NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Diazepam

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

Prescription benzodiazepine (Schedule IV controlled substance) approved for anxiety disorders, acute alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasm, seizure disorders, and as a preanesthetic agent. One of the oldest and most well-studied benzodiazepines with the longest half-life in its class. Its active metabolite desmethyldiazepam further extends its duration of action. Dosage must be determined by your prescribing physician.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
10 1975–2023
Interactions
0
Category
Prescription
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

Prescription benzodiazepine (Schedule IV controlled substance) approved for anxiety disorders, acute alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasm, seizure disorders, and as a preanesthetic agent. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is 2–40 mg daily in divided doses (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Anxiety relief8
  • Muscle spasm reduction
  • Acute alcohol withdrawal management5,10
  • Seizure control
  • Preoperative sedation3
What to watch for
  • Sedation and drowsiness
  • Ataxia
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Known hypersensitivity to diazepam or other benzodiazepines1,2
  • Acute narrow-angle glaucoma

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: anxiety relief, muscle spasm reduction, acute alcohol withdrawal management. 10 sources indexed (1975–2023), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Binds to the benzodiazepine site on GABA-A receptors, enhancing GABA-mediated inhibitory neurotransmission. Produces anxiolytic, sedative, anticonvulsant, and skeletal muscle relaxant effects. Highly lipophilic with rapid CNS penetration. Metabolized to active metabolites (desmethyldiazepam, temazepam, oxazepam) that prolong clinical effects.8,9

Class
Benzodiazepine
Absorption
Fat-soluble; take with food
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
2–40 mg daily in divided doses (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Tablet, oral solution, rectal gel, or injectable

Rapidly and completely absorbed orally. Can be taken with or without food. Rectal gel available for acute seizure rescue.

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Sedation and drowsiness
  • Ataxia
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Dependence and withdrawal
  • Respiratory depression
  • Paradoxical agitation
  • Anterograde amnesia
  • Hypotension

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to diazepam or other benzodiazepines1,2
  • Acute narrow-angle glaucoma
  • Severe respiratory insufficiency
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Severe hepatic insufficiency
  • Sleep apnea syndrome
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

2

Randomized controlled trials

2

Reviews & position papers

3

Reference material

3
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Diazepam, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Diazepam?

Prescription benzodiazepine (Schedule IV controlled substance) approved for anxiety disorders, acute alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasm, seizure disorders, and as a preanesthetic agent. One of the oldest and most well-studied benzodiazepines with the longest half-life in its class. Its active metabolite desmethyldiazepam further extends its duration of action. Dosage must be determined by your prescribing physician.

What is Diazepam used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Diazepam include: Anxiety relief; Muscle spasm reduction; Acute alcohol withdrawal management; Seizure control; Preoperative sedation. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Diazepam?

A typical adult dose of Diazepam is 2–40 mg daily in divided doses (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Tablet, oral solution, rectal gel, or injectable. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Diazepam?

Reported side effects include sedation and drowsiness, ataxia, cognitive impairment, dependence and withdrawal, respiratory depression, paradoxical agitation. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Diazepam?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Diazepam in NutriStack.

Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.

Download on the App Store → Read the methodology

NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.