Diazepam is a medicine of the benzodiazepine family that acts as an anxiolytic. It is commonly used to treat a range of conditions, such as anxiety, seizures, alcohol withdrawal syndrome, muscle spasms, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome. Diazepam can also be used as a premedication for inducing sedation, anxiolysis, or amnesia before certain medical procedures. In this article, we will discuss the benefits and risks of using diazepam without prescription, how to use it safely and effectively, and answer some frequently asked questions.

Última actualización 07/08/2023 por Jonathan Dade

What Is Diazepam?

Diazepam is a synthetic chemical compound that belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, especially gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is involved in regulating mood, sleep, and muscle tone. By increasing the effects of GABA, diazepam can reduce anxiety, relax muscles, stop seizures, and induce sleep. Diazepam is available in different forms and strengths, such as tablets, capsules, liquid, injection, and rectal gel. Diazepam is sold under various brand names, such as Valium, Stesolid, and Diazemuls.

What are the advantages of Diazepam?

Diazepam has several advantages as a medication for various conditions. Some of them are:

• It has a rapid onset of action and can provide quick relief from symptoms of anxiety, panic attacks, muscle spasms, and seizures.
• It has a long duration of action and can provide sustained effects for up to 12 hours or more.
• It has a wide range of indications and can be used for different purposes, such as treating anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal syndrome, muscle spasms, epilepsy, insomnia, and premedication before medical procedures.
• It has a low potential for drug interactions and can be safely used with most other medications. However, some drugs may increase or decrease the effects of diazepam or cause adverse reactions. Therefore, it is important to inform your doctor or pharmacist about all the medications you are taking before using diazepam.
• It is relatively easy to obtain and can be purchased online without prescription from various sources. However, this also poses some risks and challenges that will be discussed later in this article.

What are the disadvantages of Diazepam?

Diazepam also has some disadvantages and limitations as a medication. Some of them are:

• It can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, memory impairment, impaired coordination, blurred vision, dry mouth, nausea, constipation, and urinary retention. These side effects may impair your ability to perform daily activities such as driving, working, or studying. Therefore, you should avoid using diazepam if you need to be alert or attentive.
• It can cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms if used for a long time or in high doses. Dependence means that you need to take more diazepam to achieve the same effect or to avoid unpleasant feelings when you stop taking it. Withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, tremors, sweating, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, and seizures. These symptoms can be severe and life-threatening if you abruptly stop taking diazepam after using it for a long time or in high doses. Therefore, you should not use diazepam for longer than prescribed by your doctor or recommended by your pharmacist. You should also taper off the dose gradually under medical supervision when you want to stop using diazepam.
• It can cause tolerance and reduced effectiveness if used for a long time or in high doses. Tolerance means that you need to take more diazepam to achieve the same effect as before. Reduced effectiveness means that diazepam does not work as well as before for your condition. Therefore, you should not increase the dose or frequency of diazepam without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. You should also seek alternative treatments if diazepam does not help you anymore.
• It can cause paradoxical reactions in some people. Paradoxical reactions are opposite to what is expected from the drug. For example, instead of making you calm and relaxed, diazepam may make you agitated, angry, violent, or suicidal. These reactions are more likely to occur in children, elderly, or people with mental disorders. Therefore, you should monitor your mood and behavior while using diazepam and report any unusual changes to your doctor or pharmacist.
• It can be abused or misused by some people. Abuse or misuse means that you use diazepam for non-medical purposes, such as getting high, relieving stress, or enhancing performance. This can lead to addiction, overdose, or legal problems. Therefore, you should use diazepam only as prescribed by your doctor or recommended by your pharmacist. You should also keep diazepam in a safe place and away from children, pets, or anyone who may misuse it.

Why is Diazepam prescribed?

Diazepam is prescribed by doctors for various reasons, depending on the condition and symptoms of the patient. Some of the common reasons why diazepam is prescribed are:

• To treat anxiety disorders and short-term relief of anxiety symptoms, such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Diazepam can help reduce the feelings of fear, nervousness, and worry that interfere with daily functioning and quality of life.
• To treat alcohol withdrawal syndrome, which is a condition that occurs when a person who is dependent on alcohol suddenly stops drinking or reduces the amount of alcohol intake. Diazepam can help prevent or relieve the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, such as agitation, tremor, delirium, and hallucinations.
• To treat muscle spasms and stiffness, which are involuntary contractions or movements of the muscles that cause pain and discomfort. Diazepam can help relax the muscles and ease the spasms. Muscle spasms and stiffness can be caused by various conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, tetanus, or injury to the muscles or joints.
• To treat seizures, which are sudden episodes of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that cause changes in behavior, movement, sensation, or consciousness. Diazepam can help stop or reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. Seizures can be caused by various conditions, such as epilepsy, brain injury, infection, fever, or drug overdose.
• To provide premedication before certain medical procedures that may cause anxiety or discomfort. Diazepam can help sedate the patient, reduce anxiety, and impair memory of the procedure. Some examples of medical procedures that may require premedication with diazepam are endoscopy, colonoscopy, bronchoscopy, dental surgery, or cardioversion.

Why buy Diazepam without prescription?

Some people may choose to buy diazepam without prescription for various reasons. Some of the possible reasons are:

• To self-medicate for a condition that they have not been diagnosed with or treated by a doctor. For example, some people may use diazepam to cope with stress, depression, or insomnia without seeking professional help.
• To save money or time by avoiding a visit to the doctor or pharmacy. For example, some people may find it cheaper or more convenient to order diazepam online from an unregulated source than to get a prescription from a doctor and fill it at a pharmacy.
• To obtain a higher dose or quantity of diazepam than prescribed by a doctor. For example, some people may develop tolerance or dependence on diazepam and need more of it to achieve the same effect or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
• To use diazepam for recreational purposes, such as getting high, relieving boredom, or enhancing social interactions. For example, some people may mix diazepam with alcohol or other drugs to increase the euphoric effects or reduce the negative effects.

How to use Diazepam?

How to use diazepam depends on the form and strength of the medication, the condition and symptoms being treated, and the individual response and preference of the patient. However, there are some general guidelines that apply to most cases:

• Follow the instructions given by your doctor or pharmacist carefully. Do not take more or less diazepam than prescribed or recommended. Do not take diazepam for longer than necessary. Do not stop taking diazepam suddenly without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
• Take diazepam with or without food, according to your preference. However, avoid grapefruit juice while taking diazepam, as it may increase the blood levels and effects of diazepam.
• If you are taking diazepam tablets or liquid, swallow them whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break them. If you are using diazepam rectal gel, follow the instructions on how to insert it into your anus carefully. If you are using diazepam injection, make sure it is administered by a trained health professional in a medical setting.
• If you miss a dose of diazepam, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
• Store diazepam at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Keep diazepam out of reach of children and pets. Do not share diazepam with anyone else. Dispose of any unused or expired diazepam safely and properly.

What dosage of Diazepam should you take?

The dosage of diazepam that you should take depends on several factors, such as your age, weight, condition, symptoms, and response to the medication. Your doctor or pharmacist will determine the right dose for you based on these factors. However, there are some general ranges of dosage that apply to most cases:

Adult dosage (ages 18 to 64 years)

• For anxiety: 2 to 10 mg orally 2 to 4 times a day, or 2 to 5 mg IM or IV every 3 to 4 hours as needed.
• For alcohol withdrawal: 10 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day for the first 24 hours, then 5 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day as needed, or 10 mg IM or IV once, then 5 to 10 mg IM or IV every 3 to 4 hours as needed.
• For muscle spasms: 2 to 10 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day, or 5 to 10 mg IM or IV every 3 to 4 hours as needed.
• For seizures: 2 to 10 mg orally 2 to 4 times a day, or 0.2 mg/kg rectally every 4 to 12 hours as needed, or 0.15 to 0.25 mg/kg IV every 10 to 15 minutes as needed.
• For premedication: 5 to 15 mg IV 5 to 10 minutes before the procedure, or 0.03 to 0.1 mg/kg IM 30 to 60 minutes before the procedure.

Child dosage (ages 0 to 5 months)

• For seizures: Not recommended.

Child dosage (ages 6 months to 17 years)

• For seizures: Same as adult dosage.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

• For anxiety: Same as adult dosage, but start with a lower dose and increase gradually if needed.
• For alcohol withdrawal: Same as adult dosage, but start with a lower dose and increase gradually if needed.
• For muscle spasms: Same as adult dosage, but start with a lower dose and increase gradually if needed.
• For seizures: Same as adult dosage, but start with a lower dose and increase gradually if needed.
• For premedication: Same as adult dosage, but start with a lower dose and increase gradually if needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of diazepam, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How to take Diazepam?

You can take diazepam by mouth (orally), by injection into a muscle (IM) or vein (IV), or by rectal gel (rectally). The route of administration depends on the form and strength of the medication, the condition and symptoms being treated, and the individual response and preference of the patient. However, there are some general guidelines that apply to most cases:

• If you are taking diazepam by mouth, swallow the tablets or liquid whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break them. You can take diazepam with or without food, according to your preference. However, avoid grapefruit juice while taking diazepam, as it may increase the blood levels and effects of diazepam.
• If you are using diazepam by injection, make sure it is administered by a trained health professional in a medical setting. Do not inject diazepam yourself unless you have been taught how to do so by your doctor or nurse. Follow the instructions on how to prepare and use the injection carefully. Use a new needle and syringe for each injection and dispose of them safely after use.

What are Diazepam side effects?

Diazepam can cause side effects in some people, but many people have no side effects or only minor ones. The side effects of diazepam may vary depending on the dose, duration, and route of administration of the medication. Some of the common and serious side effects of diazepam are:

Common side effects

These common side effects of diazepam happen in more than 1 in 100 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them:

• Feeling sleepy or drowsy: This may affect your ability to drive, work, or study. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how diazepam affects you. Avoid alcohol and other drugs that can make you more drowsy. If you feel very sleepy during the day, talk to your doctor about changing your dose or timing of diazepam.
• Confusion: This may affect your memory, concentration, and decision-making. Do not take on any tasks that require mental alertness until you feel clear-headed. If you have trouble remembering things, write them down or use reminders. If you feel very confused or disoriented, seek medical attention.
• Problems with your coordination or controlling your movements: This may affect your balance, speech, and fine motor skills. Be careful when walking, climbing stairs, or handling objects. Avoid activities that require precision or skill, such as sports, hobbies, or crafts. If you have trouble speaking or moving normally, seek medical attention.
• Shaky hands (tremors): This may affect your ability to perform tasks that require steady hands, such as writing, typing, or using tools. Try to relax your muscles and avoid caffeine and nicotine. If the tremors are severe or interfere with your daily activities, talk to your doctor about changing your dose or switching to another medication.
• Dizziness: This may affect your sense of balance and make you feel faint or lightheaded. Do not stand up too quickly from a sitting or lying position. Hold on to something or sit down if you feel dizzy. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid dehydration. If you feel very dizzy or faint, seek medical attention.
• Dry mouth or excessive saliva: This may affect your oral health and comfort. Drink plenty of water and chew sugar-free gum or candy to stimulate saliva production. Brush your teeth regularly and use mouthwash to prevent dental problems. If you have trouble swallowing or breathing because of too much saliva, seek medical attention.

Serious side effects

It happens rarely, but some people have serious side effects when taking diazepam. Talk to a doctor or contact 111 straight away if:

• Your skin turns yellow, or the whites of your eyes turn yellow (although this may be less obvious on brown or black skin): This may be a sign of liver damage or jaundice. You may also have dark urine, pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain.
• You see or hear things that are not there (hallucinations): This may be a sign of a psychotic reaction or a paradoxical effect. You may also have delusions (false beliefs that cannot be changed by facts), agitation, aggression, violence, or suicidal thoughts.
• You think things that are not true (delusions): This may be a sign of a psychotic reaction or a paradoxical effect. You may also have hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), agitation, aggression, violence, or suicidal thoughts.
• You keep falling over: This may be a sign of impaired coordination, muscle weakness, low blood pressure, or an overdose. You may also have slurred speech, blurred vision, confusion, drowsiness, or loss of consciousness.
• You have unusual mood changes such as talking more than usual or feeling overexcited, agitated, restless, irritable, or aggressive: This may be a sign of a paradoxical effect. You may also have hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), delusions (false beliefs that cannot be changed by facts), violence, or suicidal thoughts. These side effects are more likely in children or if you’re over 65 years old.

Serious allergic reaction

In rare cases, diazepam may cause a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Call 999 or go to A&E now if:

• You get a skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin
• You’re wheezing
• You get tightness in the chest or throat
• You have trouble breathing or talking
• Your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling

You could be having a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.

Long-term side effects

Diazepam can cause withdrawal symptoms if you take it for a long time. If you’re prescribed diazepam for more than 4 weeks, your dose may be reduced gradually when you stop taking it to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Some of the withdrawal symptoms are:

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Restlessness
• Tremors
• Sweating
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Seizures

Diazepam can also cause tolerance and reduced effectiveness if you take it for a long time. Tolerance means that you need to take more diazepam to achieve the same effect as before. Reduced effectiveness means that diazepam does not work as well as before for your condition.

Other side effects

These are not all the side effects of diazepam. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet. You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme. Visit Yellow Card for further information.

What may interact with this medication?

Diazepam may interact with other medications, substances, or foods that can affect its absorption, metabolism, or action. Some of the possible interactions are:

Acid-suppressing drugs

These are drugs that reduce the amount of acid in the stomach, such as antacids, cimetidine, omeprazole, and ranitidine. They may decrease the absorption of diazepam and reduce its effects. If you are taking diazepam with an acid-suppressing drug, take them at least 2 hours apart.

Allergy or cold drugs

These are drugs that relieve allergy or cold symptoms, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and cough suppressants. They may increase the drowsiness and dizziness caused by diazepam. If you are taking diazepam with an allergy or cold drug, use caution when driving or doing other activities that require alertness.

Antidepressants

These are drugs that treat depression and other mood disorders, such as amitriptyline, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine. They may increase the blood levels and effects of diazepam. They may also increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a rare but serious condition that causes high fever, agitation, confusion, tremor, muscle rigidity, and seizures. If you are taking diazepam with an antidepressant, your doctor may monitor your blood levels and adjust your dose accordingly. Seek medical attention if you experience any signs of serotonin syndrome .

Antifungal drugs

These are drugs that treat fungal infections, such as ketoconazole and itraconazole. They may inhibit the metabolism of diazepam and increase its blood levels and effects. They may also increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, and respiratory depression. If you are taking diazepam with an antifungal drug, your doctor may monitor your blood levels and adjust your dose accordingly .

Antipsychotic drugs

These are drugs that treat psychotic disorders, such as haloperidol, olanzapine, quetiapine, and risperidone. They may increase the drowsiness and dizziness caused by diazepam. They may also increase the risk of paradoxical reactions such as agitation, aggression, and hallucinations. If you are taking diazepam with an antipsychotic drug, use caution when driving or doing other activities that require alertness. Monitor your mood and behavior and report any unusual changes to your doctor .

Anxiety drugs

These are drugs that treat anxiety disorders and insomnia, such as alprazolam, lorazepam, oxazepam, temazepam, and zolpidem. They have similar effects to diazepam and may increase the risk of overdose, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms. If you are taking diazepam with another anxiety drug, your doctor may reduce your dose or frequency of either drug .

Motion sickness drugs

These are drugs that prevent or treat nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness, such as dimenhydrinate, meclizine, and scopolamine. They may increase the drowsiness and dizziness caused by diazepam. If you are taking diazepam with a motion sickness drug, use caution when driving or doing other activities that require alertness.

Frequently asked questions