Diazepam

About Diazepam

This belongs to the group of medicines known as benzodiazepines.

Diazepam can be used to relieve a wide range of conditions including anxiety (worry), convulsions (fits) caused by epilepsy or fever, sleep problems, muscle spasms and sedation before surgery.

Diazepam works by affecting activity in the part of the brain that controls emotion and also by relaxing muscles.

Diazepam is available in tablet, oral solution and injection.

Before taking Diazepam

Before taking any of this medicine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease)
• if you suffer from liver, kidney or respiratory (breathing) problems including sleep apnoea (temporary stopping of breathing during sleep)
• if you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder)
• if you have a history of psychiatric problems
• if you have ever had a problem with drug or alcohol addiction
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to take Diazepam

• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take Diazepam exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Diazepam should only be taken for a short time.
• Diazepam is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Diazepam contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty. Signs of overdose include persistent slurred speech, confusion, severe drowsiness and excessive weakness.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Diazepam.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking Diazepam.
• Keep regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked.
• Diazepam can cause people to feel drowsy, dizzy, light-headed, clumsy, unsteady or less alert than normal. Make sure you know how you react to Diazepam before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, do so only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.
• Diazepam can occasionally cause constipation. To prevent constipation it is important to: Eat a well balanced diet containing fibre (whole grain breads and cereals, bran, fruit and green leafy vegetables). Drink plenty of fluids, 6 to 8 full glasses of liquid each day. Take daily exercise.

Can Diazepam cause problems?

As well as their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Drowsiness and lightheadedness the next day, confusion, shaky or unsteady movements, memory loss, dependence, muscle weakness, headache, dizziness, diarrhoea, constipation, tummy pain, problems with eyesight, shakiness, sexual problems, urine problems or a skin rash.

If you experience any other worrying or troublesome symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store Diazepam

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Do not keep any out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 18/02/2005