Valium Side Effects
Generic name: diazepam
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 10, 2024.
Note: This document contains side effect information about diazepam. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Valium.
Applies to diazepam: injection solution. Other dosage forms:
Warning
Injection route (Solution)
Risks From Concomitant use with Opioids; Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction; and Dependence and Withdrawal Reactions Concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Follow patients for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression.The use of benzodiazepines, including diazepam injection, exposes users to risks of abuse, misuse, and addiction, which can lead to overdose or death. Abuse and misuse of benzodiazepines commonly involve concomitant use of other medications, alcohol, and/or illicit substances, which is associated with increased frequency of serious adverse outcomes. Before prescribing diazepam injection and throughout treatment, assess each patient's risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. The continued use of benzodiazepines may lead to clinically significant physical dependence. The risks of dependence and withdrawal increase with longer treatment duration and higher daily dose. Although diazepam injection is indicated only for intermittent use, if used more frequently than recommended, abrupt discontinuation or rapid dosage reduction of diazepam injection may precipitate acute withdrawal reactions, which can be life-threatening. For patients using diazepam injection more frequently than recommended, to reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions, use a gradual taper to discontinue diazepam injection.
Serious side effects of Valium
Along with its needed effects, diazepam (the active ingredient contained in Valium) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking diazepam:
More common
- Shakiness and unsteady walk
- tenderness, pain, swelling, warmth, skin discoloration, and prominent superficial veins over affected area
- unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
Less common
- Black, tarry stools
- blurred vision
- changes in patterns and rhythms of speech
- chest pain or discomfort
- chills
- cold, clammy, or pale skin
- confusion
- cough
- dark urine
- decrease in frequency of urination
- decrease in urine volume
- difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
- fear or nervousness
- fever
- hallucinations
- headache
- irregular heartbeats
- itching
- loss of appetite
- loss of bladder control
- lower back or side pain
- muscle spasm
- nausea
- nightmares
- outbursts of anger
- painful or difficult urination
- pale skin
- rash
- shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
- slow or irregular heartbeat
- slurred speech
- sore throat
- stomach pain
- sweating
- trembling or shaking of hands or feet
- trouble in speaking
- trouble sleeping
- ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth
- unpleasant breath odor
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vomiting of blood
- yellow eyes or skin
Incidence not known
- Chest tightness
- deep or fast breathing with dizziness
- difficult or trouble breathing
- irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
- numbness of the feet, hands, and around the mouth
- pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking diazepam:
Symptoms of overdose
- Agitation
- change in consciousness
- changes in patterns and rhythms of speech
- confusion
- excitement
- irritability
- lack of coordination
- loss of consciousness
- loss of strength or energy
- muscle pain or weakness
- restlessness
- shakiness and unsteady walk
- sleepiness
- slurred speech
- talkativeness
- trouble in speaking
- unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
- unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness or feeling of sluggishness
- unusual weak feeling
Other side effects of Valium
Some side effects of diazepam may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
- Constipation
- decreased interest in sexual intercourse
- difficulty in swallowing
- discouragement
- double vision
- dry mouth
- feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
- feeling sad or empty
- hiccups
- hives or welts, itching
- inability to have or keep an erection
- increase in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
- increased interest in sexual intercourse
- increased watering of the mouth
- lack of appetite
- loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
- loss of interest or pleasure
- redness of skin
- seeing double
- sensation of spinning
- trouble concentrating
- uncontrolled eye movements
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to diazepam: buccal film, compounding powder, injectable solution, intravenous suspension, nasal spray, oral capsule extended release, oral concentrate, oral solution, oral tablet, rectal kit.
General
ORAL: The most commonly reported side effects included ataxia, drowsiness, fatigue, and muscle weakness.
PARENTERAL: The most commonly reported side effects included fatigue, drowsiness, ataxia, injection-site venous thrombosis, and injection-site phlebitis.
RECTAL: The most commonly reported side effects included somnolence, headache, and diarrhea.[Ref]
Nervous system
ORAL:
Common (1% to 10%): Ataxia, disrupted sensory perception, drowsiness, epileptic attacks, impaired motor ability, tremor
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Amnesia/anterograde amnesia, balance disorders, concentration difficulties, dizziness, dysarthria, headache, slurred speech, vertigo
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Decreased alertness, memory loss, syncope, unconsciousness
Frequency not reported: Abnormal taste, amnestic effects, hangover effect, hypersensitivity to physical/visual/auditory stimuli, oversedation, perceptual disturbances
PARENTERAL:
Common (1% to 10%): Ataxia, disrupted sensory perception, dizziness, drowsiness, epileptic attacks, impaired motor ability, tremor
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Amnesia/anterograde amnesia, balance disorders, concentration difficulties, headache, increased seizure incidence/severity, lightheadedness, minor electroencephalogram (EEG) changes, slurred speech, vertigo
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Convulsions, decreased alertness, dysarthria, extrapyramidal effects, memory loss, syncope, unconsciousness
Frequency not reported: Abnormal taste, amnestic effects, hangover effect, hypersensitivity to physical/visual/auditory stimuli, oversedation
RECTAL:
Very common (10% or more): Somnolence (up to 23%)
Common (1% to 10%): Ataxia, anterograde amnesia, convulsion, disrupted sensory perception, dizziness, drowsiness, dysarthria, epileptic attacks, hangover effect, headache, impaired motor ability, incoordination, reduced alertness, sedation, slurred speech, speech disorder, tremor, vertigo
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Balance disorders, concentration difficulties
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Dystonic effects, lightheadedness, memory loss, syncope, unconsciousness
Frequency not reported: Grand mal convulsion, hyperkinesia, lethargy, minor changes in EEG patterns, nystagmus[Ref]
Drowsiness, headache, dizziness, ataxia, and reduced alertness occurred at the start of treatment, but usually disappeared with continued use.
Anterograde amnesia is a dose-related side effect that may occur at therapeutic doses.
Tremor, disrupted sensory perception, and epileptic attacks occurred in patients with withdrawal symptoms.
Drowsiness, sedation, unsteadiness, and ataxia are dose-related and may persist into the following day, even with single doses.
Prolonged use of treatment in elderly patients may result in dementia.[Ref]
Psychiatric
Confusion and numbed emotions occurred at the start of treatment, but usually disappeared with continued use. Confusion has occurred in elderly patients who received high doses.
Inappropriate behavior may occur with anterograde amnesia.
Psychic and physical dependence occurred with chronic use at therapeutic doses; withdrawal symptoms may occur in patients with dependence when treatment is discontinued.
Anxiety, panic, irritability, aggressiveness/aggression, paranoid psychosis, and delirium occurred in patients with withdrawal symptoms.
Restlessness, agitation, irritability, aggressiveness/aggression, rage, delusions, nightmares, psychoses, hallucinations, and inappropriate behavior occurred in patients with paradoxical reactions, especially in elderly and pediatric patients.
Increased REM sleep and broken sleep with vivid dreams may persist for weeks after treatment is discontinued.[Ref]
ORAL:
Common (1% to 10%): Aggression/aggressiveness, anxiety, confusion, delirium, irritability, panic, paranoid psychosis, withdrawal symptoms
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Depression, changed/increased/reduced libido
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Agitation, delusion, emotional poverty, excitation, hallucinations, inappropriate behavior, insomnia, nightmares, other adverse behavioral effects, psychiatric reactions, psychoses, rages, restlessness
Frequency not reported: Acute hyperexcittion/acute hyperexcited states, broken sleep with vivid dreams, confusional psychosis, delirium tremens, increased REM sleep, numbed emotions, physical dependence, sleep disturbances, stimulation, unmasked depression
PARENTERAL:
Common (1% to 10%): Aggression/aggressiveness, anxiety, confusion, delirium, dependence, irritability, panic, paranoid psychosis, withdrawal symptoms
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Acute hyperexcittion/acute hyperexcited states, auditory/visual hallucinations, numbed emotion, sleep disturbances, stimulation, suicidal ideation
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Agitation, delusion, depression/mental depression, emotional poverty, excitation, hallucinations, inappropriate behavior, increased/changed/reduced libido, insomnia, nightmares, other adverse behavioral effects, psychiatric reactions, psychoses, rages, restlessness
Frequency not reported: Broken sleep with vivid dreams, confusional psychoses, delirium tremens, disinhibition, dysphoria, euphoria, habituation, hypoactivity, increased REM sleep, inhibition of female orgasm, unmasked depression
RECTAL:
Common (1% to 10%): Aggression/aggressiveness, agitation, anxiety, confusion, delirium, emotional lability, euphoria, irritability, nervousness, numbed emotions, panic, paranoid psychosis, thinking abnormal, uneasiness, unmasked depression, withdrawal symptoms
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Delusion, emotional poverty, excitation, hallucination, inappropriate behavior, increased/reduced libido, insomnia, libido fluctuations, nightmares, other adverse behavioral effects, psychiatric reactions, psychoses, rage, restlessness
Frequency not reported: Abuse, acute hyperexcited states, changes in libido, depression, drug dependence, dysphoria, instability, sleep disturbances, stimulation, uncovering of depression with suicidal tendencies[Ref]
Respiratory
ORAL:
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Respiratory depression
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Increased bronchial secretion, respiratory arrest
Frequency not reported: Apnea
PARENTERAL:
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Coughing, dyspnea, hyperventilation, laryngospasm, respiratory depression, throat pain
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Increased bronchial secretion, respiratory arrest
Frequency not reported: Apnea, hiccups
RECTAL:
Common (1% to 10%): Asthma, hiccup, rhinitis
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Respiratory depression
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Apnea, increased bronchial secretion, laryngeal spasm, respiratory arrest
Frequency not reported: Cough increased, hypoventilation[Ref]
Increased bronchial secretions were reported, especially in pediatric patients.
Respiratory depression and apnea occurred, especially with high doses.
Coughing, respiratory depression, dyspnea, hyperventilation, laryngospasm, and throat/chest pain have been reported in patients undergoing peroral endoscopic procedures.[Ref]
Other
Fatigue occurred at the start of treatment, but usually disappeared with continued use.
Elderly patients have an increased risk of falling.
Patients with physical/psychic dependence may experience rebound effects during discontinuation.
General malaise occurred in patients with withdrawal symptoms.
Pain occurred with injection formulations.[Ref]
ORAL:
Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue, general malaise
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Paradoxical reactions
Frequency not reported: Accidents, falls, rebound effect, tinnitus
PARENTERAL:
Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue, general malaise
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Body pain, hyperpyrexia, hypothermia
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Paradoxical reactions
Frequency not reported: Pain
RECTAL:
Common (1% to 10%): Falls, fatigue, general malaise, pain, paradoxical reactions
Frequency not reported: Asthenia, lack of effect, rebound effect[Ref]
Cardiovascular
ORAL:
Common (1% to 10%): Hypotension, palpitations
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Bradycardia, heart failure (including cardiac arrest)
Frequency not reported: Cardiovascular depression, chest pain, mild systolic hypertension, orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia
PARENTERAL:
Common (1% to 10%): Palpitations
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Bradycardia, cardiac arrest, chest pain, hypotension, other arrhythmias, tachycardia, ventricular premature contractions
Frequency not reported: Mild systolic hypertension, orthostatic hypotension
RECTAL:
Common (1% to 10%): Hypotension, palpitations, vasodilation
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Bradycardia, chest pain, heart failure (including cardiac arrest)
Frequency not reported: Cardiovascular collapse[Ref]
Palpitations occurred in patients with withdrawal symptoms.
Thrombophlebitis and venous thrombosis have occurred with injection formulations.
Ischemia occurred with inadvertent intra-arterial administration.[Ref]
Local
PARENTERAL:
Common (1% to 10%): Local irritation, pain, phlebitis, swelling, venous thrombosis
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Erythema, local pain, tenderness, vascular changes
Frequency not reported: Ischemia, tissue necrosis[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
Muscle weakness occurred at the start of treatment, but usually disappeared with continued use.
Elderly patients and/or those taking sedatives/alcohol concomitantly have an increased risk of fractures associated with falls.
Muscle spasms occurred in patients with withdrawal symptoms.
Tissue necrosis occurred with inadvertent intra-arterial administration.[Ref]
ORAL:
Common (1% to 10%): Muscle spasms, muscle weakness
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Myasthenia
Frequency not reported: Muscle twitching
Postmarketing reports: Fractures
PARENTERAL:
Common (1% to 10%): Muscle spasms/increased muscle spasticity, muscle weakness
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Increased phosphokinase activity, joint pain, muscle cramps, myasthenia
Frequency not reported: Muscle aches, muscle twitching
Postmarketing reports: Fractures
RECTAL:
Common (1% to 10%): Muscle spasms, muscle weakness
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Myasthenia
Frequency not reported: Increased muscle spasticity, muscle cramps[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Increased salivation has been reported, especially in pediatric patients.
Gastrointestinal disorders occurred in patients with withdrawal symptoms.[Ref]
ORAL:
Common (1% to 10%): Gastrointestinal disorders
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, hypersalivation, increased salivary secretion, nausea, vomiting
Frequency not reported: Abdominal cramps
PARENTERAL:
Common (1% to 10%): Gastrointestinal disorders
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Constipation, decreased gag reflex, diarrhea, hypersalivation, increased salivary secretion, nausea, vomiting
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Dry mouth
Frequency not reported: Abdominal cramps, changes in salivation
RECTAL:
Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, diarrhea, gastrointestinal disorders
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Changes in salivation, constipation, increased salivary secretion, nausea, vomiting
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Dry mouth, epigastric pain, obstipation
Frequency not reported: Abdominal cramps[Ref]
Metabolic
ORAL:
Common (1% to 10%): Loss of appetite
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Increased appetite
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Alkaline phosphatase elevations
PARENTERAL:
Common (1% to 10%): Loss of appetite
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Alkaline phosphatase elevations, increased appetite
RECTAL:
Common (1% to 10%): Loss of appetite
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Alkaline phosphatase elevations, increased appetite
Frequency not reported: Anorexia[Ref]
Appetite loss occurred in patients with withdrawal symptoms.[Ref]
Dermatologic
Sweating occurred in patients with withdrawal symptoms.[Ref]
ORAL:
Common (1% to 10%): Sweating
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Allergic skin reactions, erythema, itching, rash/skin rash
Frequency not reported: Perspiration
PARENTERAL:
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Allergic skin reactions, erythema, itching, photosensitivity, pruritus, rash/skin rash, urticaria
Frequency not reported: Perspiration, Steven-Johnson syndrome, sweating
RECTAL:
Common (1% to 10%): Rash, sweating
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Allergic skin reactions, erythema, itching
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Urticaria
Frequency not reported: Pruritus[Ref]
Ocular
ORAL:
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Blurred vision, diplopia
Frequency not reported: Nystagmus, reversible visual disorders, visual disturbances
PARENTERAL:
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Blurred vision, conjunctivitis, diplopia, nystagmus
Frequency not reported: Reversible visual disorders, visual disturbances
RECTAL:
Common (1% to 10%): Double vision/diplopia
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Other visual disturbances
Frequency not reported: Blurred vision, mydriasis, nystagmus, reversible visual disorders[Ref]
Double vision occurred at the start of treatment, but usually disappeared with continued use.[Ref]
Hematologic
ORAL:
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Blood dyscrasias
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Leukopenia, neutropenia
PARENTERAL:
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Agranulocytosis, anemia, blood dyscrasias, leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia
RECTAL:
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Blood dyscrasias, thrombocytopenia
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Leukopenia
Frequency not reported: Anemia, neutropenia, lymphadenopathy[Ref]
Genitourinary
ORAL:
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Incontinence, urinary retention
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Impotence
PARENTERAL:
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Difficulty in micturition
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Impotence, incontinence, urinary retention
Frequency not reported: Galactorrhea
RECTAL:
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Impotence, incontinence, menstrual disturbances, urinary retention
Frequency not reported: Urinary tract infection[Ref]
Hepatic
ORAL:
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Changes of hepatic parameters, elevation of ALT or AST, jaundice
PARENTERAL:
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hepatic dysfunction, jaundice
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Changes of hepatic parameters, elevation of ALT or AST
Frequency not reported: Cholestasis
RECTAL:
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Changes of hepatic parameters, cholestatic jaundice, elevation of ALT or AST, hepatocellular jaundice, jaundice[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
ORAL:
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Anaphylaxis, hypersensitivity reactions
PARENTERAL:
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Immediate hypersensitivity reactions
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Anaphylaxis
RECTAL:
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Anaphylaxis, angioedema[Ref]
Renal
PARENTERAL:
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Increased serum creatinine[Ref]
Endocrine
ORAL:
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Gynecomastia
PARENTERAL:
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Gynecomastia
Frequency not reported: Increased plasma testosterone levels, increased prolactin levels
RECTAL:
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Gynecomastia[Ref]
Frequently asked questions
More about Valium (diazepam)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (334)
- Drug images
- Latest FDA alerts (2)
- Dosage information
- Patient tips
- During pregnancy
- Generic availability
- Support group
- Drug class: benzodiazepine anticonvulsants
- Breastfeeding
Patient resources
Other brands
Diastat AcuDial, Valtoco, Diastat, Diazepam Intensol, ... +3 more
Professional resources
Other brands
Related treatment guides
References
1. (2002) "Product Information. Valium (diazepam)." Roche Laboratories
2. (2001) "Product Information. Dizac (diazepam)." OHMEDA
3. (2001) "Product Information. Diastat (diazepam)." Athena Neurosciences Inc
4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
5. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.