Drug
Diazepam
Pronounced
"dye-AZ-e-pam"
Uses
This form of diazepam is given to children with epilepsy to treat a certain type of serious seizure that doesn't stop (seizure clusters). Diazepam works by calming the brain and nerves. It belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines.
Warning
Diazepam has a risk for abuse and addiction, which can lead to overdose and death. Using this medication with alcohol or other drugs that can cause drowsiness or breathing problems (especially opioid medications such as codeine, hydrocodone) may cause very serious side effects, including death. To lower your child's risk, the doctor should have you use the smallest dose of diazepam that works, and use it for the shortest possible time. Be sure you know how to use diazepam and what other drugs your child should avoid taking with it. See also Drug Interactions section. Get medical help right away if your child has any of these very serious side effects: slow/shallow breathing, unusual lightheadedness, severe drowsiness/dizziness, difficulty waking up.
This medication should not be used regularly. If your child uses it regularly, suddenly stopping this medication may cause serious (possibly fatal) withdrawal, especially if they have used it for a long time or in high doses. To prevent withdrawal, the doctor may lower the dose slowly. Tell the doctor or pharmacist right away if your child has any withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, trouble sleeping, restlessness, hallucinations/confusion, depression, nausea, or seizures that will not stop. Withdrawal symptoms may sometimes last weeks to months.
How to Use This Medication
See also Warning section.
Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use provided by the pharmacist before your child starts diazepam and each time you get a refill. Be sure to keep this medication handy in case it is needed. Learn ahead of time how to properly use this medication. Caregivers should learn when this medication should be used and what to watch for after using this medication. If there are any questions, ask the doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is given by mouth with or without food as directed by the doctor. Do not give with any liquids. The dosage is based on your child's weight and response to treatment.
Remove the diazepam film from the foil package only when you are ready to use it. Do not cut the film. Make sure your hands are clean and dry before touching the film. Stretch your child's mouth open with one hand. With the other hand, place one film flat inside either cheek. Do not rub the film into the cheek. Do not place the film on the teeth. The film should stay in place on its own after this. Leave it in place until it is dissolved. The film should not be chewed or swallowed whole. If your child spits or blows out the film right away, you may give a new film.
In some cases, a second dose may be prescribed and given at least 4 hours after the first dose. Do not use more than 2 doses to treat a seizure cluster episode.
Do not use this product to treat episodes more often than once every 5 days, or more than 5 times in a month. Doing so may make this medication stop working well. Your child's seizures may get worse or happen more often. Talk with the doctor if this medication stops working well.
Though it helps many people, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if your child has a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Use this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask the doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Get emergency help right away if your child's seizures last or get worse after using the medication as directed, if you are unable to give the medication, or if there is a change in your child's breathing, coloring, behavior, or condition that alarms you.