Diazepam is used to treat anxiety that is more severe than that caused by the normal stress of everyday life. Diazepam is also used to relax muscles and treat muscle spasms that occur due to injuries and conditions such as cerebral palsy and paraplegia. It can also be used to treat panic attacks and alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, confusion, and anxiety.
Your doctor may have prescribed diazepam for another reason. If you are not sure why you are taking diazepam, ask your doctor.
How does diazepam work?
Diazepam belongs to a group of medications called benzodiazepines. It works on several different chemicals in the brain. In general, it slows down the brain and slows the transmission of information from the brain to the nerves.
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 color)
forms (tablets, liquid or injection)
packaging
Regardless of which brand you are prescribed, diazepam works the same way to treat your condition.
What are the possible side effects of diazepam?
All medications have benefits but also the risk of side effects. Diazepam helps most people with anxiety, but some people have side effects.
The most common side effects include:
fatigue
drowsiness
muscular weakness
instability
It can also make you forgetful and dizzy.
There are other rare side effects. Tell your doctor immediately or go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital if you experience any of these symptoms:
sudden excitement or anxiety
feelings of restlessness, agitation, or anger
abnormal behavior
hallucinations (hearing, seeing, or smelling things that are not there)
breathing difficulties
severe sleep disturbances
In general, diazepam should be used only for short periods, about 2 to 4 weeks, unless directed by your doctor. If used for a long period of time, you may become dependent on diazepam.
This is not a complete list of diazepam side effects. For more information about diazepam, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You can also read the Consumer Drug Information (CMI) leaflet for diazepam.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.