General Information and Indications:
Diazepam is used to relieve anxiety, muscle
spasms, and seizures and to control agitation caused by alcohol withdrawal.
This drug is sometimes ordered for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist
for more details.
Information For Users:
Diazepam comes as a tablet, extended-release
(long-acting) capsule, and concentrate (liquid) to take by mouth. Do not
open, chew, or crush the extended-release capsules; swallow them whole. It
is usually taken one to four times a day and may be taken with or without
food. Follow the directions on your prescription label, ask your doctor or
pharmacist If you have any questions. Take diazepam exactly as directed.
Diazepam concentrate (liquid) comes with a specially marked dropper for
measuring the dose. Ask your pharmacist to show you how to use the dropper.
Dilute the concentrate in water, juice, or carbonated beverages just before
taking it. It also may be mixed with applesauce or pudding just before
taking the dose.
Diazepam can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more
often, or for a longer time than your doctor tells you to. Tolerance may
develop with long-term or excessive use, making the drug less effective.
This medication must be taken regularly to be effective. Do not skip doses
even if you feel that you do not need them. Do not take diazepam for more
than 4 months or stop taking this medication without informing your doctor.
Stopping the drug suddenly can worsen your condition and cause withdrawal
symptoms (anxiousness, sleeplessness, and irritability). Your doctor
probably will decrease your dose gradually.
Other uses for this medicine
Diazepam is also used to treat irritable bowel syndrome and panic attacks.
Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication.
special precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to diazepam, alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Librax),
clonazepam (Klonopin), clorazepate (Tranxene), estazolam (ProSom),
flurazepam (Dalmane), lorazepam (Ativan), oxazepam (Serax), prazepam (Centrax),
temazepam (Restoril), triazolam (Halcion), or any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially antihistamines; cimetadine (Tagamet);
digoxin (Lanoxin); disulfiram (Antabuse); fluoxetine (Prozac); isoniazide (INH,
Laniazid, Nydrazid); ketoconazole (Nizoral); levodopa (Larodopa, Sinemet);
medications for depression, seizures, pain, Parkinson's disease, asthma,
colds, or allergies; metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL); muscle relaxants;
oral contraceptives; probenecid (Benemid); propoxyphene (Darvon);
propranolol (Inderal); ranitidine (Zantac); rifampin (Rifadin); sedatives;
sleeping pills; theophylline (Theo-Dur); tranquilizers; valproic acid (Depakene);
and vitamins. These medications may add to the drowsiness caused by
diazepam.
o if you use antacids, take diazepam first, then wait 1 hour before taking
the antacid.
o inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding glaucoma; seizures; or lung,
heart, or liver disease.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking diazepam, call your
doctor without delay.
o if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, Inform your doctor or
dentist that you are taking diazepam.
o you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or
operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
o remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
o Inform your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may
decrease the effectiveness of this drug.
Diazepam can cause false results in urine tests
for sugar using Clinistix and Diastix. Diabetic patients should useTesTape
to test their urine for sugar.
If you are taking diazepam to control seizures and have an increase in their
frequency or severity, call your doctor. Your dose may need to be adjusted.
If you use diazepam for seizures, carry identification (Medic Alert) stating
that you have epilepsy and that you are taking diazepam.
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Side effects from diazepam are common and include:
o drowsiness
o dizziness
o tiredness
o weakness
o dry mouth
o diarrhea
o upset stomach
o changes in appetite
Inform your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go
away:
o restlessness or excitement
o constipation
o difficulty in urination
o frequent urination
o blurred vision (Impaired vision)
o changes in sex drive or ability, impotence
If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor without delay:
o seizures
o shuffling walk
o persistent, fine tremor or inability to sit still
o fever
o difficulty swallowing or breathing
o severe skin rash
o yellowing of the skin or eyes, jaundice
o irregular heartbeat
Brand Name(s):
o Diazepam Intensol®
o Valium®
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