Drug
Diazepam
Pronounced
"dye-AZ-e-pam"
Uses
This medication is used by people with epilepsy to treat a certain type of serious seizure that doesn't stop (seizure clusters). Diazepam belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. It may work by increasing the effect of a certain substance in your body (GABA), which helps calm the brain and nerves.
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 risk, your 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 you should avoid taking with it. See also Drug Interactions section. Get medical help right away if any of these very serious side effects occur: slow/shallow breathing, unusual lightheadedness, severe drowsiness/dizziness, difficulty waking up.
This medication should not be used regularly. If you use it regularly, suddenly stopping this medication may cause serious (possibly fatal) withdrawal, especially if you have used it for a long time or in high doses. To prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have any withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, trouble sleeping, restlessness, hallucinations/confusion, depression, nausea, or seizures. 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 your pharmacist when you get this medication 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. Each nasal spray device can be used only one time. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Caregivers should learn when this medication should be used and what to watch for after using this medication. Make sure a family member or caregiver knows where you keep this medication and how to use it in case you need their help.
This product is for use in the nose only. The dosage is based on your age, weight, and response to treatment. Remove the diazepam spray from the package only when you are ready to use it. Do not test or prime the spray before use. Doing so will make you lose the dose. Gently insert the tip of the spray nozzle into one nostril, then firmly press the plunger to give the dose. Each nasal spray device only has one spray. If your dose is for 2 sprays, use a second nasal spray device in the opposite nostril. Throw away the nasal spray device after using it.
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 seizures may get worse or happen more often. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.
Though it helps many people, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have 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 your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Get emergency help right away if seizures last or get worse after using the medication as directed, or if there is a change in the person's breathing, coloring, behavior, or condition that alarms you.