How do you take Diazepam?

For anxiety, adults usually take 2 mg to 10 mg, two to three times daily depending on how serious the condition is. Your doctor will start you on a low dose and adjust it. Swallow the tablet with water — it can be taken with or without food. Do not take more than your doctor prescribes, and do not use it for longer than your doctor says, as your body can get used to it quickly.

What are the side effects of Diazepam?

Feeling very sleepy or drowsy, dizziness or light-headedness, feeling tired or weak, slight confusion, muscle weakness

Who should not take Diazepam?

People allergic to diazepam or other benzodiazepines, people with severe breathing problems, people with severe liver disease, people with a condition called myasthenia gravis (serious muscle weakness), people with sleep apnoea (breathing stops during sleep), anyone with a history of drug or alcohol addiction should use it only with extreme caution, and elderly people should use very low doses.

Prescription

Benzodiazepine (sedative/calming medicine)

Diazepam

Q: What is Diazepam used for?

Anxiety and nervousness, trouble sleeping, muscle spasms and stiffness, seizures (convulsions/fits), alcohol withdrawal symptoms, calming patients before surgery or medical procedures

Last reviewed June 2026

Who is this for?

What is this drug?

Diazepam is a calming medicine that works by slowing down activity in the brain and nervous system, helping you feel relaxed and less anxious. It belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines.

What is it used for?

Anxiety and nervousnesstrouble sleepingmuscle spasms and stiffnessseizures (convulsions/fits)alcohol withdrawal symptomscalming patients before surgery or medical procedures

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Epilepsy & Seizures Anxiety & Sleep Problems Muscle Cramps & Spasms

How it works

Binds to benzodiazepine receptors on GABA-A channels in the central nervous system, enhancing GABAergic inhibitory neurotransmission and producing sedative, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant effects.

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

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What to watch out for

Diazepam is a controlled substance — only buy it with a doctor's prescription from a licensed pharmacy, never from roadside vendors or open markets. This drug can be very addictive; do not use it for longer than 2 to 4 weeks unless your doctor specifically instructs you to. Do not drive, operate machines, or do anything that requires alertness after taking diazepam, as it makes you very drowsy.

Common Side Effects

Feeling very sleepy or drowsy
dizziness or light-headedness
feeling tired or weak
slight confusion
muscle weakness

Serious Side Effects

Difficulty breathing or very slow breathing — go to the hospital immediately. Severe confusion
memory loss
or hallucinations (seeing things that are not there) — stop the drug and see a doctor. Signs of dependence such as needing more and more of the drug to feel the same effect
or feeling very unwell when you stop taking it.

Drug Interactions

Alcohol — never drink alcohol while taking diazepam, as the combination can cause dangerous drowsiness, breathing problems, or even death. Other sleeping pills, painkillers like tramadol or codeine, and antihistamines (allergy medicines) can dangerously increase the sedating effect. Some antibiotics and antifungals like ketoconazole can increase diazepam levels in your body.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Diazepam is not safe during pregnancy as it can harm the unborn baby, and it passes into breast milk — do not use it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless your doctor specifically says you must.

Who Should NOT Take This

People allergic to diazepam or other benzodiazepines
people with severe breathing problems
people with severe liver disease
people with a condition called myasthenia gravis (serious muscle weakness)
people with sleep apnoea (breathing stops during sleep)
anyone with a history of drug or alcohol addiction should use it only with extreme caution
and elderly people should use very low doses.

How to Store

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — this is especially important in hot Nigerian weather. Keep the medicine tightly sealed and far out of the reach of children. Do not store in the bathroom where there is moisture.

For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.