Side effects of Diazepam

Diazepam has a range of side effects which are common to most benzodiazepines. Most common side effects include:

Somnolence
Suppression of REM sleep
Addiction
Impaired motor function
Impaired coordination
Impaired balance
Dizziness and nausea
Depression
Impaired learning
Anterograde amnesia (especially pronounced in higher doses)
Cognitive deficits
Reflex tachycardia

Rare paradoxical side effects can include: nervousness, irritability, insomnia, muscle cramps, and in extreme cases, rage, and violence.[42][43][44] If these side effects are present, diazepam treatment should be immediately terminated.

Benzodiazepines such as diazepam impair learning and memory via their action on benzodiazepine receptors which causes a dysfunction in the cholinergic neuronal system.

Diazepam may impair the ability to drive vehicles or operate machinery. The impairment is worsened by consumption of alcohol, because both act as central nervous system depressants.

During the course of therapy, tolerance to the sedative effects usually develops, but not to the anxiolytic and myorelaxant effects.

Patients with severe attacks of apnea during sleep may suffer respiratory depression (hypoventilation) leading to respiratory arrest and death.

Diazepam in doses of 5 mg or more causes significant deterioration in alertness performance combined with increased feelings of sleepiness.