Diazepam, Diazepam Intensol

Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, PharmD, on April 8, 2023
Written by Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA

Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved diazepam oral tablet for the following uses in adults and certain children:

• treating generalized anxiety disorder
• short-term treatment of anxiety symptoms
• treating seizures caused by epilepsy, along with other treatments
• treating muscle spasms, along with other treatments
• treating symptoms caused by alcohol withdrawal

This article describes diazepam oral tablet’s uses and dosage, ways to save on cost, and more. Below you’ll find coupon options for diazepam.

Boxed warnings

Diazepam has boxed warnings about the risks of misuse, addiction, dependence, and withdrawal. It also has a boxed warning about the risk of serious side effects if taken with opioids. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For more information about the risks of misuse, addiction, dependence, and withdrawal, see the “Misuse, dependence, or withdrawal of diazepam” section below. For details about the risk of serious side effects if taken with opioids, see the “Warnings for diazepam” section below.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as diazepam for certain conditions. Approved uses for diazepam oral tablet are described below.

Use for anxiety

Doctors may prescribe diazepam oral tablet for treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It may also be used short term to treat anxiety symptoms. For these uses, diazepam may be prescribed for adults or certain children.

GAD causes excessive anxiety that lasts for several months. This can result in symptoms including irritability, fatigue (low energy), difficulty concentrating, and insomnia (difficulty sleeping).

Diazepam may be prescribed as a long-term or short-term treatment for anxiety.

Use for seizures

Doctors may prescribe diazepam oral tablet for treating seizures caused by epilepsy. It’s used for this purpose in adults and children. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment. It’s important to note that diazepam’s safety and effectiveness in children younger than 6 months haven’t been studied.

A seizure refers to a sudden change in the electrical activity in your brain. Epilepsy refers to seizures that keep happening without a clear cause.

Symptoms of a seizure can include jerky, uncontrollable body movements and sudden, rapid eye movements.

Diazepam is prescribed together with other drugs for treating seizures. It hasn’t been shown to be effective when used by itself to treat seizures.

Use for alcohol withdrawal

Doctors may prescribe diazepam oral tablet for treating symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. It’s used for this purpose in adults.

Alcohol withdrawal refers to symptoms that occur when someone with alcohol use disorder suddenly stops drinking. Alcohol withdrawal causes a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms. In rare cases, alcohol withdrawal can be life threatening.

Specifically, diazepam is used to treat the following symptoms:

• feeling agitated
• tremors
• hallucinations
• delirium

Diazepam is usually prescribed as a short-term treatment for alcohol withdrawal.

Use for muscle spasms

Doctors may prescribe diazepam oral tablet for muscle spasms. It’s used for this purpose in adults and children.

A muscle spasm is a sudden, uncontrollable contraction (tightening) in a muscle or muscle group. Muscle spasms can cause intense pain that makes it hard to move.

Diazepam is prescribed together with other treatments for muscle spasms. When used with other treatments, diazepam can be used to treat muscle spasms caused by:

• injury, damage, or swelling in a muscle or joint
• muscle tightness and stiffness from conditions such as cerebral palsy or paraplegia

Diazepam may be prescribed as a long-term or short-term treatment.

Diazepam may cause mild or serious side effects (also known as adverse effects). More common mild side effects of diazepam oral tablet and serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and other medications you take.

To learn more about diazepam oral tablet’s side effects, see this article or ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also read the prescribing information for diazepam oral tablet.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with diazepam oral tablet are listed below.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Diazepam oral tablet’s mild side effects include:

• dizziness
• headache
• nausea
• fatigue (low energy)
• drowsiness
• memory problems, including memory loss or trouble forming new memories
• ataxia (lack of muscle control and coordination)
• muscle weakness
• changes in sex drive
• mild allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Warnings for diazepam” section below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of diazepam oral tablet are listed below. With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common.

If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Diazepam oral tablet’s serious side effects include:

• blurry or double vision
• central nervous system (CNS) depression (reduced CNS activity), which can result in an inability to safely perform dangerous activities that require coordination, such as driving or operating machinery
• depression
• aggressiveness, rage, or irritability
• delusions (believing things that aren’t true)
• hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
• psychosis (loss of touch with reality, which may also involve delusions or hallucinations)
• sleep problems, including insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep)
• serious movement problems, including muscle tremors and other uncontrolled movements
• boxed warnings for the risks of misuse, addiction, dependence, and withdrawal, as well as serious side effects if taken with opioids†
• severe allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Misuse, dependence, or withdrawal of diazepam” section below.

† For details about this side effect, see the “Warnings for diazepam” section below.

Suicide prevention

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

• Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
• Text HOME to the Crisis Textline at 741741.
• Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
• Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

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.

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about diazepam oral tablets.

How does diazepam compare with similar drugs, such as lorazepam or clonazepam?

Diazepam, lorazepam, and clonazepam are similar drugs that have some different uses and come in different forms.

Specifically, diazepam is used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), short-term anxiety symptoms, and seizures caused by epilepsy. It’s also used for muscle spasms and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Lorazepam (Ativan) is used for anxiety disorders, including GAD and seizures. It’s also approved for insomnia and sedation (reducing discomfort and anxiety) during surgery. Clonazepam (Klonopin) is used to treat panic disorder and seizures.

Diazepam, lorazepam, and clonazepam each come in oral tablet form, as well as other forms.

Similar drugs include alprazolam (Xanax) and oxazepam. Both drugs are used for GAD, and they have additional uses as well.

Your doctor or a pharmacist can provide more details about how diazepam compares with similar drugs.

Can diazepam be used for sleep or back pain?

Possibly, if your doctor approves. Diazepam is not approved to treat sleep issues or back pain. However, it may still be prescribed off-label for these and other uses. With off-label use, a drug is prescribed to treat a condition other than its approved uses.

Talk with your doctor to learn more about possible off-label uses for diazepam.

What is diazepam’s half-life? How does the drug work?

Diazepam’s half-life is about 48 hours. A drug’s half-life describes how long it takes your body to clear half a dose of the drug.

Diazepam is a type of benzodiazepine drug. Benzodiazepines work by attaching to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors (docking stations) in your brain. Binding to these receptors sends signals that slow down activity in your central nervous system (CNS). Slowing down CNS activity helps treat certain conditions, including anxiety disorders, epilepsy, and muscle spasms.

Diazepam starts working about 15 to 60 minutes after you take a dose.

Is there a best time of day to take diazepam? What should I do if I miss a dose of diazepam?

No, there’s no best time of day to take diazepam. You should take your doses according to your doctor’s instructions.

If you miss a scheduled dose of diazepam, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Take the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take more than one dose of diazepam at once.

Can diazepam tablets be crushed, split, or chewed?

You may split diazepam tablets. Diazepam tablets come scored and can be split along the scoring mark in the middle of the tablet.

However, you should not crush or chew the tablets.

Talk with your pharmacist or doctor if you’re having trouble swallowing diazepam tablets.

The dosage of diazepam oral tablets your doctor prescribes may vary based on your condition and certain other factors. Talk with your doctor about the dosage you should take.

Taking diazepam

Diazepam oral tablets are taken by mouth.

Your doctor will talk with you about how to take diazepam oral tablet. They’ll explain how much to take and how often. Always follow your doctor’s recommendation.

Diazepam oral tablet can be taken with or without food. Taking the drug with a meal may slightly slow down how soon the drug works.

See the “Common questions about diazepam” section for information on missed doses and the best time to take this drug.

Overdose of diazepam

You should not take more diazepam than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to serious side effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve taken too much diazepam, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

For some medications, certain things may affect how the drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you take diazepam, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. They can check for interactions these items may cause with diazepam. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription medications
• over-the-counter medications
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for diazepam” section below.

Diazepam has boxed warnings about the risks of misuse, addiction, dependence, and withdrawal. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

To learn more about these warnings, read below. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: Diazepam also has a boxed warning for the risk of serious side effects if taken with opioids. This is described in the “Warnings for diazepam” section below.

Diazepam and the risk of misuse and addiction

Diazepam has a risk of being misused. Misuse means a drug is taken in a way other than how it’s prescribed, such as taking it to feel “high.”

Misusing diazepam can cause severe central nervous system (CNS) depression. This means your CNS activity is severely slowed down. The CNS is made up of your brain and spinal cord, and it controls functions throughout your body. Severe CNS depression can lead to serious side effects, including:

• difficulty breathing
• seizures
• coma

CNS depression caused by diazepam can be life threatening or fatal in rare cases.

Diazepam misuse can result in addiction. Drug addiction refers to not being able to stop taking a drug, even if it’s causing negative effects.

It’s important to note that drug addiction is not the same as drug dependence. See “Diazepam and the risk of dependence and withdrawal” just below to learn more.

Due to the risk of misuse and addiction, diazepam is classified as a controlled substance in the United States. Controlled substances have strict rules that healthcare professionals must follow when prescribing these drugs. This is done to help prevent misuse and addiction.

If you have questions or concerns about diazepam and the risk of misuse or addiction, talk with your doctor.

Diazepam and the risk of dependence and withdrawal

Even when taken as prescribed, diazepam can cause dependence. Dependence means the body needs the drug to function like usual. And withdrawal symptoms can occur when you stop taking a drug your body is dependent on. Drug dependence is different from drug addiction.

If you suddenly stop taking a drug your body is dependent on, including diazepam, you can develop withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms may be mild or serious. Examples include:

• appetite loss
• diarrhea
• muscle tremors or cramps
• seizures
• difficulty concentrating
• feeling tense or irritable
• depersonalization (feeling separated from yourself or reality)
• depression
• insomnia (trouble sleeping)
• sudden mood changes

Due to the risk of withdrawal symptoms, do not stop taking diazepam without first talking with your doctor. You also should not adjust your diazepam dosage on your own or take the medication in any way other than how your doctor recommends.

If you and your doctor agree that you’ll stop diazepam treatment, your doctor will discuss tapering your dose. Tapering means slowly lowering your dose over time, until you can safely stop taking the drug completely. Tapering off diazepam helps lower your risk of withdrawal symptoms.

If you have questions or concerns about diazepam and the risk of dependence and withdrawal, talk with your doctor.

Information about diazepam and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Diazepam and pregnancy

In general, diazepam oral tablet should not be taken during pregnancy. However, there are some cases where the benefits may outweigh the risks. You and your doctor will decide whether you should take diazepam during pregnancy.

If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may suggest birth control options to use during treatment with diazepam.

Diazepam and breastfeeding

Diazepam oral tablet should not be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with diazepam.

Diazepam should not be taken or should be used cautiously by certain people. Precautions for taking this drug are described below.

Boxed warnings

Diazepam has boxed warnings about the following risks. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Risk of misuse, addiction, dependence, and withdrawal. For more information about these risks, see the “Misuse, dependence, or withdrawal of diazepam” section above.

Risk of serious side effects if taken with opioids. Taking diazepam with opioids can result in serious central nervous system (CNS) depression. This means your CNS activity is slowed down. The CNS consists of your brain and spinal cord, and it controls many functions in your body.

Both diazepam and opioid drugs reduce the activity of your CNS. Taking these types of drugs together can cause trouble breathing, coma, and other severe side effects. It can even cause a life threatening overdose in rare cases.

Some examples of opioid medications include strong prescription pain relievers, such as:

• fentanyl (Actiq, Fentora, others)
• hydrocodone (Hysingla ER)
• oxycodone (OxyContin)
• morphine (MS Contin)
• codeine

Opioids also include certain medications for treating opioid use disorder, such as:

• methadone (Methadose)
• buprenorphine (Butrans, others)

Due to the risk of severe CNS depression, doctors typically avoid prescribing diazepam together with an opioid, unless there are no other treatments available for your condition. If you and your doctor determine that you need to take diazepam with an opioid, your doctor will prescribe the lowest possible doses of the drugs.

If you develop symptoms of CNS depression after taking diazepam and an opioid drug, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

To learn more, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other warnings

Diazepam could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether diazepam oral tablet is a safe option for you.

Tell your doctor about your overall health and any past health conditions before you take diazepam oral tablet. Health conditions and other factors you and your doctor should discuss include:

• mental health or mood conditions, such as bipolar disorder, depression, or mania
• breathing or lung problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• myasthenia gravis
• severe liver problems, such as liver cirrhosis
• kidney problems, such as chronic kidney disease

Allergic reaction

Diazepam can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to diazepam or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe diazepam. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to diazepam, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

You may be able to save money on your prescription for diazepam oral tablets by using our Perks discount coupons. These can be found at the end of this article.

If you have questions about how to pay for diazepam, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also learn more about the cost of diazepam in this article.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

This article describes diazepam oral tablet’s uses and dosage, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about diazepam or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Should I bring special documentation or a copy of my prescription if I need to travel while taking diazepam?
• Does my health history place me at higher risk of side effects from taking diazepam?
• If diazepam affects my ability to complete my work duties, what are my options? Will trying a lower dose help?
• How do the side effects of diazepam compare with other treatments for my condition?

• Alprazolam — alprazolam tablet. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/f667458d-ddda-4e9e-e053-2995a90adb5a/spl-doc
• Clonazepam — clonazepam tablet. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/9a74ea97-1c00-4d96-a06f-81c183943dc6/spl-doc
• Dhaliwal JS, et al. (2022). Diazepam. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537022/
• Diazepam — diazepam tablet. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/e8a571a1-3499-ec66-e053-2995a90a8e6f/spl-doc
• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
• Lorazepam — lorazepam tablet. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/ed37d304-04cf-43ec-a58d-d72002ff889b/spl-doc
• Oxazepam — oxazepam capsule, gelatin coated. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/a0d5a4c1-ec79-42e6-8e8f-ae4d144edb43/spl-doc

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.