What is Diazepam?

Diazepam helps treat alcohol withdrawal, anxiety, and seizures. This drug also helps relieve muscle spasms and provides sedation before medical procedures. The drug works by calming the nerves and brain. Diazepam belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. You can easily buy diazepam online or from a local pharmacy store.

Important Information

• Diazepam may slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently been using opioid medicine, alcohol, or other medicines that may slow your breathing.
• If you have narrow-angle glaucoma, severe liver disease, myasthenia gravis, a severe breathing problem, sleep apnea, or are allergic to diazepam or similar medications (Klonopin, Xanax, and others),  you should not use this medication.
• Misuse of diazepam can lead to addiction, overdose, or death, especially in children or others who use it without a prescription.
• If you use opioids, alcohol, and other medicines that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing, fatal side effects may occur.
• Do not give diazepam to a child below the age of 6 months.

What to know before taking Diazepam?

Do not take diazepam if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• A severe breathing problem
• Myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness disorder)
• Untreated or uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma
• Sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep)
• Narrow-angle glaucoma
• Severe liver disease

Do not give diazepam to a child under the age of 6 months. You should not give this medication to a child without first consulting a doctor. To make sure this drug is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• A drug or alcohol addiction
• Breathing problems
• Kidney or liver disease
• Glaucoma
• Seizures (unless you are taking this medication to treat a seizure disorder)
• A mood disorder, depression, or suicidal thoughts or behavior

Some people may experience suicidal thoughts while taking diazepam. You must keep an eye out for any changes in your mood or symptoms. Tell your doctor if there are any new or worsening symptoms.  Do not start or stop using diazepam to treat seizures without talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. A seizure may harm both mother and baby during pregnancy. If you become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. If you use diazepam to treat anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, or muscle spasms while pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the drug. This may cause fatal withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. You should not breastfeed while using this medication.

How to take diazepam?

• Take diazepam as prescribed by your doctor. Follow your prescription label directions and read all medication guides. Never use diazepam in high amounts or longer than prescribed. Inform your doctor if you have an increased urge to use more diazepam.
• Do not share diazepam with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Misuse can lead to dependence, overdose, or death. Selling or giving away diazepam is against the law. However, you can order diazepam online with a prescription.
• Carefully measure liquid medicine. Use the dosing syringe or a dose-measuring device.
• You should only use diazepam for a short time. Do not take diazepam for more than four months without consulting your doctor. 
• Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly, even if you feel fine. Abruptly stopping this drug can lead to more seizures and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. When it comes to tapering your dose, follow your doctor’s instructions.
• You may need frequent medical tests. 
• Keep diazepam at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Always keep track of your medicine. If anyone uses it improperly or without a prescription, you should be aware.

Diazepam dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Anxiety

Take 2 mg to 10 mg orally, 2 to 4 times per day. 

Usual Adult Dose for Alcohol Withdrawal

Take 10 mg orally three to four times per day for the first 24 hours. Take 5 mg orally three to four times per day, as needed.

Usual Adult Dose for Muscle Spasm

Take 2 mg to 10 mg 3 to 4 times per day.

Usual Adult Dose for Seizures

Take 2 mg to 10 mg orally 2 to 4 times per day.

Overdose

• If you use alcohol, opioid, or other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow breathing, an overdose of diazepam can be fatal.
• The overdose symptoms may include loss of balance or coordination, extreme drowsiness, limp or weak muscles, slow breathing, or coma.

What to avoid while using diazepam?

• Avoid alcohol consumption while using diazepam. There may be harmful side effects or death.
• Grapefruit may interact with diazepam and cause harmful side effects. Avoid using products of grapefruit.
• Do not drive or do hazardous activities until you know how this drug affects you. Dizziness or drowsiness may lead to falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

Diazepam side effects

Diazepam can slow down or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medicine, alcohol, or other medicines that may slow your breathing. If you have weak or shallow breathing, are difficult to wake up, or stop breathing, someone caring for you should get emergency medical attention. Some common diazepam side effects may include:

• Drowsiness
• Feeling tired
• Muscle weakness
• Problems with balance or muscle movement

Diazepam may have sedative effects in older adults for a long time. Falls are common among older patients taking benzodiazepines. Use caution when taking this medicine to avoid falling or accidental injury. Contact your doctor or get medical help right away if you develop any of the following symptoms:

• Severe drowsiness or dizziness
• Unusual changes in mood or behavior
• Thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself
• Hallucinations, confusion, or sleep problems
• New or worsening symptoms of depression or anxiety
• New or worsening seizures

What drugs can interact with diazepam?

• Taking diazepam with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow breathing can result in dangerous side effects or death. Consult your doctor before using an opioid, sleep pill, muscle relaxer, prescribed cough medicine, or depression or seizure medicine.
• Other medicines, including prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products, can interact with diazepam.