--- title: "Diazepam: Uses, Side Effects & NHS Guidance | HealthAnswers" description: "Diazepam is a benzodiazepine used short-term for severe anxiety, muscle spasm and seizures, with dependence risk if used beyond a few weeks." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/diazepam/ robots: noindex --- # Diazepam: Uses, Side Effects & NHS Guidance | HealthAnswers Treatments Diazepam is a benzodiazepine used short-term for severe anxiety, muscle spasm and seizures, with dependence risk if used beyond a few weeks. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 25 September 2026 ## Quick answer What is diazepam used for? Diazepam is a benzodiazepine medicine used short-term to relieve severe anxiety, muscle spasm and acute seizures. It causes drowsiness and can lead to dependence, so doctors prescribe the lowest dose for the shortest possible course. It should never be combined with alcohol, and you should not drive if it affects your alertness or coordination. General UK health information, not a diagnosis. In an emergency call 999 ; for urgent advice use [NHS 111](https://111.nhs.uk/) (GP out-of-hours in Northern Ireland). On this page 5 sections ## Key facts about diazepam - Diazepam is a benzodiazepine that works as a sedative on the brain. - Dependence can develop within weeks if it is taken daily. - It has a long half-life, so it can build up in elderly people. - Withdrawal symptoms can occur if it is stopped abruptly after prolonged use. - It is not recommended as a first-line treatment for chronic anxiety. ## Licensed uses of diazepam Diazepam is licensed for the short-term relief of acute severe [anxiety](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/anxiety/), muscle spasm and seizures, and it is also used in specialist settings for alcohol withdrawal. It is sometimes given as a pre-medication before certain procedures to help people relax. ## Risks of taking diazepam The main risks of diazepam are dependence, an increased risk of falls in elderly people, and cognitive impairment such as memory or concentration problems. A paradoxical reaction, where the medicine causes agitation instead of calm, can occur but is rare. ## What are the side effects of diazepam? Common side effects include: - feeling drowsy, tired or less alert - feeling more anxious or low in mood - [low blood pressure](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/low-blood-pressure/) (hypotension) Do not drive, cycle or use tools or machinery while you feel sleepy. Talk to a pharmacist or GP if a side effect bothers you or does not go away. Serious side effects are rare. Call 111 if you notice slower or shallower breathing, or yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (this can be harder to see on brown or black skin). Call 999 if someone is struggling to breathe or cannot be woken, or for signs of a severe allergic reaction such as a swollen tongue or throat. Dependence and withdrawal risks are covered in the section above. ## Alternatives to diazepam for anxiety For longer-term anxiety, SSRIs and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) are generally preferred, since diazepam is not intended as a long-term solution. Buspirone and beta-blockers may also be used depending on the situation. ## Taking diazepam safely Diazepam should be taken at the lowest effective dose for the briefest course needed to control symptoms. It is a controlled drug, so it should never be shared with anyone else. ## ! Important safety information for diazepam Diazepam is available on prescription only, and your GP will monitor how you use it. Call **999** or go to A&E if someone has taken an overdose and cannot be roused. Call **111** for urgent advice when you are unsure what to do. ## Common questions about diazepam How long can I take diazepam for? Diazepam is normally taken for a few days up to a maximum of two to four weeks when used for anxiety. Courses for muscle spasm are similarly short, because the risk of dependence rises the longer it is taken. Can I drive while taking diazepam? Driving while impaired by diazepam is illegal, and the medicine label carries a warning about this. You should avoid driving until you know how the medicine affects you, since it can cause drowsiness and slow your reactions. Can I drink alcohol while taking diazepam? Alcohol should never be combined with diazepam, because together they can dangerously depress your breathing. This combination can be life-threatening, so it is best avoided completely. What happens if I stop diazepam after taking it for a long time? Stopping diazepam suddenly after long-term use can be dangerous and may cause seizures. A gradual taper under medical guidance is essential to stop safely. ## Sources - [NHS — Diazepam](https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/diazepam) - [NHS — Overview](https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/generalised-anxiety-disorder/overview) ## How we reviewed this page Medically reviewed by the [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) First published 28 June 2026 Medically reviewed 25 September 2026 Next review due 25 September 2029 or sooner if NHS or NICE guidance changes Written by HealthAnswers editorial team. Published by HealthAnswers (Elite Digital AI Solutions Ltd). [How we review content](https://healthanswers.co.uk/about/how-we-review/) · [Report a problem with this page](mailto:corrections@healthanswers.co.uk?subject=Problem%20with%3A%20Diazepam&body=Page%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fhealthanswers.co.uk%2Ftreatments%2Fdiazepam%2F%0A%0AWhat%20looks%20wrong%20or%20out%20of%20date%3A%0A)