Diazepam

Common brand name: Diastat, Dizac, Valium

Type of medication: Anticonvulsant, anti-anxiety, muscle relaxant

Why is this drug prescribed?
Diazepam is prescribed to treat seizures, anxiety, muscle spasms, and other medical conditions.

How is diazepam given?
Diazepam comes in the form of a tablet or as an oral solution. Your doctor can help you decide which form is best for you and will tell you how much to take at each dose.

In order for diazepam to effectively control your seizures, it is important that a constant amount of it remains in the bloodstream. In order to accomplish this, try taking the drug around the same time everyday as ordered by your doctor.

If you are taking the oral solution form of this medication, be sure to take the entire mixture right away and do not save any of it for later. For each dose, mix the solution with water, soda or semisolid food such as applesauce of pudding before taking.

Follow the directions on the prescription label carefully. If there is any part that you do not understand, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Do not take any more or less than prescribed and do not take it more often than prescribed.

NEVER abruptly discontinue this medication. Stopping this drug suddenly can worsen your condition and cause withdrawal symptoms (anxiousness, sleeplessness, irritability). Prior to stopping this medication, your doctor will probably reduce your dose gradually.

What special precautions should I follow before using this drug?
Before taking diazepam, inform your doctor of any prescription or over-the-counter medications that you are currently taking; this includes any herbal medications or supplements that you are taking. Also, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems or conditions including:

• Drug allergies especially to other related drugs such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), or clorazepate (Tranxene), lorazepam (Ativan), oxazepam (Serax), temazepam (Restoril), triazolam (Halcion)
• Drug or alcohol abuse or a history of
• Brain diseases
• Emphysema, asthma, bronchitis or other chronic lung diseases.
• Glaucoma
• Hyperactivity
• Depression
• Myasthenia gravis
• Porphyria (inherited diseases characterized by skin sensitivity to sunlight and/or by intermittent acute attacks of abdominal and nerve pain)
• Sleep apnea
• Kidney, liver or heart disease
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

What special instructions should I follow while using this drug?
Diazepam adds to the effects of other central nervous system suppressants such as alcohol and those found in many antihistamines, cold medications, pain medications, sleep aids and muscle relaxants. Check with your doctor before taking any of these items. Also, tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this drug.

Because this medication can cause drowsiness and dizziness, make sure you are aware of how this drug reacts before driving or using machines that require you to be alert.

Before you have any kind of surgery, dental treatment or emergency treatment, tell your doctor or dentist if you are using this medication.

Diazepam may be harmful to the unborn child. Use an effective form of birth control. If you think you are pregnant while using this medication, tell your doctor right away.

This medication may be habit-forming. If you feel that the medicine is not working well, do not take more than your prescribed dose. Instead, contact your doctor for further instruction.

Your doctor may want you to carry a medical identification card or bracelet stating that you are taking this medication.

Do not let anyone else take your medication

What are the common side effects?
The most common side effects of diazepam include:

• Clumsiness or unsteadiness
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Slurred speech
• Skin rash

When should I call my doctor?
If you experience any of the following side effects, contact you doctor immediately:

• Anxiety
• Fast, irregular heartbeat
• Loss of memory of events taking place after the drug has been taken
• Depression
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Seizures
• Muscle weakness
• Persistent fine tremor or inability to sit still
• Yellow skin or eyes
• Have any questions or concerns

What should I do if I forget a dose?
If a dose is missed, simply take it as soon as you remember if it is within an hour of the scheduled dose. Otherwise simply skip the missed dose and proceed with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.

What storage conditions are necessary for this drug?
Diazepam should be kept in its original container, tightly sealed and away from children. The tablet form should be stored in room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom) and out of direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate or freeze the liquid form of diazepam. Any medication that is outdated or unused should be thrown away.