Most Common Medical Uses
Diazepam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause
anxiety, seizures, and muscle spasms. Diazepam is used to relieve anxiety,
nervousness, and tension associated with anxiety disorders. It is also used
to treat certain types of seizure disorders and muscle spasms. Diazepam may
also be used for purposes other than those here.
How to Take This Medication
Take diazepam exactly as directed by your doctor. Take each oral dose with
a full glass of water. To ensure the correct dose, measure the liquid
forms of diazepam with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular
table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist
where you can get one. Do not take diazepam more often or in larger doses
than is prescribed. Diazepam is habit forming. You can become physically
and psychologically dependent on the medication. Do not take more than
the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than is directed
by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if diazepam is stopped suddenly
after several weeks of continuous use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual
reduction in dose.
Possible Side Effects
Stop taking diazepam and seek emergency medical attention or contact your
doctor immediately if you experience any of the following: an allergic
reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your
lips, face, or tongue; or hives); sores in the mouth or throat; yellowing
of the skin or eyes;a rash; hallucinations or severe confusion; or changes
in your vision. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to
occur. Continue to take diazepam and talk to your doctor if you experience
drowsiness, dizziness, or clumsiness; depression; nausea, vomiting. diarrhea,
or constipation. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur.
Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that
is especially bothersome.
Precautions
Do not take diazepam if you have narrow-angle glaucoma. Diazepam may worsen
this condition. • Before taking this medication, tell your doctor
if you have kidney disease; have liver disease; have asthma, bronchitis,
emphysema, or another respiratory disease; or if you are depressed or
have suicidal thoughts. Do not take this medication without first talking
to your doctor if you are pregnant or breast feeding a baby. If you are
over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects
from diazepam. You may require a lower dose of this medication.
Drug Interactions
Diazepam may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness,
including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to
treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines,
and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are
taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.
Antacids may decrease the effects of diazepam. Separate doses of an antacid
and diazepam by several hours whenever possible. Drugs other than those
listed here may also interact with diazepam. Talk to your doctor and
pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost
time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next
regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
A double dose could be dangerous.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all
medications out of the reach of children.
Notes
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Lorazepam will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness.
Avoid alcohol while taking lorazepam. Alcohol may increase drowsiness
and dizziness caused by lorazepam. Alcohol may also increase the risk
of having a seizure if lorazepam is being taken for a seizure condition.
Lorazepam is habit forming. You can become physically and psychologically
dependent on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed amount
of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor.
Withdrawal effects may occur if lorazepam is stopped suddenly after several
weeks of continuous use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction
in dose.
Disclaimer
This information is not intended to substitute for professional medical
advice. Be sure to contact your physician, pharmacist or other health
care provider for more information about this medication.
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