Diazepam

Anxiolytics. Benzodiazepine derivatives

ATC code: N05BA01

Brand names: Valium, Diastat, Valtoco, Diazepam Intensol

Updated 24 Sep 2026 · Methodology

Indications

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome

First line

Long-acting benzodiazepines (diazepam, chlordiazepoxide) are first-line for alcohol withdrawal management, prevention of delirium and seizures. Symptom-triggered dosing by CIWA-Ar: if score >8, give 10–20 mg diazepam orally or intravenously, repeat every 1–2 hours until sedation and CIWA-Ar reduction.

In severe hepatic impairment, lorazepam or oxazepam without active metabolites are preferred.

Sources

ICD-10: F10.3 · ICD-11: 6C40.4

Status epilepticus

First line

Intravenous (0.15–0.2 mg/kg, max 10 mg) or rectal diazepam is one of the first-line agents for status epilepticus in adults and children per 2016. Lorazepam and midazolam are comparable in efficacy. Used immediately after a prolonged seizure (>5 minutes). If seizures persist 5 minutes after the first dose, repeat or move to second-line agents (fosphenytoin, valproate, levetiracetam).

In children, rectal diazepam (Diastat) is preferred when intravenous access is unavailable in the prehospital setting.

Sources

ICD-10: G41 · ICD-11: 8A66

Acute anxiety, short-term treatment

Second line

Benzodiazepines are used for short-term relief of acute anxiety or panic attacks, limited to 2–4 weeks. CG113 and Russian clinical guidelines emphasize avoiding long-term use due to dependence and tolerance risk. First-line drugs for anxiety disorders are SSRIs and SNRIs combined with CBT.

Avoid in patients with a history of substance use disorder. In elderly contraindicated per Beers Criteria 2023: risk of falls, fractures, and confusion.

Sources

ICD-10: F41.9 · ICD-11: 6B0Z

Muscle spasticity

Adjunct

Diazepam is used as a muscle relaxant for central spasticity (MS, spinal cord injury) and painful muscle spasms. Efficacy demonstrated in small RCTs. Modern practice prefers baclofen and tizanidine due to less sedation and lower dependence risk.

Sources

ICD-10: R25.2 · ICD-11: MB47.3

Marketing claims without evidence base

The drug is promoted for these uses outside international guidelines. Each entry below is analyzed against AEMPS, FDA, EMA, Cochrane and major RCTs.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Not recommended

Benzodiazepines are not standard therapy for chronic anxiety and insomnia. CG113, , and Russian guidelines limit benzodiazepine courses to 2–4 weeks. Long-term use causes tolerance, physical dependence, and cognitive impairment. Discontinuation produces withdrawal with anxiety, insomnia, and seizure risk.

Sources

ICD-10: F41.1 · ICD-11: 6B00

Behavioral disturbance in dementia

Not recommended

In elderly patients with dementia, benzodiazepines are not used for behavioral disturbance. Beers Criteria 2023 lists benzodiazepines as potentially inappropriate in older adults: increased risk of falls, hip fractures, delirium, and paradoxical aggression. Preferred options are non-pharmacological strategies and, if necessary, low-dose atypical antipsychotics.

Sources

AGS: AGS Beers Criteria 2023 (2023)

ICD-10: F02.8 · ICD-11: 6D86.Z

How to read tiers A–F

AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
BRecommended in selected cases
CStudy data contradict each other
DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit

Mechanism of action

Allosteric GABA-A receptor modulator: enhances inhibitory GABA action. Anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, sedative. black box warning on respiratory depression and death when combined with opioids.

Safety

Boxed warning

FDA boxed warning (2020): risk of respiratory depression, sedation, coma, and death when benzodiazepines are combined with opioids. Additional warning: risk of abuse, dependence, and withdrawal. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration; taper gradually on discontinuation.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines
Acute angle-closure glaucoma
Myasthenia gravis
Severe respiratory insufficiency
Sleep apnea syndrome
Severe hepatic impairment
First-trimester pregnancy
Children under 6 months (oral), under 30 days (parenteral)
Acute intoxication with alcohol, hypnotics, opioids, antipsychotics

Serious adverse effects

Respiratory depression, especially with opioids or alcohol
Physical dependence with courses over 4 weeks
Withdrawal syndrome with anxiety, insomnia, seizure risk
Falls and fractures in elderly

Common adverse effects

Sedation, drowsiness, fatigue
Ataxia, impaired coordination
Anterograde amnesia
Reduced attention
Muscle weakness

Uncommon adverse effects

Paradoxical agitation, especially in children and elderly
Depression
Libido changes
Nausea, constipation

Pregnancy: can you take Diazepam?

AEMPS summary of product characteristics (section 4.6): the safety of diazepam in pregnant women has not been established; an increased risk of congenital malformations with benzodiazepine use in the first trimester has been suggested, although a review of spontaneous adverse event reports found no higher incidence than expected in a similar untreated population. Benzodiazepines are avoided in pregnancy unless no safer alternative exists, and before diazepam is given, especially in the first trimester, the possible fetal risks are weighed against the expected benefit for the mother. Continuous use during pregnancy or high doses during labour can cause hypothermia, hypotonia, hypotension and reduced respiratory function in the newborn, and chronic use late in pregnancy can lead to physical dependence with a postnatal withdrawal syndrome. Single high doses during labour cause fetal heart rate irregularities and, in newborns, hypotonia, poor sucking, hypothermia and moderate respiratory depression. The enzyme system that breaks down diazepam is not fully developed in newborns, especially in preterm infants.

Breastfeeding: can you take Diazepam?

Hale L3 · Probably compatible, limited data

Passes into breast milk. Long-term use is discouraged due to accumulation in the infant (sedation, poor feeding). Single doses are acceptable with infant monitoring.

RID, infant dose via milk: 7.1%
Maternal half-life: 48.0 h
Maternal peak time: 1.5 h
Peak milk concentration: 0.13 mg/L
Milk-to-plasma ratio: 0.2

Calculate RID Safe feeding window Full profile on NIH LactMed ↗

Reference information, not a clinical decision. Discuss feeding pauses or changes with your physician or an IBCLC.

Practical notes

Dose titration

For acute anxiety: 2–5 mg 2–3 times daily orally, may increase to 10 mg 3–4 times daily. For status epilepticus: 0.15–0.2 mg/kg IV slowly. Treatment course for anxiety should not exceed 2–4 weeks. Halve the dose in elderly.

Special situations

When discontinuing after long-term use (>4 weeks), taper gradually: reduce by 10–25% every 1–2 weeks. Abrupt withdrawal risks anxiety, insomnia, seizures, delirium. In severe hepatic impairment, use lorazepam or oxazepam without active metabolites.

Monitoring

With courses over 2 weeks, assess signs of tolerance (loss of effect at prior dose) and dependence. Routine blood work and liver function are not required; check if hepatotoxicity is suspected. In elderly, assess fall risk and cognition.

Common myths

Myth: "benzodiazepines are not addictive, they can be used in courses as needed". Fact: physical dependence develops after courses over 4 weeks. Abrupt discontinuation causes severe withdrawal, sometimes with seizures.

Myth: "diazepam helps any insomnia". Fact: first-line therapy for chronic insomnia is CBT-I, not benzodiazepines. Long-term benzodiazepine use reduces sleep quality and causes daytime drowsiness.

Myth: "after diazepam one can drive normally". Fact: reaction and concentration are impaired for 24–48 hours after a dose because active metabolites have a long half-life.

Drug–nutrient interactions

Ethanol

Additive CNS depression and respiratory depression. Alcohol increases fatal benzodiazepine overdose risk. Full alcohol abstinence required; if not feasible – switch to another anxiolytic class.

Source: FDA: Valium (diazepam) prescribing information (2021)

Grapefruit juice

Grapefruit juice contains strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. In the Valium SmPC, taking diazepam with the juice instead of water raised exposure 3.2-fold and peak concentration 1.5-fold. That means more drowsiness, slower reflexes, clumsiness when walking and, in older people, more falls. Diazepam is taken with water, not grapefruit juice.

Source: AEMPS: Ficha técnica de Valium 5 mg comprimidos (diazepam) (2021)

Drug–drug interactions

6 pairs found. Sorted from critical to minor.

CriticalTramadolOther opioids

Mechanism

Tramadol is a weak opioid with additional serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibition. With diazepam, the risk is doubled: additive CNS and respiratory depression plus a lowered seizure threshold (tramadol provokes seizures on its own).

Symptoms

Drowsiness, slowed breathing. Seizures may occur, especially in patients with prior epilepsy or with dose excess. Serotonin syndrome is less common unless other serotonergics are added.

Management

Avoid where possible. If unavoidable, minimal doses of both and a short course. Alternative analgesia: paracetamol with an NSAID; alternative anxiolytics: gabapentinoids or hydroxyzine.

Sources

Pair details →Tramadol →

MajorFluvoxamineSSRI

Mechanism

Fluvoxamine blocks CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 – both diazepam metabolic routes. Diazepam plasma levels rise 2-fold, with stronger and longer effect.

Symptoms

Marked sedation, drowsiness, ataxia. In older patients: fall and fracture risk. Symptoms appear within 3–5 days.

Management

Halve the diazepam dose when combined. Alternative benzodiazepines without CYP dependence: lorazepam or oxazepam (glucuronidated). Alternative antidepressants without CYP2C19/CYP3A4 effect: sertraline or agomelatine.

Sources

Pair details →Fluvoxamine →

MajorMorphineNatural opium alkaloids

Mechanism

Morphine and diazepam act on different receptors (mu-opioid and GABA-A), but both depress the central nervous system and the respiratory centre, and the effects add up. The labels of both drugs warn that together they can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. The US Food and Drug Administration () puts this risk in the boxed warning of the morphine and diazepam labels and cites observational studies: with benzodiazepines, the risk of drug-related death is higher than with opioids alone (FDA labels).

Symptoms

Severe drowsiness, reduced alertness, confusion, slow and shallow breathing, low blood pressure; in severe cases coma and death (morphine and diazepam labels). The patient and caregivers are taught in advance to recognise these signs (morphine and diazepam labels).

Management

The combination is not prohibited, but the morphine and diazepam labels allow it only for patients who have no other treatment options. Both drugs are then given at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time, and the patient is closely watched for respiratory depression and sedation (morphine and diazepam labels). The morphine and diazepam labels approved by the US Food and Drug Administration () add: in a patient already on morphine, start diazepam at a lower dose than usual and titrate to response; when morphine is added to diazepam, lower the starting dose of morphine. Explain the risk and the signs of respiratory depression to the patient and caregivers, advise against driving until the effect of the combination is known, and if the combination is warranted consider prescribing naloxone, the opioid antidote (FDA labels). Diazepam is contraindicated in severe respiratory insufficiency and sleep apnoea syndrome, its dose is reduced in chronic respiratory insufficiency, and older patients start at 2–2.5 mg (diazepam SmPC); morphine is also given at a lower dose to older patients and in chronic kidney or liver disease (morphine SmPC).

Sources

Pair details →Morphine →

ModerateAmitriptylineTricyclic antidepressants (TCA)

Mechanism

Additive CNS depression and sedation. Older patients: delirium and fall risk.

Symptoms

Deep sedation, drowsiness, ataxia, confusion. Older patients: delirium and fall risk.

Management

Avoid the combination in older patients. If an anxiolytic is needed: minimum effective lorazepam or oxazepam dose (short-acting). For neuropathic pain, an alternative to amitriptyline: gabapentin or pregabalin.

Sources

Pair details →Amitriptyline →

ModerateBisoprololSelective beta-adrenergic blockers

Mechanism

Additive CNS depression and mild hypotension. Diazepam sedation may mask early symptoms of excessive blood pressure drop.

Symptoms

Lower blood pressure, postural dizziness, fatigue. Older patients: fall risk. With additional antihypertensives: bradycardia (pulse below 60/min).

Management

The combination is acceptable for short diazepam use with pulse and blood pressure monitoring. In older patients: lorazepam or oxazepam at minimum doses (short-acting, less accumulation risk).

Sources

FDA: Bisoprolol tablet (Micro Labs Limited) – Prescribing Information (2016)

Pair details →Bisoprolol →

ModerateLoratadineSecond-generation antihistamines

Mechanism

Loratadine rarely causes sedation at standard doses. With diazepam, mild additive CNS depression is possible, especially in older patients.

Symptoms

Sedation, fatigue, slowed reactions, impaired coordination. In older patients: fall and fracture risk. Driving and operating machinery: accident risk.

Management

On standard loratadine (10 mg/day) with intermittent diazepam (e.g. for anxiety), no adjustment needed. In older patients and on long-term benzodiazepine therapy, watch for sedation signs. For anxiety disorders, consider alternatives to diazepam: buspirone or CBT.

Sources

FDA: Tylenol 8 HR Arthritis Pain (acetaminophen) – label (2020)

Pair details →Loratadine →

Label mentions71 mentions

Verbatim lines from the interaction sections, in the language of the label

From this drug’s label

MajorOlanzapine
«Interacción farmacodinámica fármaco-fármaco: Se han producido efectos acumulativos de olanzapina y diazepam sobre la sedación e hipotensión en ausencia de interacción farmacocinética. El uso…»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA
Majoropioidsclass named in the label
«Opioids: The concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids increases the risk of respiratory depression because of actions at different receptor sites in the CNS that control respiration…»
FDA, section 7 · Open on DailyMed
Moderateantiepilepticsclass named in the label
«Centrally Acting Agents: If Valium is to be combined with other centrally acting agents, careful consideration should be given to the pharmacology of the agents employed particularly with compounds…»
FDA, section 7 · Open on DailyMed
Moderateantihistaminesclass named in the label
«Centrally Acting Agents: If Valium is to be combined with other centrally acting agents, careful consideration should be given to the pharmacology of the agents employed particularly with compounds…»
FDA, section 7 · Open on DailyMed
Moderateantipsychoticsclass named in the label
«Centrally Acting Agents: If Valium is to be combined with other centrally acting agents, careful consideration should be given to the pharmacology of the agents employed particularly with compounds…»
FDA, section 7 · Open on DailyMed
Moderatebarbituratesclass named in the label
«Centrally Acting Agents: If Valium is to be combined with other centrally acting agents, careful consideration should be given to the pharmacology of the agents employed particularly with compounds…»
FDA, section 7 · Open on DailyMed
antacidsclass named in the label
«Antacids: Diazepam peak concentrations are 30% lower when antacids are administered concurrently. However, there is no effect on the extent of absorption. The lower peak concentrations appear due to…»
FDA, section 7 · Open on DailyMed
antiácidosclass named in the label
«Alimentos y antiácidos: Los alimentos y los antiácidos pueden disminuir la velocidad, pero no disminuirán la absorción de diazepam del comprimido; esto puede conducir a efectos atenuados después de…»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA
anticonceptivos hormonalesclass named in the label
«Inhibidores enzimáticos: Los anticonceptivos hormonales combinados parecen reducir el aclaramiento (en un 67%) y prolongar la semivida de eliminación (en un 47%) del diazepam. La alteración…»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA
antifúngicos azólicosclass named in the label
«Inhibidores enzimáticos: Los derivados azólicos antimicóticos inhiben las vías de CYP3A4 y CYP2C19 y conducen a un aumento en la exposición a diazepam (cociente de AUC diazepam-fluconazol 2,5…»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA
Caffeine
«Interacción farmacodinámica fármaco-fármaco: Las xantinas teofilina y cafeína se oponen a los efectos sedantes y posiblemente a los efectos ansiolíticos del diazepam parcialmente a través del bloqueo…»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA
Carbamazepine
«La carbamazepina es un conocido inductor del CYP3A4 por lo que acelera la eliminación de diazepam 3 veces (incrementa el aclaramiento, reduce la semivida), incrementando las concentraciones de…»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA
Clozapine
«Interacción farmacodinámica fármaco-fármaco: Se ha notificado hipotensión grave, depresión respiratoria o pérdida de consciencia en pacientes en tratamiento combinado con clozapina y benzodiazepinas…»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA
Diltiazem
«Inhibidores enzimáticos: El bloqueante del canal de calcio diltiazem, sustrato para las mismas isoenzimas que el diazepam y un inhibidor del CYP3A4, aumentó el AUC (aproximadamente un 25%) y prolongó…»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA
Disulfiram
«Inhibidores enzimáticos: El disulfiram inhibe el metabolismo del diazepam (disminución de la mediana del aclaramiento a 41%, aumento en semivida 37%), y probablemente el mayor metabolismo de los…»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA
Esomeprazole
«Inhibidores enzimáticos: El inhibidor de la bomba de protones, omeprazol, inhibidor de CYP3A4 y CYP2C19, administrado a dosis de 20 mg al día incrementa el AUC de diazepam en un 40% y la semivida en…»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA
Famotidine
«Inhibidores enzimáticos: El antagonista del receptor H 2 de la histamina, cimetidina, que es un inhibidor de múltiples isoenzimas CYP, incluyendo CYP3A4 y CYP2C19, reduce el aclaramiento del diazepam…»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA
Fluconazole
«Inhibidores enzimáticos: Los derivados azólicos antimicóticos inhiben las vías de CYP3A4 y CYP2C19 y conducen a un aumento en la exposición a diazepam (cociente de AUC diazepam-fluconazol 2,5…»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA
Fluoxetine
«Inhibidores enzimáticos: El inhibidor de la recaptación de serotonina, fluvoxamina, es también un inhibidor de ambas vías de degradación del diazepam e incrementa no solo la exposición a diazepam en…»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA
Fluoxetine
«Compounds Which Inhibit Certain Hepatic Enzymes: There is a potentially relevant interaction between diazepam and compounds which inhibit certain hepatic enzymes (particularly cytochrome P450 3A and…»
FDA, section 7 · Open on DailyMed
Fluvoxamine
«Inhibidores enzimáticos: El inhibidor de la recaptación de serotonina, fluvoxamina, es también un inhibidor de ambas vías de degradación del diazepam e incrementa no solo la exposición a diazepam en…»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA
Fluvoxamine
«Compounds Which Inhibit Certain Hepatic Enzymes: There is a potentially relevant interaction between diazepam and compounds which inhibit certain hepatic enzymes (particularly cytochrome P450 3A and…»
FDA, section 7 · Open on DailyMed
inductores del CYP3A4class named in the label
«Interacción farmacocinética fármaco-fármaco: El metabolismo de diazepam y su principal metabolito, DMDZ, dependen de las isoenzimas CYP3A4 y CYP2C19 del citocromo P450. Moduladores de estas enzimas…»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA
inhibidores del CYP3A4class named in the label
«Interacción farmacocinética fármaco-fármaco: El metabolismo de diazepam y su principal metabolito, DMDZ, dependen de las isoenzimas CYP3A4 y CYP2C19 del citocromo P450. Moduladores de estas enzimas…»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA
Itraconazole
«Inhibidores enzimáticos: Los derivados azólicos antimicóticos inhiben las vías de CYP3A4 y CYP2C19 y conducen a un aumento en la exposición a diazepam (cociente de AUC diazepam-fluconazol 2,5…»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA
Ketoconazole
«Compounds Which Inhibit Certain Hepatic Enzymes: There is a potentially relevant interaction between diazepam and compounds which inhibit certain hepatic enzymes (particularly cytochrome P450 3A and…»
FDA, section 7 · Open on DailyMed
Lansoprazole
«Inhibidores enzimáticos: El inhibidor de la bomba de protones, omeprazol, inhibidor de CYP3A4 y CYP2C19, administrado a dosis de 20 mg al día incrementa el AUC de diazepam en un 40% y la semivida en…»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA

From other drugs’ labels

CriticalRitonavir
«Sedantes/Hipnóticos: La coadministración con ritonavir es probable que produzca un aumento de las concentraciones plasmáticas de clorazepato, diazepam, estazolam, flurazepam y triazolam, por lo que…»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA
MajorDarunavir
«Established and Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions: Sedatives/hypnotics: orally administered midazolam, triazolam metabolized by CYP3A e.g. buspirone, diazepam, estazolam, zolpidem…»
FDA, section 7 · Open on DailyMed
MajorFluvoxamine
«Medicamentos con estrecho margen terapéutico: midazolam, alprazolam, y diazepam) con metabolismo oxidativo con la coadministración de»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA
ModerateCobicistat
«Established and Other Potentially Significant Interactions: Other benzodiazepines: e.g., parenterally administered midazolam clorazepate diazepam estazolam flurazepam ↑ sedatives/hypnotics…»
FDA, section 7 · Open on DailyMed
ModerateDarunavir
«SEDANTES/HIPNÓTICOS: Buspirona Clorazepato Diazepam Estazolam Flurazepam Midazolam (parenteral) Zolpidem Midazolam (oral) Triazolam»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA
ModerateEsomeprazole
«Medicamentos metabolizados por CYP2C19: Esomeprazol inhibe CYP2C19, el principal enzima metabolizador de esomeprazol. Por tanto, cuando se combina esomeprazol con fármacos metabolizados por CYP2C19…»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA
ModerateRitonavir
«Established and Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions: Sedative/Hypnotics: buspirone, clorazepate, diazepam, estazolam, flurazepam, zolpidem ↑ sedative/hypnotics A dose decrease may be…»
FDA, section 7 · Open on DailyMed
Atomoxetine
«Medicamentos con elevada unión a las proteínas plasmáticas: Se llevaron a cabo estudios in vitro de desplazamiento de medicamentos con atomoxetina y otros fármacos que se unen en gran proporción a…»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA
Atomoxetine
«Drugs Highly Bound to Plasma Protein: In vitro drug-displacement studies were conducted with atomoxetine and other highly-bound drugs at therapeutic concentrations. Atomoxetine did not affect the…»
FDA, section 7 · Open on DailyMed
Bupropion
«Otra información sobre interacciones: No se han realizado estudios farmacocinéticos con bupropión y benzodiazepinas administrados de forma concomitante. De acuerdo a las rutas metabólicas in vitro…»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA
Celecoxib
«Inhibición del CYP2C19: Los estudios in vitro han demostrado que celecoxib tiene un cierto potencial para inhibir el metabolismo catalizado por el CYP2C19. La importancia clínica de este hallazgo in…»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA
Ebastine
«No se han descrito interacciones entre ebastina y teofilina, warfarina, cimetidina, diazepam y alcohol.»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA
Levocetirizine
«No se han realizado estudios de interacción con levocetirizina (incluyendo estudios con inductores de CYP3A4). Los estudios realizados con el compuesto racémico cetirizina demostraron que no había…»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA

Showing 40 of 71, heaviest first

Check interaction with another drug

Opens the checker prefilled with this drug. Pick the second one from your regimen.

Open checker

Summary of a multi-drug list →

Medicine list: everything you take in one place →

Frequently asked

What is Diazepam used for?

Diazepam is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Status epilepticus (evidence tier A), Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (evidence tier A), Acute anxiety, short-term treatment (evidence tier B). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.

What are the side effects of Diazepam?

Common side effects of Diazepam (≥ 1 in 100): Sedation, drowsiness, fatigue, Ataxia, impaired coordination, Anterograde amnesia, Reduced attention, Muscle weakness. See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.

Is Diazepam safe during pregnancy?

Is Diazepam compatible with breastfeeding?

Passes into breast milk. Long-term use is discouraged due to accumulation in the infant (sedation, poor feeding). Single doses are acceptable with infant monitoring.

Who should not take Diazepam?

Diazepam is contraindicated in: Hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines; Acute angle-closure glaucoma; Myasthenia gravis; Severe respiratory insufficiency; Sleep apnea syndrome. Full list in the Safety section.

Does Diazepam carry an FDA boxed warning?

benzodiazepines are not addictive, they can be used in courses as needed

physical dependence develops after courses over 4 weeks. Abrupt discontinuation causes severe withdrawal, sometimes with seizures.

diazepam helps any insomnia

first-line therapy for chronic insomnia is CBT-I, not benzodiazepines. Long-term benzodiazepine use reduces sleep quality and causes daytime drowsiness.

after diazepam one can drive normally

reaction and concentration are impaired for 24–48 hours after a dose because active metabolites have a long half-life.

Official sources

Direct links to regulator labels. Open in a new tab.

AEMPS / CIMA
FDA / DailyMedLabel dated 08/11/2026
GRLS

Other drugs in this group

Droperidol, Fabomotizole, Haloperidol, Hydroxyzine, Lithium, Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata, aerial parts), Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro), Apigenin