What does it do?

Diazepam is used to treat seizures and muscle spasms. It is also sometimes used for other conditions.

Before you start

• Tell your doctor if you have heart, lung or liver problems, sleep apnoea or a head injury.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How is it given?

Diazepam is given as an injection into a vein or muscle.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with diazepam including:

• some antihistamines (may be in anti-allergy, anti-nausea and cough/cold medicines)
• omeprazole (e.g. Losec®)
• fluconazole (e.g. Diflucan®) or miconazole (e.g. Daktarin Oral Gel®)

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products (e.g. St John's wort, valerian) or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side Effects	Recommended action
Slow or shallow breathing, hard to wake up Change in heartbeat Trouble with speech or swallowing	Tell your doctor immediately
Mood changes, agitation, unusual behaviour or thinking, loss of coordination, confusion, memory loss, trouble concentrating Muscle weakness	Tell your doctor
Drowsiness, tiredness, dizziness, headache, changes in vision Dry mouth, stomach upset Less interest in sex, trouble peeing Pain, tenderness or redness at injection site	Tell your doctor if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

• Diazepam can impair your ability to do tasks such as driving or using machines. Alcohol makes this worse. Discuss your risk with your health professional. (search NZTA - Are you safe to drive?)
• If you still feel sleepy the next day, do not drive or operate machinery.