Diazepam is used for the short-term relief of symptoms related to anxiety disorders. Diazepam is also used for the treatment of agitation, tremors, delirium, seizures, and hallucinations as a result of alcohol withdrawal. Diazepam is also used for relief of muscle spasms in certain neurological diseases. Diazepam is used to abort active seizures and can be combined with other drugs in treating severe recurrent seizures. Diazepam may be taken with or without food.
Diazepam is metabolized by the liver and excreted mainly by the kidney.
Dosages of diazepam may need to be lowered in patients with abnormal kidney function. Alcohol should be avoided by patients taking benzodiazepines. Because of diazepam's addicting potential, dosages should never be increased by the patient. Seizures can occur in more severe cases of withdrawal. Consequently, patients on diazepam for extended periods of time should slowly taper the medication under a doctor's supervision rather than abruptly stopping the medication.