Diazepam (Cont.)

When and How to Take Diazepam

Some general considerations for when and how to take diazepam include:
 
  • Diazepam comes in tablet, oral liquid, and injectable forms. When used orally, diazepam is usually taken three or four times a day (or sometimes more or less often).
     
  • Diazepam can be taken with or without food. If diazepam bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Diazepam may cause serious problems if you take it at higher dosages or for a longer period of time than your healthcare provider recommends (see Valium Addiction).
     

Diazepam Dosing Information

The dose of diazepam that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Your age
  • Other medications you may be taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As always, do not adjust your diazepam dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Diazepam Dosing for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Diazepam

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with diazepam. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of diazepam include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Drowsiness
  • Fatigue
  • Coordination problems.
     
(Click Diazepam Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
(Diazepam Continued: Page 3)

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;