Diazepam - a benzodiazepine

About diazepam

Diazepam works by affecting the way certain substances in your brain (called neurotransmitters) pass messages to your brain cells. It has a calming effect on various functions of your brain.

The calming effect is helpful in a variety of conditions which can be caused by anxiety, such as panic attacks, agitation and difficulties sleeping. The calming effect is also used to relax and/or sedate people who are having certain medical investigations or treatments. It is given as a pre-med, particularly during procedures that can cause anxiety or discomfort.

The calming action also helps to relax muscles. Diazepam is used to treat muscle spasm, and also to treat fits caused by epilepsy or fever. Rectal diazepam tubes (enemas) are often prescribed for the treatment of fits as they are useful where a quick effect is needed and where swallowing tablets or medicine is not practicable.

Diazepam can also be prescribed to help reduce withdrawal effects in people who are alcohol-dependent and who want to stop drinking.

However, diazepam is usually prescribed only for very short periods of not more than 1-3 weeks. If you take it for longer, the medicine may lose its effect (you may become tolerant to the effect), and if you stop it you may develop withdrawal symptoms. You may need to keep taking the medicine to avoid the withdrawal symptoms. This is known as drug dependence.

In addition, you may become addicted to diazepam. Addiction is different from dependence. You have an overwhelming craving for a drug, so that you feel compelled to take it even though it is harming you physically or affecting your life and relationships.

Before taking diazepam

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking diazepam it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have any breathing problems.

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works, or if you have any problems with the way your kidneys work.

• If you have a mental health problem. This includes conditions such as psychosis, depression, obsessive conditions, phobias and personality disorders.

• If you have ever had a drug or alcohol addiction.

• If you have a condition causing severe muscle weakness called myasthenia gravis.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take diazepam

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about diazepam, and will also provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience from taking it.

• Take diazepam exactly as your doctor tells you to - the dose will be individualised to suit your needs. The directions for taking it will be printed on the label of the pack to remind you about what the doctor said to you. You could be asked to take just one single dose (if it is before a medical procedure, for example), or to take regular doses for a short while. If you are to take diazepam regularly, you could be asked to take one, two, or three doses a day. The course of treatment prescribed will be as short as possible. If you have any questions about how to take your diazepam, please ask your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

• If you have been prescribed tablets to take, swallow the tablet with a drink of water. You can take diazepam either before or after food.

• If you (or your child) have been prescribed diazepam rectal tubes, carefully read the instructions on the label as soon as you collect your supply to make sure you know how to use them when needed.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep any appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.

• Diazepam is likely to affect your reactions and ability to drive. It is an offence to drive while your reactions are impaired. Do not drive until you know how you react, especially when you first start treatment. Please also be aware that the effects of diazepam can last into the following day. Even if your driving ability is not impaired, should you drive, you are advised to carry with you some evidence that the medicine has been prescribed for you - a repeat prescription form or a patient information leaflet from the pack is generally considered suitable.

• Do not drink alcohol while you are on diazepam. It will increase the risk of sedative side-effects.

• If you are due to have an operation or any dental treatment, please tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking diazepam. This is because diazepam increases the effects of some anaesthetics.

• Your doctor could recommend that you reduce your dose of diazepam gradually when it is time to stop taking it. This is to reduce the risk of you experiencing withdrawal effects. Follow carefully any instructions your doctor gives to you.

Can diazepam cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains the most common ones associated with diazepam. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the medicine, please speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

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