Sign inBefore taking diazepam
Before taking diazepam make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you suffer from any respiratory (breathing) problems.
- If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
- If you suffer from myasthenia gravis (a muscle-weakening disease).
- If you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder).
- If you suffer from a personality disorder.
- If you have ever had a problem with drug or alcohol addiction.
- If you suffer from sleep apnoea (temporary stopping of breathing during sleep).
- If you suffer from phobias or obsessional conditions.
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
How to take diazepam
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take diazepam exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Diazepam should only be taken for a short time. Your body can start to rely on this medicine if it is taken for periods longer than a few weeks. This will lead to problems when you stop taking it.
- Diazepam is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking diazepam.
- Diazepam will make you feel drowsy and drinking alcohol will increase these feelings of drowsiness. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking diazepam.
- Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with diazepam.
- Important: If you have been taking diazepam for a long time, it should not be stopped suddenly but gradually reduced to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Can diazepam cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Drowsiness, dizziness, feeling light-headed or less alert than normal | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert Avoid alcohol; it will increase any feelings of drowsiness |
| Weakness and feeling aggressive | If these become troublesome, let your doctor know |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store diazepam
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Diazepam tablets 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, Actavis UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated September 2008, accessed May 2009.
- British National Formulary; 57th Edition (March 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.