Diazepam: Uses, Side Effects, Dosing, and Safety
Diazepam is a benzodiazepine medicine that slows activity in the brain and nervous system. It is used for conditions such as anxiety, muscle spasms, and certain seizures, with some forms given in hospitals for emergencies.
Diazepam can be helpful when prescribed for specific conditions, but it may cause drowsiness, breathing problems, and physical dependence. Take it only as directed and consult your doctor or pharmacist before changing the dose or stopping treatment.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N05BA01
- Generic
- Diazepam
- Class
- benzodiazepine
- Brands
- Valium
- Availability
- controlled
- Pregnancy
- D
- Lactation
- unsafe
- Half-life (h)
- 43
- Onset (min)
- 15
- Duration (h)
- 4
- Routes
- oral, iv, im, rectal
- Forms
- tablet, injection, suppository
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- respiratory-depression, dependence
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 2-10mg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- 2-4 times daily as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.1-0.3mg/kg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 6-8 hours as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2-5mg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- 1-2 times daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; associated with increased risk of congenital malformations
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid
avoid use near delivery due to risk of floppy infant syndrome and neonatal withdrawal
monitor newborn for respiratory depression, hypotonia, and withdrawal symptoms
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
diazepam is excreted in breast milk; avoid breastfeeding during treatment
monitor infant for excessive drowsiness and poor feeding
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose by 50%
use lowest effective dose; increased sensitivity to sedative effects and increased risk of falls and fractures
monitor for excessive sedation, confusion, and falls; assess cognitive function regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infants and childrenweight-based dosing required
not recommended for children under 6 months; avoid prolonged use; paradoxical reactions may occur
monitor for respiratory depression, excessive sedation, and behavioral changes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severereduce dose by 25-50%
use with caution; metabolites may accumulate; not recommended in severe renal impairment
monitor for prolonged sedation and accumulation of active metabolites
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severereduce dose by 50%
use with extreme caution; diazepam is metabolized in the liver; avoid in severe hepatic impairment
monitor liver function and for signs of hepatic encephalopathy
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Anxiolytic benzodiazepine class of medications
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval date for Diazepam
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications
Controlled substance schedule
US federal controlled substance classification
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy