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Diazepam

Brand names: Valium, Valtoco (nasal), Diastat (rectal)

Diazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine for anxiety, muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal, and seizure emergencies.

Brand namesValium, Valtoco (nasal), Diastat (rectal)
Type of medicineBenzodiazepine
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

Nasal and rectal forms are rescue medicines for seizure clusters. It's a controlled substance.

What it's used for

  • Anxiety
  • Alcohol withdrawal
  • Muscle spasms (add-on)
  • Rescue treatment for seizure clusters

How to take it

  • Take it exactly as prescribed.
  • Don't stop suddenly after regular use.
  • Keep it locked up.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Sleepiness
  • Tiredness
  • Unsteadiness
  • Muscle weakness
Call 911Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing, blue lips, or can't be woken up
Call 911A seizure that doesn't stop after a rescue dose
Call 911Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. Call or text 988 any time.
Call your provider todayConfusion or unusual behavior

Warnings

  • Boxed warnings: misuse, addiction, and dependence; deadly risk with opioids.
  • Older adults are more likely to fall.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Taking it with opioids, alcohol, or other sedating medicines can slow breathing and cause death.
  • Some antifungals, cimetidine, and fluvoxamine raise its level.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk with your provider. Use late in pregnancy can affect the newborn.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.