.

If you miss a dose of diazepam, take it as soon as remembered if it is within an hour or so. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Diazpem precautions

Diazepam may make you dizzy, drowsy or cause blurred vision; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. Caution is advised when using diazepam by older adults because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially the drowsiness effect.

Diazepam is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the potential for fetal harm. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Consult your doctor for more details. Diazepam passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Therefore, breast-feeding while using diazepam is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Diazepam should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: fluvoxamine, sodium oxybate. If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor before starting diazepam.

Before using diazepam, tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: antacids, certain anti-depressants (e.g., fluoxetine, nefazodone), cimetidine, clozapine, digoxin, disulfiram, kava, levodopa. Tell your doctor if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclics such as amitriptyline), tranquilizers. Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your doctor about the safe use of those products.

Diazepam can affect the results of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use diazepam. Smoking can decrease the effectiveness of diazepam (through liver enzyme induction). Tell your doctor if you smoke or if you have recently stopped smoking because your dose may need to be adjusted. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor approval.

Diazepam possible side effects

Overdose

Diazepam additional information

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