Like all medicines, diazepam can cause side effects in some people, but many people have no side effects or only minor ones.
Common side effects
These common side effects of diazepam happen in more than 1 in 100 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them:
Feeling sleepy or drowsy
Do not drive, cycle or use tools or machinery until you feel better. Do not drink any alcohol. This side effect should get better as your body gets used to the medicine. If your symptoms do not improve after a week, speak to a doctor as you may need a lower dose.
Confusion
Keep taking the medicine and speak to your doctor.
Problems with your co-ordination or controlling your movements
Keep taking the medicine and speak to your doctor.
Shaky hands (tremors)
Keep taking the medicine and speak to your doctor.
Serious side effects
It happens rarely, but some people have serious side effects when taking diazepam.
Talk to a doctor or contact 111 straight away if:
- your skin turns yellow, or the whites of your eyes turn yellow although this may be less obvious on brown or black skin
- you see or hear things that are not there (hallucinations)
- you think things that are not true (delusions)
- you keep falling over
- you have unusual mood changes such as talking more than usual or feeling overexcited, agitated, restless, irritable or aggressive – these side effects are more likely in children or if you're over 65
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.
Make an appointment to see your doctor if you have memory loss (amnesia).
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E now if:
- your breathing becomes very slow or shallow
Serious allergic reaction
In rare cases, diazepam may cause a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E now if:
- you get a skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin
- you're wheezing
- you get tightness in the chest or throat
- you have trouble breathing or talking
- your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling
You could be having a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.
Long-term side effects
Diazepam can cause withdrawal symptoms if you take it for a long time.
If you're prescribed diazepam for more than 4 weeks, your dose may be reduced gradually when you stop taking it to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Other side effects
These are not all the side effects of diazepam. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.
You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.