--- 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 3 July 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. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Diazepam, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 4 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, 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. ## 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)