Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved diazepam oral tablets to treat several conditions. It may be prescribed to adults and some children for the following:
This article describes possible side effects (also known as adverse effects) of diazepam oral tablet. 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 an oral solution that you swallow, an injectable form, and a gel form. But these forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about these forms, talk with your doctor.
You can explore this overview article to learn more about diazepam oral tablet, including the drug’s uses, dosage, and more.
Boxed warnings
Diazepam has boxed warnings for the following:
- risk when taking with opioid drugs
- risk of misuse and addiction*
- risk of dependence and withdrawal*
Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For details about the risk when taking with opioid drugs, see the “Side effects of diazepam in detail” section below. For details about the risk of misuse and addiction and the risk of dependence and withdrawal, see the “Withdrawal, dependence, and misuse of diazepam” section below.
Due to these risks, it’s important to take diazepam only as your doctor prescribes. For details about this, see “What are the overdose symptoms of diazepam?” in the “Common questions about side effects of diazepam” section below.
* This warning is shown in the prescribing information for Valium, which is the brand-name version of diazepam oral tablet.
More common side effects of diazepam
Diazepam oral tablet may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of diazepam oral tablet include:
- drowsiness
- fatigue
- muscle weakness
- ataxia (lack of muscle control and coordination)
Mild side effects of diazepam
Diazepam may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be managed easily. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects of diazepam oral tablet that occurred in studies include:
- drowsiness
- fatigue
- muscle weakness
- ataxia (lack of muscle control and coordination)
- slurred speech
- memory problems, including memory loss or difficulty forming new memories
- mild movement problems, such as tremors
- libido (sex drive) changes
- incontinence
- urinary retention
- constipation
- nausea
- changes in saliva, including dry mouth or excessive saliva
- headache*
- dizziness*
- mild allergic reaction†
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of diazepam in detail” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with diazepam oral tablet. But it wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.
Diazepam oral tablet may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.
Serious side effects of diazepam
Diazepam may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from diazepam oral tablet, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with diazepam oral tablet.
Serious side effects of diazepam oral tablet that occurred in studies include:
- inability to safely perform hazardous activities that require coordination, such as driving or operating machinery
- serious movement problems, such as uncontrolled muscle movements
- central nervous system depression
- depression and other mental health side effects, including:
- blurry or double vision
- risk when taking with opioid drugs*
- risk of dependence and withdrawal†
- risk of misuse and addiction†
- severe allergic reaction‡
* Diazepam oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effects of diazepam in detail” section below.
† Diazepam oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Withdrawal, dependence, and misuse of diazepam” section below.
‡ An allergic reaction is possible with diazepam oral tablet. But it wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.
Side effects of diazepam in children
Diazepam is approved for use in children ages 6 months and older. Side effects in children receiving diazepam treatment are typically similar to those seen in adults.
But children taking diazepam have a higher risk of certain side effects than adults. These include mental health side effects, such as:
If you notice changes in your child’s mood, behavior, or other mental health symptoms, call their doctor immediately. The doctor will likely stop diazepam treatment.
Common questions about side effects of diazepam
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of diazepam oral tablet. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Do the different strengths of diazepam, such as 5 mg or 2 mg, cause different side effects?
No, different strengths of diazepam aren’t expected to cause different side effects.
But compared with a lower dose, a higher dose of diazepam can increase the risk of side effects. These include a higher risk of memory problems and dependence.*
Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about side effects regarding your diazepam dosage.
* Diazepam oral tablet has a boxed warning for dependence. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Withdrawal, dependence, and misuse of diazepam” section below.
How do the side effects of diazepam in older adults compare with those seen in younger adults?
Diazepam usually causes the same side effects in older and younger adults. (Older adults are usually considered ages 65 years and older.)
But, adults ages 65 years and older are at higher risk of certain side effects from diazepam treatment. In particular, they are at higher risk for the following side effects:
- difficulty concentrating
- drowsiness
- memory loss
- problems with balance and coordination
Drowsiness and problems with balance place older adults at an increased risk of falls. And falls can lead to broken bones and other complications. To help lower these risks, doctors often prescribe a lower diazepam dosage to older adults.
Talk with your doctor if you’d like to know how your age might affect your diazepam treatment.
Is diazepam available as a suppository? If so, what are the side effects of the suppository form?
No, diazepam isn’t available as a suppository.
The rectal gel Diastat contains diazepam. This brand-name medication is available in a generic form called diazepam rectal gel.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re interested in learning more about Diastat or its generic.
What are the overdose symptoms of diazepam?
Overdose symptoms reported with diazepam include:
- drowsiness
- confusion
- sluggishness or extreme tiredness
- loss of reflexes or muscle control
- low blood pressure
- slowed, shallow breathing
- coma
In extreme cases, diazepam overdose has resulted in death.
It’s important to only take diazepam as prescribed by your doctor and not take a different dosage. Doing so helps prevent overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much diazepam, call your doctor right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers or use its online tool. But if your symptoms seem life threatening, call 911 or a local emergency phone number. You can also go to the nearest emergency room right away.
Does diazepam cause long-term side effects?
Yes, it can cause long-term side effects, but this is rare.
Long-term side effects can occur at any point during diazepam treatment. They can occur even if you’ve taken the drug for a long time without the side effect. They also include side effects that may start or continue after stopping the drug.
Long-term side effects reported with diazepam include:
- depression
- inability to safely perform hazardous activities that require coordination, such as driving or operating machinery
- movement problems, such as muscle tremors or uncontrolled muscle movements
- central nervous system depression
- risk of misuse and addiction*
- risk of dependence and withdrawal*
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have additional questions about diazepam and long-term side effects the drug may cause.
* Diazepam oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Withdrawal, dependence, and misuse of diazepam” section below.
Withdrawal, dependence, and misuse of diazepam
Diazepam has a boxed warning about the risk of misuse and addiction. It also has a boxed warning regarding the risk of dependence and withdrawal. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Note: Diazepam also has a boxed warning about the risk when taking it with opioid drugs. For more information, see the “Side effects of diazepam in detail” section below.
Diazepam and the risk of misuse and addiction
It’s possible to misuse diazepam. With misuse, a person takes a drug in a way other than how it’s prescribed. Taking a drug such as diazepam to get “high” is an example of drug misuse.
Misusing diazepam can lead to addiction to the drug. With addiction, any of the following may occur:
- neglecting work, school, or social obligations due to misusing the drug
- continuing to misuse the drug despite the negative consequences it’s causing
- inability to stop misusing the drug
(Note: Addiction is not the same as drug dependence. See the “Diazepam and the risk of dependence and withdrawal” section below for more information.)
Diazepam misuse and addiction can cause serious central nervous system (CNS) depression. (The CNS includes your brain and spinal cord. It controls activities throughout your body). Serious CNS depression can cause life threatening side effects, including trouble breathing, seizure, and coma. In rare cases, it can be fatal. The risk is raised when you take diazepam with other medications or substances (such as alcohol) that also depress your CNS.
Because of these risks, diazepam is a controlled substance in the United States. This means it’s a prescription medication with strict regulations concerning how healthcare professionals may prescribe and dispense it. These regulations help prevent possible misuse and addiction.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about diazepam and misuse or addiction.
Diazepam and the risk of dependence and withdrawal
It’s possible to become dependent on diazepam, even when taking it at recommended doses. Drug dependence occurs when your body needs a drug to function like usual. (It’s also possible to be dependent on a drug but not addicted to it.)
Withdrawal describes symptoms that can occur when you stop taking a drug on which your body is dependent. Withdrawal is possible when suddenly stopping diazepam, and symptoms can range from mild to serious. They include:
Because of the risk of withdrawal, you should:
- not stop taking diazepam unless your doctor tells you to do so
- not adjust your diazepam dose
- not use the medication in a way that is different from how your doctor tells you to take it
If you and your doctor agree that you’ll stop taking diazepam, your doctor will slowly lower your dose of the drug over time. This is called a drug taper. Following a drug taper lowers your risk of withdrawal symptoms.
Suicide prevention
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Coupon for diazepam
Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for diazepam when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.
Side effects of diazepam in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of diazepam oral tablet.
Risk when taking with opioid drugs
Diazepam has a boxed warning about the risk when taking it with opioid drugs. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Diazepam and opioids both cause central nervous system (CNS) depression. (Your CNS includes your brain and spinal cord and controls many activities in your body.) When these drugs are taken together, serious side effects are possible. These include difficulty breathing, seizures, and coma. The combination can even result in death in rare cases.
Examples of opioids include:
Diazepam also has other boxed warnings. One is for the risk of misuse and addiction. Another is for the risk of dependence and withdrawal. For more information about these additional risks, see the “Withdrawal, dependence, and misuse of diazepam” section above.
Ways to manage
Due to the serious risks when taking them together, doctors typically avoid prescribing diazepam with opioids.
But sometimes, no other suitable treatments are available. In this case, your doctor might prescribe diazepam and an opioid together. If so, they’ll prescribe the lowest possible dose of both medications necessary for your symptoms. During treatment, they’ll also monitor you closely for side effects.
If your doctor prescribes this combination for you, watch for signs of CNS depression described just above. You might also alert a friend or family member to watch for these symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, immediately call 911 or a local emergency number.
If you take diazepam with an opioid, your doctor may also prescribe naloxone (Narcan, Kloxxado, and others). This medication helps treat CNS depression that can occur while taking diazepam with an opioid. Certain forms of naloxone may be available without a prescription at your local pharmacy. To learn more, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Headache
Headache is a possible side effect of diazepam. It’s not known how often this side effect occurred in the drug’s studies.
Headache can also be a symptom of withdrawal if diazepam treatment is stopped abruptly.
Ways to manage
If you develop a mild headache from taking diazepam, you may be able to treat it at home. Some home remedies for a headache that may help include:
- engaging in light exercise, such as a walk or gentle yoga
- using a hot or cold compress
- taking a nap
- drinking water and avoiding alcohol until your symptoms go away
You may also try taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether this is safe for you to take.
Talk with your doctor if you experience headaches often while taking diazepam. Also let them know if it interferes with your daily activities. They may suggest stopping treatment with diazepam and exploring other options to treat your condition.
Dizziness
Dizziness is a possible side effect of diazepam. It’s not known how often this side effect occurred in the drug’s studies.
Ways to manage
Talk with your doctor if you develop dizziness during your diazepam treatment. Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms to determine possible causes. If they think it’s due to diazepam, they may suggest stopping it and exploring other treatment options.
Allergic reaction
For some people, diazepam oral tablet can cause an allergic reaction. But this side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.
Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:
- itchiness
- skin rash
- swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or a local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to diazepam oral tablet, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Warnings for diazepam
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking diazepam oral tablet.
Boxed warnings
Diazepam has boxed warnings for the following:
- risk when taking with opioid drugs
- risk of misuse and addiction*
- risk of dependence and withdrawal*
Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For details about the risk when taking with opioid drugs, see the “Side effects of diazepam in detail” section above. For details about the risk of misuse and addiction and the risk of dependence and withdrawal, see the “Withdrawal, dependence, and misuse of diazepam” section above.
Due to these risks, it’s important to take diazepam only as your doctor prescribes. For details about this, see “What are the overdose symptoms of diazepam?” in the “Common questions about side effects of diazepam” section above.
* This warning is shown in the prescribing information for Valium, which is the brand-name version of diazepam oral tablet.
Other warnings
It may not be safe to take diazepam oral tablet if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether diazepam oral tablet is a safe treatment option for you.
Before taking diazepam oral tablet, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include those listed below.
Breathing or lung problems. Diazepam can cause serious breathing problems as a side effect. Examples include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and sleep apnea. If you already have a breathing problem, you’ll be at higher risk.
It’s recommended that people with severe breathing problems not take diazepam. Knowing the severity of your breathing problem, your doctor can help determine whether diazepam is safe for you.
Myasthenia gravis. Doctors typically will not prescribe diazepam to people with myasthenia gravis. People with this condition are at higher risk of side effects from diazepam. These include some serious side effects, such as difficulty breathing.
If you have this condition, your doctor can discuss treatments that may be safer than diazepam.
Severe liver problems. If you have a severe liver problem, such as liver cirrhosis, doctors typically won’t prescribe diazepam.
Your liver helps break down diazepam after you take a dose. So having a serious liver problem can prevent your body from properly breaking down diazepam. If too much diazepam builds up in your body, your risk of side effects increases.
Your doctor can discuss treatment options that may be safer for you than diazepam.
Bipolar disorder, depression, or mania. In rare cases, people with depression who have taken diazepam have developed mania. In addition, stopping diazepam can worsen depression or even cause suicidal thoughts.
It’s important to discuss your mental health with your doctor before you begin taking diazepam. They can determine whether the drug is safe for you.
Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to diazepam oral tablet or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe this medication. Ask them about other treatment options that may be better for you.
Diazepam and pregnancy
Taking benzodiazepine drugs such as diazepam during pregnancy can cause fetal development problems. These are sometimes referred to as birth defects.
In addition, taking diazepam during pregnancy can lead to side effects in the infant following delivery. Examples of these side effects include:
- breathing problems
- excessive sleepiness
- feeding problems
- floppiness
- withdrawal symptoms, including:
- irritability
- prolonged crying
- restlessness
- tremor
Because of these risks, diazepam is typically prescribed during pregnancy only if no other treatment options are available. This includes you and your doctor agreeing that the benefits outweigh the risks.
Discuss the possible benefits and risks of taking diazepam during pregnancy with your doctor.
Diazepam and breastfeeding
Breastfeeding while taking diazepam is not recommended, according to the prescribing information.
Talk with your doctor to learn more about safe ways to feed your child if you’re taking diazepam.
Diazepam and alcohol
You should not consume alcohol during treatment with diazepam.
Both diazepam and alcohol slow down your central nervous system (CNS), which is called CNS depression. CNS depression can be serious and lead to trouble breathing, seizure, coma, and other serious side effects. In rare cases, it can even be fatal.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor to learn more about the risk of combining it with diazepam.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes common and serious side effects of diazepam oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Is diazepam available as a nasal spray or injection? If so, can you tell me more about side effects caused by these forms?
- Can diazepam cause heart palpitations?
- Given my medical history, am I at higher risk of side effects from taking diazepam?
- If I have side effects from taking diazepam, is there a lower dosage I can try?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
