What is diazepam?

Diazepam is a sedative medicine (a medicine that helps you feel calmer or more relaxed) in a medicine class called benzodiazepines. It is sometimes known by its generic name 'diazepam', and sometimes known by one of its trade names, such as ‘Valium'.

How does diazepam work?

Diazepam works by increasing the effect of several naturally occurring chemicals in the brain that make you feel calm, relaxed and sleepy. It can:

• reduce feelings of anxiety
• cause a sedative effect
• controls spasms or seizures
• relax muscles

Overall, it slows the brain and slows the movement of information from the brain to the nerves.

What is diazepam used for?

Diazepam is a medicine mainly used to treat people with anxiety or a panic disorder. Diazepam is used to treat anxiety that is more serious and severely debilitating than that caused by the normal stress of everyday life.

Diazepam is usually used only for short periods of time, around 2 to 4 weeks. This might be while other anti-anxiety medications take effect. Your doctor may advise a different plan if you need it. If you use diazepam over a longer period, there is a risk that you will become dependent.

Diazepam is also used to:

• relax muscles
• treat muscle spasms caused by injury or conditions such as cerebral palsy and paraplegia
• treat symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, such as trembling, confusion and anxiety

Your doctor may have prescribed diazepam for another reason. If you are not sure why your doctor has prescribed diazepam, ask your doctor.

What forms of diazepam are available?

Diazepam is the name of the active ingredient. It is available in many different brands, which have different:

• names
• appearances (size, shape or colour)
• forms (tablets, liquid or by injection)
• packaging

No matter which brand you are prescribed, diazepam works in the same way to treat your condition.

In Australia, you can only buy diazepam with a doctor's prescription.

What are the possible side effects or risks of diazepam?

All medicines have benefits but also the risk of side effects. Diazepam is able to help people with anxiety. However, some people experience side effects.

The most common side effects of diazepam include:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• muscle weakness
• unsteadiness
• forgetfulness or loss of memory
• headaches

There are other rare side effects. Tell your doctor at once or go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital if you experience any of these symptoms:

• sudden excitation or anxiety
• feelings of restlessness, agitation or anger
• abnormal behaviour
• hallucinations (hearing, seeing or smelling things that aren't there)
• breathing difficulties
• serious sleep disturbances

This is not a full list of side effects for diazepam. For more information about diazepam, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. You can also read the Consumer Medicines Information (CMI) leaflet about diazepam.

If you use benzodiazepine medicines, such as diazepam, longer than your doctor prescribes, you are at risk of becoming dependent. Discuss with your doctor how to slowly reduce your dose of diazepam to avoid any withdrawal symptoms when stopping treatment.

What should I be careful about when taking diazepam?

Diazepam can make you drowsy and slow your reaction times. Because of this, it's important that you don't drive or operate heavy machinery when you take it.

You should also avoid drinking alcohol and using recreational drugs when taking diazepam, as it can make you more sensitive to the effects of these substances.

Diazepam can also cause you to lose consciousness and can affect your breathing, especially in higher doses. Do not take more than your doctor prescribes for you.

How do I take diazepam?

Take diazepam as your doctor prescribes. It should only be used for short periods of 2 to 4 weeks, unless your doctor advises otherwise. Do not take more diazepam than your doctor has prescribed. Do not share your medicines with anyone else.

Take diazepam with water. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice as it can affect how your body absorbs the medicine. It does not matter if you take it with food or not.

Try to take diazepam at the same time each day.

When should I speak to my doctor?

Speak to your doctor if you:

• experience side effects that trouble you
• have signs of an allergic reaction
• have a health condition or are taking medicine that may affect how your body reacts to diazepam
• become pregnant, are planning a pregnancy or start breastfeeding

You should only take diazepam if there is a medical reason. It is not for ongoing use. If your doctor has prescribed diazepam and you're unsure why or when to stop, ask them for advice. Check the CMI for full details about when to speak with your doctor before or after taking diazepam.

Diazepam should only be used as prescribed. See your doctor for advice on managing your symptoms over the longer term.

Resources and support

Asking about your treatment or medicine is important, to help you understand your options. Read our guide to important questions to ask your pharmacist or doctor before taking a medicine.

You can also visit healthdirect's list of medicines that contain diazepam to read the CMI for the brand of diazepam prescribed.

If you are worried about diazepam dependence, you can contact the Alcohol Drug Information Service (ADIS).

Do you prefer to read in languages other than English?

You can find translated information about medicines on the NPS MedicineWise website.

Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?

The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation website has resources on medicines, side effects and more.