Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Diazemuls (Diazepam).
HEALTH CANADA ADVISORY
October 30, 2020
Health Canada has issued new restrictions concerning the use of benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine-like prescription drugs. To read the full Health Canada Advisory, visit Health Canada's web site at www.hc-sc.gc.ca.
Alcohol and other medications that cause drowsiness: Alcohol and other medications that cause drowsiness, such as antidepressants, sleeping pills, anxiety medications, or narcotic pain relievers, should be avoided when you are taking Diazemuls (Diazepam). Combining any of these medications with Diazemuls (Diazepam) can result in severe drowsiness, breathing problems, and possibly coma and death. People who have an addiction to alcohol or other medications should not take Diazemuls (Diazepam), except in rare situations under medical supervision.
Dependence and withdrawal: Physical dependence (a need to take regular doses to prevent physical symptoms) has been associated with benzodiazepines such as Diazemuls (Diazepam). Severe withdrawal symptoms may occur if the dose is significantly reduced or suddenly discontinued. These symptoms include seizures, irritability, nervousness, sleep problems, agitation, tremors, Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, memory impairment, headache, muscle pain, extreme anxiety, tension, restlessness, and confusion. Reducing the dose gradually under medical supervision can help prevent or decrease these withdrawal symptoms.
Rebound anxiety may also occur if treatment with Diazemuls (Diazepam) is stopped abruptly. Rebound anxiety is a temporary syndrome where the symptoms that led to use of Diazemuls (Diazepam) come back stronger than before.
Depression: Benzodiazepine medications such as Diazemuls (Diazepam) have been known to cause mood swings and symptoms of depression. If you have depression or a history of depression, discuss with your doctor how Diazemuls (Diazepam) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Diazemuls (Diazepam), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, or notice them in a family member who is taking Diazemuls (Diazepam), contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Because Diazemuls (Diazepam) causes drowsiness and sedation, do not engage in activities requiring mental alertness, judgment, and physical coordination (such as driving or operating machinery) while taking it. This is particularly true when you first start taking the medication and until you find out how the Diazemuls (Diazepam) affects you. Alcohol can increase the drowsiness effects and should be avoided.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Diazemuls (Diazepam) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Diazemuls (Diazepam) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Diazemuls (Diazepam), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Suicidal or agitated behaviour: People taking Diazemuls (Diazepam) sometimes feel agitated (restless, anxious, aggressive, emotional, and feeling not like themselves), or they may want to hurt themselves or others. This behaviour is more likely to occur in children or seniors, however it can occur in other adults, particularly those with mental or emotional disorders. These symptoms may occur within several weeks after starting Diazemuls (Diazepam). If you experience these side effects or notice them in a family member who is taking Diazemuls (Diazepam), contact your doctor immediately. You should be closely monitored by your doctor for emotional and behaviour changes while taking Diazemuls (Diazepam).
Pregnancy: Diazemuls (Diazepam) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Diazemuls (Diazepam), contact your doctor immediately. Babies born to mothers who have used Diazemuls (Diazepam) regularly during late pregnancy may have breathing difficulties and show signs of withdrawal when they are first born.
Breast-feeding: Diazemuls (Diazepam) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Diazemuls (Diazepam), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of Diazemuls (Diazepam) have not been determined for use by children less than 6 months old.
Seniors: Seniors may be at increased risk for the sedative and impaired coordination effects of Diazemuls (Diazepam). Seniors should be started on lower doses of Diazemuls (Diazepam). They also need to use extra caution, for example, when getting up during the night.
