Diazepam Tablets

DIAZEPAM (dye AZ e pam) treats seizures, muscle spasms or twitches. It may also be used to treat anxiety, including before a procedure. It can also be used to reduce the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. It works by helping your nervous system calm down. It belongs to a group of medications called benzodiazepines.

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed. If you have been taking this medication regularly for some time, do not suddenly stop taking it. You must gradually reduce the dose, or you may get severe side effects. Ask your care team for advice. Even after you stop taking this medication it can still affect your body for several days.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• CNS depression—slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, trouble staying awake
• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Headache

Keep out of the reach of children and pets. This medication can be abused. Keep your medication in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medication with anyone. Selling or giving away this medication is dangerous and against the law.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed.

This medication may cause harm and death if it is taken by other adults, children, or pets. It is important to get rid of the medication as soon as you no longer need it, or it is expired. You can do this in two ways:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, pour the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis, or other mental health condition
• Glaucoma
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Lung or breathing disease
• Myasthenia gravis
• Parkinson disease
• Seizures or a history of seizures
• Substance use disorder
• Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt by you or a family member
• An unusual or allergic reaction to diazepam, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Opioid medications for cough
• Sodium oxybate

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Alcohol
• Antacids
• Antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold
• Certain antibiotics, such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, rifampin
• Certain medications for anxiety or sleep
• Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat
• Certain medications for depression, such as amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline, tranylcypromine
• Certain medications for fungal infections, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, clotrimazole
• Certain medications for mental health conditions
• Certain medications for seizures, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, valproate
• Cimetidine
• Cyclosporine
• Dexamethasone
• Local anesthetics, such as lidocaine, pramoxine, tetracaine
• MAOIs, such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• Medications that relax muscles for surgery
• Omeprazole
• Opioid medications for pain
• Paclitaxel
• Phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
• Theophylline
• Warfarin

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Do not suddenly stop taking this medication. You may develop a severe reaction. Your care team will tell you how much medication to take. Long term use of this medication may cause your brain and body to depend on it. This can happen even when used as directed by your care team. You and your care team will work together to determine how long you will need to take this medication.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

If you are taking another medication that also causes drowsiness, you may have more side effects. Give your care team a list of all medications you use. Your care team will tell you how much medication to take. Do not take more medication than directed. Get emergency help right away if you have problems breathing or unusual sleepiness.

If you or your family notice any changes in your behavior, such as new or worsening depression, thoughts of harming yourself, anxiety, other unusual or disturbing thoughts, or memory loss, call your care team right away.

Talk to your care team if you wish to become pregnant or think you might be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy.

Talk to your care team before breastfeeding. Changes to your treatment plan may be needed.