Diazepam

Diazepam is a benzodiazepine that can be used to treat anxiety and sleep problems. It helps to calm people if they are anxious or finding it difficult to sleep. It can also be called an anxiolytic medicne. Anxiolytic is a word used to refer to any medication that treats anxiety. Diazepam works by improving the effect of a chemical in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is a chemical that when transmitted across nerves in the brain is known to produce a calming effect.

Side effects are common when you first start taking a new medication, some of the most common ones when starting diazepam include:

• daytime drwosiness and tiredness

• dizziness, feeling less alert

• poor muscle control, muscle weakness 

If you have questions about your medication please consult your doctor.

Please do not worry about these side effects. Some people will not get any side effects at all. If you think you are getting side effects from taking diazepam, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. If you do get a side effect, please think about reporting it via the 'Yellow Card' system.

If you have taken more diazepam than the dosage recommended by the doctor who prescribed it to you, you must get medial help immediately - even if you do not feel any different.