Health Library

Diazepam (By mouth)

Diazepam (dye-AZ-e-pam)

Treats anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasms, and seizures.

Brand Name(s):

Valium

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• Buccal film:
  • Family members, caregivers, and others should be taught on how to give this medicine in case a seizure cluster happens.
  • Make sure your hands are clean and dry before handling this medicine so the film does not stick to your fingers.
  • Open the pouch and remove the film. Fold the foil pouch along the solid line. Check where the vertical slit is and carefully tear down the side of the pouch at the slit along the arrow to open the pouch.
  • Remove the medicine from the foil pouch. Stretch either cheek open with one hand and place one film flat against the cheek with your other hand. Do not rub the film into the cheek with your finger. Place the film directly onto the inside of the cheek. Do not place it on the teeth.
  • Remove fingers from the cheek. If the film is spit out or blown out immediately, give another dose using a new film. Do not give this medicine with liquids.
  • Allow the film to dissolve. Do not give another dose if the film is swallowed or chewed.
  • The film will stick to the inside of the cheek and begin to dissolve. Saliva may be swallowed normally while the film dissolves.
  • Take note of the time you first gave the dose and changes in the resting breath rate. If a second dose is needed, it may be given at least 4 hours after the first dose. Do not use more than 2 doses of diazepam buccal film to treat a single episode.
  • Do not use this medicine for more than 1 episode every 5 days or more than 5 episodes per month.
  • Do not give a second dose if you are concerned about the child's breathing, an emergency rescue treatment with breathing help is needed, or there is more sleepiness than normal.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how diazepam works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Cimetidine, clotrimazole, cyclosporine, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, imipramine, ketoconazole, omeprazole, paclitaxel, phenytoin, propranolol, quinidine, theophylline, troleandomycin, warfarin
  • Medicine to treat depression or mental health problem, including MAO inhibitor
  • Medicine to treat seizures
  • Phenothiazine medicine
  • Stomach medicine, including antacids
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Using this medicine during the later part of a pregnancy may cause problems in your newborn baby (including sedation or withdrawal symptoms). Tell your doctor right away if you think you have become pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. This medicine passes into your breast milk and may cause problems in your baby. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, glaucoma, lung or breathing problems, or a history of drug or alcohol use disorder, depression, mental health problems, or seizures.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased risk of overdose, which can be life-threatening
  • Respiratory depression (serious breathing problem that can be life-threatening), when used with opioid pain medicines
  • Unusual thoughts or behavior
  • Eye or vision problems, including increased pressure in the eye
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blue lips, fingernails, or skin
• Blurred vision or other changes in vision, eye pain
• Change in how much or how often you urinate
• Change or loss of consciousness, confusion, dizziness, faintness, lightheadedness, problems with coordination or walking, sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
• Seizures or tremors
• Tiredness or weakness, slow heartbeat, trouble breathing
• Unusual mood or behavior, worsening depression, thoughts about hurting yourself, trouble sleeping

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024