Patient leaflet - DIAZEPAM 2 MG, TENSIUM
BEFORE TAKING THIS MEDICINE
Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to diazepam or other benzodiazepines. Also tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes.
The presence of other medical problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure, therefore, to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Any condition that affects your breathing, such as asthma, emphysema.
- Any liver or kidney problems for which you have or are receiving treatment.
- Raised eyeball pressure (Glaucoma)
- Depression
WHAT SIDE EFFECTS CAN DIAZEPAM HAVE?
Children and the elderly are usually more sensitive to the effects of Diazepam and most of the side effects of this medicine are more likely to occur in these patients.
Along with its needed effects, the medicine may cause some unwanted effects, which may persist into the next day. Common amongst these include drowsiness, sedation, unsteadiness and difficulty with balance when walking. Loss of memory may also occur.
Other adverse effects are rare and include headache, dizziness, lowering of blood pressure, stomach upsets, skin rashes, visual disturbances, changes in sexual desire, difficulty in urinating, jaundice (yellow discolouration of eyes and skin), and anaemic conditions causing unusual bruising or bleeding.
If any of the above effects become troublesome check with your doctor as soon as possible.
These side effects will become more noticeable if you are taking anti-epileptic drugs.
When taken for trouble in sleeping (insomnia) by the elderly more daytime drowsiness may be experienced than in younger adults. In elderly patients falls and related injuries may be more likely to occur.
Rarely, aggressive outbursts of anger, excitement and confusion may be experienced. If this occurs check with your doctor at once as they may wish you to discontinue using the drug.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some people. If you notice any other side effects check with your doctor.
On the container you will find the words “expiry date” followed by numbers indicating the day, month and year. This is the date after which the medicine is no longer fit for use. Do not use the medicine after this date but return it to your doctor or pharmacist.
A reminder
REMEMBER this medicine is for you. Never give it to someone else, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
This leaflet does not contain the complete information about your medicine. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist who have access to additional information.
PLs 33414/0035, 33414/0036, 33414/0037
This leaflet was revised February 2009.
Storing your medicine
You must keep this medicine in a safe place where children cannot get at it. Your medicine could harm them.
Keep your medicine in a dry place, below 25°C. Protect from light. Keep the tablets/capsules in the container in which they were given to you.
If your doctor tells you to stop the treatment, return any remaining tablets/capsules to the pharmacist.