Diazepam

Generic name

Diazepam

Active ingredient

Diazepam

Product type

Small-molecule medicine

Drug class

Benzodiazepines

Brand names

UK Valium

Routes

Oral

Dosage forms

Tablet, Solution

Also known as

Valium

Monitoring

The NHS says diazepam should only be used for the short term, because longer use can cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms. Reducing use gradually is the approach NHS Inform describes after longer use, rather than stopping suddenly.

Availability by country

Legal status differs between countries and can change; each row cites the document it was taken from and applies only to the country named.

What it is used for

• Treating anxiety.
• Treating muscle spasms.
• Treating seizures.

How it works in the body

NHS Inform describes benzodiazepines as depressant drugs that slow down the central nervous system. The sources used for this page do not describe the mechanism in more detail.

Cautions and interactions

• The NHS says taking diazepam for longer than the short term can cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms.
• NHS Inform says tolerance can develop quickly and there is a risk of psychological and physical dependence.
• The MHRA says dependence can occur with therapeutic doses of benzodiazepines and can become established within weeks.
• NHS Inform says benzodiazepines slow the central nervous system, which increases the risk of overdose, particularly when combined with alcohol, gabapentinoids or opioids.
• The NHS lists long-term kidney, liver, heart or breathing problems, certain mental health conditions, a history of alcohol or recreational drug misuse and a past allergic reaction to diazepam or any other medicine as reasons diazepam may not be suitable.
• The NHS says diazepam should not be taken in pregnancy unless a doctor or pharmacist advises it. The manufacturer's patient leaflet says that if it is taken regularly during pregnancy, the baby may develop withdrawal symptoms.
• The NHS says diazepam passes into breast milk in small amounts, and advises checking with a pharmacist or doctor before use while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Interactions documented in the official sources cited on each card. The list covers the medicines represented on this site and is not exhaustive; how the interaction data is compiled.

No pair records for this medicine are in the sources currently represented by Anatomy Nexus. Absence from this list does not mean no interaction exists.

Same-class and related medicines

Same class: Benzodiazepines

Medicines that share the class of Diazepam. They are separate medicines with their own licences, doses and interactions, not alternative names for Diazepam.

What is diazepam used for?

The NHS says diazepam is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms and seizures. It is available only on prescription. NHS Inform describes benzodiazepines as depressant drugs that slow down the central nervous system.

Dependence, withdrawal and stopping

The NHS says diazepam should only be used for the short term, and that taking it for longer can cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms. NHS Inform says tolerance can develop quickly, with a risk of psychological and physical dependence. The MHRA says dependence can occur at therapeutic doses and can become established within weeks. If benzodiazepines are stopped suddenly, withdrawal effects can occur, and NHS Inform says these could be life-threatening. Because of this, reduction after longer use is gradual and planned with the prescriber; a GP appointment is the route, and NHS 111 or 999 if withdrawal symptoms are severe.

Driving, alcohol and side effects

The NHS lists feeling less alert, drowsiness, tiredness and low blood pressure among common side effects. The NHS advises against driving, cycling or using tools or machinery while affected. Alcohol and grapefruit juice can increase the risk of side effects, according to the NHS. Rare serious side effects include a severe allergic reaction, slowed breathing and yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Controlled drug status and who needs extra care

Diazepam is a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and is in Schedule 4 Part 1 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. The NHS lists long-term kidney, liver, heart or breathing problems, certain mental health conditions and a history of alcohol or drug misuse among the reasons for care. It is not advised in pregnancy unless a doctor or pharmacist recommends it, and the manufacturer's patient leaflet says that regular use during pregnancy may cause withdrawal symptoms in the baby. NHS Inform warns that combining benzodiazepines with alcohol, gabapentinoids or opioids raises the risk of overdose.

Frequently asked questions