Can I take Diazepam and Paracetamol together?

It is usually safe to take diazepam and paracetamol together. They are processed by different pathways in the liver and do not interfere with how the other is absorbed, broken down, or removed from the body.

They also work on different parts of the nervous system.

How to to take diazepam and paracetamol safely

• You can take these medicines together as prescribed or directed on the packaging.

• Always follow the recommended dose for each.

• If you feel unusually drowsy, avoid driving or using machinery.

Important precautions

Alcohol consumption

Do not drink alcohol while taking diazepam. Combining them can cause dangerously shallow breathing, extreme sleepiness, and can be fatal.

Liver health and multiple medications

Never exceed the maximum dose (usually 8 tablets in 24 hours). Many cold and flu remedies also contain paracetamol; taking them together can cause fatal liver damage.

Long-term use and dependency

Diazepam should only be used for short periods (usually no more than 4 weeks).

Using it for longer can lead to physical and psychological dependence, and stopping the medicine suddenly after regular use can cause severe withdrawal symptoms like seizures.

Driving and operating machinery

It is often an offence to drive while taking diazepam as it can seriously impair your coordination and reaction times.

Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you, and always keep the medicine in its original packaging to show the police if stopped.

Respiratory depression

Do not take diazepam if you have severe lung disease or breathing difficulties, as it can further slow your breathing to dangerous levels.

Pregnancy

Avoid use in late pregnancy or during labour, as it can cause 'floppy infant syndrome' and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the newborn.

Food and drink warnings

Alcohol

You must not drink alcohol while taking diazepam. Alcohol increases the sedative effects of the medicine, which can lead to extreme sleepiness, dangerous breathing problems, and loss of consciousness.

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol when taking paracetamol. Combining alcohol with paracetamol increases the risk of serious liver damage.

Grapefruit juice

Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit. It can increase the amount of diazepam in your blood, making side effects like drowsiness more likely and longer-lasting.

Caffeine

Caffeine can reduce the calming effects of diazepam because it acts as a stimulant, which works against the medicine's purpose.

Using other medicines

Taking multiple medicines? Our Medicines Interaction Checker helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Disclaimer

This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your medications. Individual circumstances may vary, and only a healthcare professional who knows your medical history can provide personalised guidance.