Diazepam is a medication that belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. It works by increasing the levels of a calming chemical in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) . Diazepam is used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures or fits. It is also used in hospitals to reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as sweating or difficulty sleeping, and to help patients relax before an operation or other medical or dental treatments. Diazepam can be taken as tablets, a liquid that you swallow, or in a rectal tube. It can also be given as an injection in the hospital.

Here are some key points to keep in mind about diazepam:

• Diazepam is a controlled substance and has a risk for abuse and addiction, which can lead to overdose and death.
• Taking diazepam with alcohol or other drugs that can cause drowsiness or breathing problems (especially opioid medications such as codeine, hydrocodone) may cause very serious side effects, including death.
• Diazepam has a risk of serious or life-threatening breathing problems, sedation, or coma if used along with certain medications.
• The most common side effect of diazepam is feeling drowsy.
• Diazepam should not be used for longer than 4 weeks.
• If you take diazepam and feel sleepy, do not drive, cycle, or use tools or machines.
• Do not drink alcohol while taking diazepam. It can make you sleep very deeply, and you may have breathing problems and difficulty waking up.
• Its possible to get addicted to diazepam, but youre less likely to get addicted if you take it at the lowest dose that helps your symptoms, for up to 4 weeks.