Diazepam pill belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. It’s used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms and seizures or fits. It’s also used in hospital to reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as sweating or difficulty sleeping.

It can also be taken to help you relax before an operation or other medical or dental treatments. This is known as a pre-med. It works by increasing the levels of a calming chemical in your brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It comes as tablets, a liquid that you swallow, or in a rectal tube – medicine that’s squeezed into your bottom (anus). It can also be given as an injection in hospital.