Prazepam (By Mouth)

Prazepam (PRAZ-e-pam)

Treats anxiety. Belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to prazepam or related medicines such as Valium®, Librium®, or Halcion®.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.
• May be taken with or without food.

If a dose is missed:

• Take the missed dose as soon as possible unless you are more than one hour late.
• If you are more than 1 hour late, skip the missed dose and return to the usual time you take your medicine.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking any medicine that can make you sleepy, such as sleeping pills, sedatives, antidepressants, cold and allergy medicines, or pain killers.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before taking this medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have glaucoma or liver, kidney, or lung disease before taking this medicine.
• This medicine can be habit-forming. You should not use more or for longer periods than your doctor has ordered.
• Talk with your doctor before you stop taking this drug, especially if you have been taking it for a long time or in large doses. You may need to take smaller and smaller doses before you stop completely.
• Older adults and children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Depression or severe confusion
• Muscle weakness or trouble breathing
• Skin rash
• Hallucinations or changes in behavior
• Slowed heart beat
• Slurred speech
• Extreme unsteadiness
• Severe drowsiness or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Drowsiness or tired feeling
• Dizziness
• Clumsiness
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Blurred vision
• Headache
• "Hangover" effect after bedtime use
• Difficulty going to the bathroom (urinating)

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.