Diazepam Tablets

DIAZEPAM (dye AZ e pam) treats seizures, muscle spasms, or twitches. It is also used to treat anxiety, including before a procedure. It can 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. Do not take it more often than directed. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

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.

People 65 years and older may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

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 these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Headache

Keep out of the reach of children and pets. Store it out of sight in a safe place. Do not share it with others. Misuse of this medication is dangerous and against the law.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

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. To get rid of this medication:

• Take the medication to a take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• Follow the steps given to you by your pharmacy. You may be given a pre-paid mail-back envelope or disposal product to safely get rid of your medication.
• If other options are not available, check the package insert or medication guide to see if it should be flushed down the toilet or put in your trash at home. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in your trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix it with cat litter, dirt, used coffee grounds, or another unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a container, such as a plastic bag. Put it in the trash.

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

• Glaucoma
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma or COPD
• Mental health conditions
• Myasthenia gravis
• Sleep apnea
• 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:

• Sodium oxybate

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Alcohol
• Grapefruit juice
• Medications that cause drowsiness before a procedure, such as propofol
• Medications that help you fall asleep
• Medications that relax muscles
• Opioids for pain or cough
• Other benzodiazepines
• Phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
• Some antihistamines
• Some medications for depression, such as amitriptyline or trazodone
• Some medications for seizures, such as phenobarbital or primidone
• Supplements, such as green tea, melatonin, St. John's wort, valerian

This medication may affect how other medications work, and other medications may affect the way this medication works. Talk with your care team about all the medications you take. They may suggest changes to your treatment plan to lower the risk of side effects and to make sure your medications work as intended.

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.

There is a risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction with this medication. It is important to take this medication as directed by your care team.

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.

This medication is a CNS depressant. This is a type of medication or substance that slows down your brain and nervous system. Taking it with other CNS depressants can make you too sleepy. This can make it hard to breathe and stay awake. In some cases, it can cause coma and death. CNS depressants include opioids, benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, medications for sleep, alcohol, and street drugs. Talk to your care team about all the medications, vitamins, and supplements you take. They can tell you what is safe to take together. Call emergency services right away if you have slow or shallow breathing, feel dizzy or confused, or have trouble staying awake.

Do not stop taking this medication or reduce your dose without first talking to your care team. If you have taken this medication for a long time or take a high dose, your body may rely on it. Stopping it suddenly may cause a severe reaction. Talk to your care team about how long you need to take this medication. When it is time to stop, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to reduce the risk of side effects.

This medication may worsen depression and cause thoughts of suicide. This can happen at any time but is more common after first starting treatment and after a change in dose. Talk to your care team right away if you have changes in mood and behavior or thoughts of self-harm or suicide. They can help you.

Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. Prolonged use of this medication during pregnancy can cause temporary withdrawal in a newborn.

Talk to your care team before breastfeeding. Changes to your treatment plan may be needed. If you breastfeed while taking this medication, seek medical care right away if you notice the child has slow or noisy breathing, is unusually sleepy or not able to wake up, or is limp.