The health service has issued a cautionary note to people who have been prescribed the medication
The NHS has issued a four-week warning to anyone taking diazepam, which can be used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures. Diazepam is part of a group of medicines called benzodiazepines, and it might be better known by brand names such as diazemuls, diazepam rectubes, diazepam desitin, or valium, though valium is not available in the UK.
Diazepam is only available with a prescription, and it has multiple uses. The NHS explained: “It’s used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms and seizures or fits.
“It’s also used in hospitals to reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as sweating or difficulty sleeping. It can also be taken to help you relax before an operation or other medical or dental treatments. This is known as a pre-med.”
However, it’s not recommended for long-term use. A warning on the NHS website reads: “It’s possible to get addicted to diazepam, but you’re less likely to get addicted if you take it at the lowest dose that helps your symptoms, for up to four weeks.”
It could cause long-term and short-term side effects. Outlining the possible long-term side effects, the NHS said: “Diazepam can cause withdrawal symptoms if you take it for a long time.”
It added: “If you’re prescribed diazepam for more than four weeks, your dose may be reduced gradually when you stop taking it to prevent withdrawal symptoms.”
Common short-term side effects include confusion, shaky hands, feeling drowsy or sleepy, or problems with coordination. More serious side effects are rare but possible, and although it is rare, diazepam may cause a serious allergic reaction.
The NHS says you should call a doctor or 111 immediately if:
- your skin turns yellow, or the whites of your eyes turn yellow, although this may be less obvious on brown or black skin
- you see or hear things that are not there
- you think things that are not true
- you keep falling over
- you have unusual mood changes such as talking more than usual or feeling overexcited, agitated, restless, irritable or aggressive – these side effects are more likely in children or if you’re over 65
You should call 999 immediately if:
- your breathing becomes very slow or shallow
- your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- you’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe
- your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
- your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- someone faints and cannot be woken up
- a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)
The medication works by increasing the levels of a calming chemical in your brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Always speak to a relevant medical professional if you have any health concerns.