What it is used for
- Short-term treatment of severe anxiety
- Treating panic disorder
How it is used
- Use it only as prescribed by your doctor; your doctor decides the dose and how long to take it
- Tablets are swallowed with water; modified-release tablets are swallowed whole without chewing or breaking
- Do not stop it suddenly after regular use; your doctor will reduce the dose gradually
- Never give your medicine to anyone else
Possible side effects
- Drowsiness, dizziness or tiredness
- Poor concentration or forgetfulness
- Poor balance and unsteadiness, especially in older people
- Rarely, unexpected agitation or aggression
Who should not use it
- Do not use it if you are allergic to the active ingredient or any other ingredient in the product
- Severe breathing problems or sleep apnoea
- Myasthenia gravis or severe liver disease
- Taking ketoconazole or itraconazole
Before and while using it
- It can cause dependence and addiction, especially with long use, high doses or a past history of addiction
- Stopping suddenly can cause serious withdrawal symptoms, including fits
- Taking it with opioid painkillers or alcohol can cause severe drowsiness and slowed breathing that can be life-threatening
- Do not drive or use machines if you feel drowsy
- Tell your doctor if you have depression or thoughts of self-harm, or lung or kidney disease
Medicine interactions
- Opioid painkillers, alcohol, sleeping tablets and drowsy antihistamines: risk of severe drowsiness and slowed breathing
- Some antifungals, antibiotics and HIV medicines raise its level in the blood
- Some epilepsy medicines, rifampicin and St John's wort can reduce its effect
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines, supplements and herbal products you take
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- It is avoided in pregnancy because it can cause withdrawal and floppiness in the newborn; tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy
- It passes into breast milk and can make the baby drowsy; it is not recommended while breastfeeding
How to store it
- Store it safely at room temperature, out of the sight and reach of children, and do not keep tablets you no longer need.
Get medical help straight away if
- Your face, lips or tongue swell, or you find it hard to breathe.
- You get a severe rash, blistering or peeling skin.
- A side effect worries you or doesn’t go away: contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Questions about this medicine?
Talk to a doctor by video, or send your question by text.
Source: Standard international medicine references
This guide is general information and doesn’t replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without asking them, and always read the leaflet in the pack.