People who have been prescribed the medication should be aware of the cautionary note
Amber O’Connor Money and Lifestyle reporter U35s
12:44, 30 Oct 2025
The medication is used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms and seizures (stock photo)(Image: Getty)
The NHS has issued a four-week alert to anyone who has been prescribed diazepam, a medication used for treating anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures. As part of a group of medicines called benzodiazepines, diazepam is sometimes better known by brand names such as diazemuls, diazepam rectubes, diazepam desitin, or valium, though valium is not available in the UK.
Diazepam can only be obtained with a prescription, and it has multiple uses. The NHS website explains: “It’s used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms and seizures or fits.
“It’s also used in hospitals to reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as sweating or difficulty sleeping. It can also be taken to help you relax before an operation or other medical or dental treatments. This is known as a pre-med.”
However, it’s not advised for prolonged use. A warning on the NHS website states: “It’s possible to get addicted to diazepam, but you’re less likely to get addicted if you take it at the lowest dose that helps your symptoms, for up to four weeks.”
Diazepam can cause long-term and short-term side effects. The NHS warned: “Diazepam can cause withdrawal symptoms if you take it for a long time.”
The NHS shared a four-week warning (stock photo)(Image: Getty)
It added: “If you’re prescribed diazepam for more than four weeks, your dose may be reduced gradually when you stop taking it to prevent withdrawal symptoms.”
Common short-term side effects include confusion, shaky hands, feeling drowsy or sleepy, or problems with coordination. More serious side effects are rare but possible, and although it is rare, diazepam may cause a serious allergic reaction, reports the Mirror.
The NHS says you should call a doctor or 111 immediately if:your skin turns yellow, or the whites of your eyes turn yellow, although this may be less obvious on brown or black skinyou see or hear things that are not thereyou think things that are not trueyou keep falling overyou have unusual mood changes such as talking more than usual or feeling overexcited, agitated, restless, irritable or aggressive – these side effects are more likely in children or if you’re over 65
Diazepam can cause withdrawal symptoms (stock photo)(Image: Getty)You should call 999 immediately if:your breathing becomes very slow or shallowyour lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollenyou’re breathing very fast or struggling to breatheyour throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallowyour skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzysomeone faints and cannot be woken upa child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)
The medication works by increasing the levels of a calming chemical in your brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The NHS advised: “Your doctor will decide the right dose of diazepam for you. It’s important to take diazepam exactly as your doctor tells you to.” Always speak to a relevant medical professional if you have any health concerns.