Detailed Drug Information:

DRUG CLASS: Diazepam is a member of the benzodiazepine family.Benzodiazepines are sedatives that cause dose-related depression of thecentral nervous system. They are useful in treating anxiety, insomnia,seizures, and muscle spasms.

PREPARATIONS: Tablets (2mg, 5mg, 10mg).

STORAGE: Diazepam should be stored at room temperature in atightly closed container.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Diazepam is used for the short-term relief ofsymptoms related to anxiety disorders. Diazepam is also used for thetreatment of agitation, tremors, delirium, seizures, and hallucinations asa result of alcohol withdrawal. Diazepam is also used for relief of musclespasms in certain neurological diseases. Diazepam is used to abort activeseizures and can be combined with other drugs in treating severe recurrentseizures.

DOSING: Diazepam may be taken with or without food. Diazepam ismetabolized by the liver and excreted mainly by the kidney. Dosages ofdiazepam may need to be lowered in patients with abnormal kidney function.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Alcohol should be avoided by patients takingbenzodiazepines. Diazepam can lead to addiction (dependency), especiallyat higher dosages over prolonged periods of time. Because of diazepam'saddicting potential, dosages should never be increased by the patient. Inpatients addicted to diazepam, abrupt discontinuation of the medicine canlead to symptoms of withdrawal (insomnia, headaches, nausea, vomiting,lightheadedness, sweating, anxiety, and fatigue). Seizures can occur inmore severe cases of withdrawal. Consequently, patients on diazepam forextended periods of time should slowly taper the medication under adoctor's supervision rather than abruptly stopping the medication. Tagametcan prolong the effects of diazepam and dosages may need to be decreasedwhen these drugs are used together.

PREGNANCY: Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam, can cause fetalproblems and should not be used in pregnancy.

NURSING MOTHERS: Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam, can cause fetal problems and should not be used in breast feeding mothers.

SIDE EFFECTS: The most frequent side effects of diazepam aredrowsiness, fatigue, and ataxia (loss of balance). Rarely, diazepam causesa paradoxical reaction with excitability, muscle spasm, lack of sleep, andrage. Confusion, depression, speech problems, and double vision are alsorare side effects of diazepam.