Diazepam Injection

What is this medication?

DIAZEPAM (dye AZ e pam) treats seizures, muscle spasms or twitches. It may also be used to treat anxiety, including before a procedure. It can also be used to reduce the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. It works by helping your nervous system calm down. It belongs to a group of medications called benzodiazepines.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Dizac, Valium

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• An alcohol or drug abuse problem
• Bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis or other mental health condition
• Glaucoma
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Lung or breathing disease
• Myasthenia gravis
• Parkinson disease
• Seizures or a history of seizures
• Suicidal thoughts
• An unusual or allergic reaction to diazepam, other benzodiazepines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

The medication is for injection into a muscle or into a vein. It is given in a hospital or clinic.

Talk to your care team regarding the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 1 month of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Narcotic medications for cough
• Sodium oxybate

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Alcohol
• Antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold
• Certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, rifampin
• Certain medications for anxiety or sleep
• Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat
• Certain medications for depression, like amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline, tranylcypromine
• Certain medications for fungal infections like ketoconazole, itraconazole, clotrimazole
• Certain medications for psychotic disturbances
• Certain medications for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, valproate
• Cimetidine
• Cyclosporine
• Dexamethasone
• General anesthetics like lidocaine, pramoxine, tetracaine
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• Medications that relax muscles for surgery
• Narcotic medications for pain
• Omeprazole
• Paclitaxel
• Phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
• Theophylline
• Warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medication. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

If you are taking another medication that also causes drowsiness, you may have more side effects. Give your care team a list of all medications you use. Your care team will tell you how much medication to take. Do not take more medication than directed. Call emergency services if you have problems breathing or unusual sleepiness.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• CNS depression—slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, trouble staying awake
• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.