This article describes diazepam oral tablet’s dosages, strengths, and details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for diazepam.
Diazepam oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Valium. Diazepam also comes in injectable forms, a liquid solution that’s swallowed, a spray that’s administered into the nose, and a gel that’s administered rectally. But these forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about these forms, talk with your doctor.
If you want to know more about diazepam oral tablet, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Boxed warnings
This drug has boxed warnings about the risks of misuse, addiction, dependence, and withdrawal. It also has a boxed warning about the risk of use with opioids. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
See the “Boxed warnings” section below for information about these warnings. You can also talk with your doctor to learn more.
Form and strengths of diazepam
Diazepam oral tablet comes as follows:
- Form: oral tablet that you swallow
- Strengths: 2 milligrams (mg), 5 mg, and 10 mg
Dosage of diazepam
This article describes the recommended dosages* for diazepam oral tablet.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you. Do not change your dosage of diazepam oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.
* The drugmaker provides these recommended dosages. If your doctor prescribes diazepam, be sure to take the dosage they prescribe for you.
Usual recommended dosages of diazepam in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of diazepam oral tablet. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of diazepam oral tablet that gives the desired outcome.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly prescribed. That said, always take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs.
The following table shows recommended dosages for adults taking diazepam oral tablet.
| Condition | Recommended dose | Frequency |
| anxiety | 2 milligrams (mg) to 10 mg | two to four times per day |
| alcohol withdrawal symptoms | • 10 mg during the first 24 hours of treatment • 5 mg after the first 24 hours of treatment | • three to four times during the first 24 hours of treatment • three to four times per day as needed after the first 24 hours of treatment |
| muscle spasms* | 2 mg to 10 mg | three to four times per day |
| seizures* | 2 mg to 10 mg | two to four times per day |
* For this use, you’ll take diazepam oral tablet together with other medications.
The recommended maximum dosage of diazepam oral tablet is 1 mg per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day. Your doctor will calculate your daily maximum dose using your body weight in kg. For reference, 1 kg equals 2.2 pounds (lb).
Pediatric dosages of diazepam
Diazepam is approved for the uses listed above in certain children. Doctors will prescribe the lowest dosage at first and increase the dosage as needed.
The recommended starting dosage for children ages 6 months to 17 years is 1 mg to 2.5 mg taken three or four times per day. Diazepam in not approved for treating conditions in children younger than 6 months of age.
Dosage adjustments for diazepam
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of diazepam oral tablet based on several factors, including:
- the condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
If you have kidney or liver problems, your doctor may have you start taking a lower dosage or adjust your dosage.
Missed dose of diazepam
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot a dose of diazepam oral tablet. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of diazepam oral tablet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try downloading a reminder app on your phone or setting an alarm.
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about diazepam oral tablet and its dosage.
Is there a diazepam 5-mg daily dosage recommended for sleep?
Diazepam oral tablet is not approved to help with sleep. For that reason, there isn’t a recommended dosage to help with sleep.
The drug can cause sleepiness as a side effect. If your doctor prescribes diazepam oral tablet for sleep, it would be considered an off-label use. (With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.)
Several medications are approved for treating insomnia (trouble sleeping). And some techniques can be used to help improve sleep.
If you’re thinking about taking diazepam off-label for sleep, keep in mind that diazepam is a controlled substance. (This means its use is regulated by the government because of certain risks the drug carries.) Diazepam has boxed warnings,* including some for risks of misuse, addiction, dependence, and withdrawal. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
If you have trouble sleeping, talk with your doctor about treatments for this condition. They can recommend treatment options that are right for you.
* See the “Boxed warnings” section below for more information about these warnings.
Can diazepam be taken for nerve pain? If so, what is the dosage?
Diazepam oral tablet is not approved to treat nerve pain. For that reason, there isn’t a recommended dosage to treat nerve pain.
Diazepam oral tablet is approved to treat muscle spasms, which can be painful. (It’s taken with other medications for this use.) See the “Dosage of diazepam” section above to view dosages for the drug’s approved uses.
If you’re interested in learning about treatments for nerve pain, talk with your doctor.
Is diazepam taken long term?
No, doctors don’t usually prescribe diazepam oral tablet as a long-term treatment. Instead, it’s usually recommended as a short-term treatment. The safety of taking diazepam for longer than 4 months isn’t known.
If you and your doctor determine that diazepam is safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it short term.
How diazepam is taken
Diazepam comes as a tablet that you take by swallowing, with or without food. In some cases, it’s taken two to four times per day. But for some conditions or in people of certain ages, it’s taken once per day.
You should not drive, operate heavy machinery, or drink alcohol while taking diazepam oral tablet. These activities can be dangerous. This is because diazepam can cause severe drowsiness, dizziness, or slowed reflexes.
As your treatment with diazepam ends, your doctor may slowly decrease your dosage. Doing so can help prevent withdrawal symptoms. (Withdrawal symptoms can occur when you stop taking a drug your body is dependent on. With dependence, your body needs the drug in order to function like usual.)*
If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form. Keep in mind that a diazepam liquid solution is available. You may wish to ask your doctor whether this form is an option for you.
Be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking this medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
* Diazepam oral tablet has boxed warnings about the risks of dependence and withdrawal. It also has boxed warnings about other risks. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). See the “Boxed warnings” section below for more information about these warnings.
