Diazepam Side Effects

Among the possible side effects of diazepam are confusion, double vision, nausea, and changes in sex drive. For the most part, diazepam side effects are minor and can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. However, some people who take diazepam may experience more serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. Some of these serious side effects include low blood pressure (hypotension), depression, and yellow eyes or skin (jaundice).

 

An Introduction to Diazepam Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with diazepam (Valium®); however, not everyone who takes the medication 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 are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with diazepam. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of diazepam side effects with you.)
 

Common Diazepam Side Effects

Diazepam has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occur in a group of people taking the drug are documented and are then compared to side effects that occur in another group of people not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
In these studies, some of the most common side effects of diazepam included:
 
  • Drowsiness
  • Fatigue
  • Coordination problems.
     
Some other possible diazepam side effects included:
 
  • Confusion
  • Double vision
  • Headaches
  • Bladder or bowel control problems
  • Changes in sex drive
  • Nausea
  • Salivation changes
  • Slurred speech
  • Shakiness (tremors)
  • Difficulty passing urine
  • A spinning sensation (vertigo)
  • Blurred vision.
     
(Diazepam Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;