What is the most important information I should know about diazepam?

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Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Diazepam will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.

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Avoid alcohol while taking diazepam. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by diazepam. Alcohol may also increase the risk of having a seizure if diazepam is being taken for a seizure condition.

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Diazepam is habit forming. You can become physically and psychologically dependent on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if diazepam is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose.

What is diazepam?

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Diazepam is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Diazepam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety, seizures, and muscle spasms.

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Diazepam is used to relieve anxiety, nervousness, and tension associated with anxiety disorders. It is also used to treat certain types of seizure disorders and muscle spasms.

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Diazepam may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking diazepam?

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Do not take diazepam if you have narrow-angle glaucoma. Diazepam may worsen this condition.

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Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you

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have kidney disease;

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have liver disease;

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have asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or another respiratory disease; or

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are depressed or have suicidal thoughts.

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You may not be able to take diazepam, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

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Diazepam is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that diazepam is known to harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

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Diazepam passes into breast milk. Do not take diazepam without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from diazepam. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

How should I take diazepam?

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Take diazepam exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

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Take each oral dose with a full glass of water.

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To ensure the correct dose, measure the liquid forms of diazepam with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

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Your doctor or nurse will give you detailed instructions for administration of the Diastat rectal gel. In general, application of the rectal gel is as follows:

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Remove the protective cover from the medication syringe and lubricate the rectal tip with lubricating jelly.

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Turn the person on their side facing you. Bend the upper leg forward and separate the buttocks to expose the rectum.

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Gently insert the syringe tip into the rectum. The rim should be snug against the rectal opening. Slowly count out loud to three while gently pushing the plunger in until it stops. Slowly count to three before removing the syringe. Slowly count to three and hold the buttocks together to prevent leakage.

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Keep the person on their side facing you, note the time the medication was given, and observe the person for signs of seizure, skin color, breathing, or any unusual reaction.

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Do not take diazepam more often or in larger doses than is prescribed.

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Diazepam is habit forming. You can become physically and psychologically dependent on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if diazepam is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose.

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Store diazepam at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication. A double dose could be dangerous.

What happens if I overdose?

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Seek emergency medical attention.

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Symptoms of a diazepam overdose include sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, a slow heart beat, difficulty breathing, difficulty walking and talking, an appearance of being drunk, and unconsciousness.

What should I avoid while taking diazepam?

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Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Diazepam will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.

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Avoid alcohol while taking diazepam. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by diazepam. Alcohol may also increase the risk of having a seizure if diazepam is being taken for a seizure condition.

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Diazepam may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of diazepam?

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If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking diazepam and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; or hives);

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sores in the mouth or throat;

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yellowing of the skin or eyes;

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a rash;

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hallucinations or severe confusion; or

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changes in your vision.

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Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take diazepam and talk to your doctor if you experience

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drowsiness, dizziness, or clumsiness;

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depression;

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nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation;

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difficulty urinating;

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vivid dreams;

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headache;

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dry mouth;

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decreased sex drive; or

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changes in behavior.

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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect diazepam?

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Diazepam may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.

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Antacids may decrease the effects of diazepam. Separate doses of an antacid and diazepam by several hours whenever possible.

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Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with diazepam. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

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Your pharmacist has additional information about diazepam written for health professionals that you may read.

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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.