Diazepam
Also known as: Valium
What it's for
Diazepam calms the brain and nerves. It treats anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures, and helps with alcohol withdrawal. It is also used before medical procedures to help you relax.
Comes as: Tablets, liquid, or rectal tubes
How to take it
- Adults: Dose varies depending on what it is treating.
- For anxiety: Usually 2mg, 3 times a day. May be increased if needed.
- Take at the same times each day.
- Only use for short periods (2 to 4 weeks) to avoid dependence.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Feeling drowsy or sleepy
- Feeling confused or forgetful
- Muscle weakness
- Feeling unsteady
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Can be addictive - only use for short periods
- Do not drink alcohol - it increases drowsiness
- Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you
- Do not stop taking it suddenly if used for more than a few weeks
Get medical help urgently if…
- You have difficulty breathing
- You feel very drowsy and cannot be woken
- You have thoughts of harming yourself
- You have a severe allergic reaction
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.