Diazepam is used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms and fits (seizures), such as epilepsy. It belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. It is available only on prescription.

Diazepam is also used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as sweating or difficulty sleeping. It is sometimes used to help you relax before a medical operation. This is known as a 'pre-med.'

Types of diazepam: Diazepam comes in tablets or a rectal tube (medicine that's squeezed into your bottom). It can also be given as an injection in hospital.

Brand names include:

Anxicalm
Diazemuls
Stesolid Rectal tubes
Diazepam Rectubes
Diazepam Desitin
It's also known as valium.

Get emergency help: You might need emergency help if you get serious side effects, take too much or have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)....