The prescribed dosage for diazepam may vary depending on a person’s individual treatment plan. Factors such as your medical history and body weight may also affect your dosage of diazepam.

Diazepam oral tablet is used in adults and certain children to treat:

This article describes the dosages of diazepam, its strengths, and how to take it. For a detailed overview of this drug, check out this in-depth diazepam article.

Note: Diazepam is also available in other forms, including an oral solution and rectal gel. This article focuses on the oral tablet form of the drug. If you have questions about the other forms of diazepam, talk with your doctor.

Your doctor will likely start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended for diazepam. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those mentioned here.

Diazepam forms

Diazepam is available as an oral tablet.

Diazepam strengths

Diazepam comes in three strengths:

  • 2 milligrams (mg)
  • 5 mg
  • 10 mg

Diazepam is approved to treat the following conditions:

  • anxiety
  • symptoms caused by alcohol withdrawal, such as agitation or tremors
  • add-on treatment for skeletal muscle spasms
  • add-on treatment for certain types of seizures

The prescribed diazepam dosage may vary depending on the condition it’s used to treat. Always follow your doctor’s instructions. Notify them if you experience any side effects that may prevent you from taking your medication.

Dosage for anxiety

The typical diazepam dosage for adults with anxiety is 2 mg to 10 mg taken two to four times per day.

Dosage for symptoms caused by alcohol withdrawal

For adults with symptoms caused by alcohol withdrawal, the typical dosage of diazepam is 10 mg taken three to four times during the first 24 hours. Then, the dosage is lowered to 5 mg taken three to four times per day as needed.

Dosage for skeletal muscle spasms

For adults with skeletal muscle spasms, the typical dosage of diazepam is 2 mg to 10 mg taken three or four times per day.

Dosage for certain types of seizures

For adults with certain types of seizures, the typical dosage of diazepam is 2 mg to 10 mg taken two to four times per day.

Dosage for older adults

For adults ages 65 years and older, the starting dosage of diazepam may be lower. Typically, the starting dosage for diazepam in older adults is 2 mg to 2.5 mg taken once or twice per day. The dosage can be increased slowly as needed and tolerated.

The dosage for this age group is the same for all conditions diazepam is used to treat.

Diazepam is used in children ages 6 months and older for the following conditions:

  • anxiety
  • symptoms caused by alcohol withdrawal, such as agitation or tremors
  • add-on treatment for skeletal muscle spasms
  • add-on treatment for certain types of seizures

The starting dosage for the conditions above in children is 1 mg to 2.5 mg taken three to four times per day. This dosage may be slowly increased if needed.

For more information about diazepam’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.

Your doctor or pharmacist will give you specific instructions for taking diazepam. Typically, recommendations for taking diazepam include:

  • talking with your doctor before stopping diazepam to help prevent withdrawal symptoms
  • taking your dose exactly as prescribed by your doctor

How long do you take diazepam?

Diazepam is typically prescribed for a limited time. Your doctor will determine your individual treatment plan, including how long you will take diazepam.

Do not take more diazepam than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of diazepam overdose

Taking too much of this drug can cause depression of your central nervous system (CNS). Symptoms include:

  • drowsiness
  • confusion
  • tiredness
  • slowing or stopping of your breathing
  • dangerously low blood pressure

In some cases, CNS depression can cause coma and even be fatal.

What to do in case you take too much diazepam

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much diazepam. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers, or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

The following are answers to some commonly asked questions about diazepam’s dosage.

Can diazepam be used for sleep? If so, what is the dosage?

No, diazepam oral tablet is not used for sleep.

Because diazepam isn’t used for sleep, the drug manufacturer doesn’t provide recommended dosages for this use.

However, Ambien is a drug that’s approved for insomnia (trouble sleeping). To learn more about your treatment options for sleep, talk with your doctor.

Is there a recommended maximum dose of diazepam?

Not really. The manufacturer does not provide a recommended maximum dose of diazepam.

This may be because your body develops tolerance to the effects of diazepam over time. So the maximum dose will depend on what you and your doctor determine is safe for you. Your doctor will work with you to find the lowest effective dose for your condition.

If you have questions about your dosage of diazepam, talk with your doctor.

What should I do if I miss a dose of diazepam?

If you miss a dose of diazepam, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time to take your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at its regular time. You should not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. Doing so could raise your risk of side effects.

If you’re not sure whether you should take a missed dose or skip it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. To help make sure you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.