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Diazepam is used to relieve anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures and to control agitation caused by alcohol withdrawal.

Diazepam is also used to treat irritable bowel syndrome and panic attacks. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Diazepam is a prescription medication used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures. It is also used to treat symptoms of alcohol withdrawal including agitation, tremor, and hallucinations. Diazepam belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines which work by reducing the activity of nerves in the brain.

This medication comes in tablet, liquid (oral), injectable and rectal forms. Oral tablets and liquid may be taken 2 to 4 times daily, with or without food.

Common side effects include drowsiness, tiredness, and weakness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how Diazepam affects you.

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Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take:

• antihistamines
• cimetidine (Tagamet)
• digoxin (Lanoxin)
• disulfiram (Antabuse)
• fluoxetine (Prozac)
• isoniazid (INH, Laniazid, Nydrazid)
• ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• levodopa (Larodopa, Sinemet)
• antidepressant medicines
• medicine for seizures
• medicine for pain
• metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL)
• muscle relaxants
• oral contraceptives
• probenecid
• propoxyphene (Darvon)
• propranolol (Inderal)
• ranitidine (Zantac)
• rifampin (Rifadin)
• medicines for sleep
• theophylline (Theo-Dur)
• valproic acid (Depakene)

This is not a complete list of diazepam drug interactions. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Do not take diazepam if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, or if you are allergic to similar medications (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Restoril and others).

Diazepam may produce psychological and physical dependence (habit-forming) and is a controlled substance under Schedule IV. Never give this medicine to others.

You should talk to your doctor before either increasing your dose, or suddenly stopping this medication. The risk of dependence increases with the duration of treatment. In patients with a history of alcohol or drug abuse, the risk of dependence is also increased.

Diazepam may cause drowsiness and dizziness and may impair your ability to operate a vehicle or machinery. Do not drink alcohol, or take any medicines that cause drowsiness, while taking diazepam.

Oral diazepam (tablets and liquid) can be taken with our without food. Taking it with food may help if it bothers your stomach.

Diazepam concentrate (liquid) comes with a specially marked dropper for measuring the dose. Use only the calibrated dropper provided with this product. Draw into the dropper the amount prescribed for a single dose.

• Then squeeze the dropper contents into a liquid or semi-solid food. It is recommended that the dose be mixed with liquid or semi-solid food such as water, juices, soda or soda-like beverages, applesauce and puddings.
• Stir the liquid or food gently for a few seconds. The entire amount of the mixture, of drug and liquid or drug and food, should be consumed immediately. Do not store for future use.

If you miss a diazepam dose, do not take a double dose unless your doctor advises you to.

Do not abruptly stop taking diazepam without talking to your doctor. Your dosage may be gradually decreased to avoid withdrawal symptoms (anxiousness, sleeplessness, irritability).

Take diazepam exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you. The dosage must be individualized.

The usual adult dosage varies from 2 mg to 10 mg, up to four times daily.