diazepam (injection)

What is the most important information I should know about diazepam?

If you receive diazepam during an emergency, make sure any follow-up doctor knows you received this medicine.

What is diazepam?

Diazepam is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen) that is used to treat anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, or muscle spasms. Diazepam injection is also used to treat a seizure emergency called status epilepticus.

Diazepam injection is sometimes used as a sedative to help you relax before having surgery or other medical procedure.

Diazepam may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving diazepam?

If possible during an emergency, tell your medical caregivers if you've ever had:

• glaucoma;
• asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing problems;
• kidney or liver disease;
• mental illness, depression, or suicidal thoughts or behavior;
• heart disease; or
• if you have recently used alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, or opioid medications.

If possible during an emergency, tell your medical caregivers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How is diazepam injection given?

Diazepam is injected into a muscle or into a vein.

A healthcare provider will give you this injection. Diazepam injection is for short-term use only.

Diazepam injection is usually given as a single dose just before a surgery or medical procedure. For other conditions, this medicine is usually given until you are able to take medicine by mouth.

When injected into a vein, diazepam must be given slowly. Tell your medical caregivers if you feel any burning or pain when diazepam is injected.

Diazepam can make you very drowsy, dizzy, or light-headed. You may need help getting out of bed for at least the first several hours.

Drowsiness or dizziness may last longer in older adults. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury.

What happens if I miss a dose?

In a medical setting you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.

What should I avoid after receiving diazepam?

What are the possible side effects of diazepam?

Diazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.

• severe drowsiness;
• unusual thoughts; or
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.

Common side effects may include:

• drowsiness;
• tired feeling;
• muscle weakness; or
• problems with balance or muscle movement.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect diazepam?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• any other benzodiazepines (alprazolam, lorazepam, temazepam, Valium, Xanax, Versed, Klonopin, and others);
• medicine to treat mental illness; or
• an MAO inhibitor--isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect diazepam, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about diazepam injection.