Diazepam belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines.
It's used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms and seizures or fits. It's also used in hospital to reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as sweating or difficulty sleeping.
It can also be taken to help you relax before an operation or other medical or dental treatments. This is known as a pre-med.
It works by increasing the levels of a calming chemical in your brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Diazepam is available on prescription only.
It comes as tablets, a liquid that you swallow, or in a rectal tube – medicine that's squeezed into your bottom (anus). It can also be given as an injection in hospital.
Key facts
- The most common side effect of diazepam is feeling drowsy.
- You're not recommended to use diazepam for longer than 4 weeks.
- If you take diazepam and feel sleepy, do not drive, cycle or use tools or machines.
- Do not drink alcohol while taking diazepam. It can make you sleep very deeply. You may have breathing problems and difficulty waking up.
- It's possible to get addicted to diazepam, but you're less likely to get addicted if you take it at the lowest dose that helps your symptoms, for up to 4 weeks.
- Diazepam is also known as Valium, but this brand is not available in the UK anymore.