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Can Diazepam Cause Leg Cramps At Night And Constipation?

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Posted on Mon, 14 Nov 2016
Question: Can diazepam cause leg cramps at night? Also, does it cause constipation? KS
doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (29 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes the drug can cause leg cramps and constipation.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for asking from HCM for your health related doubts

I can understand your concern. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine drug.

The drug is used in a number of problems and restless legs or leg cramps are one of them. The drug usually doesn't cause leg cramps as side effect in normal prescribed doses. But in some rare cases the drug can increase leg cramps paradoxically.

Yes the drug can cause constipation in some individuals.

Thanks. Take care

If you want to get more information you can ask a follow up question.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)
Dr. Bishnoi, thanks for your answer. I would like to know exactly how I could wean myself from the diazepam and cut down on the doxepin. Is it safe to just take (one pill) of doxepin daily instead of two daily? And only one diazepam instead of two?

My excellent GP prescribes and I am not getting these medications from a psychiatrist. KS
doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (10 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Redue the doses very gradually

Detailed Answer:
Hello again and thanks for asking a follow up

You are taking very low dose of Diazepam and it would not be very difficult to reduce the doses. Reduce the dose of Diazepam to one tablet for about 2 weeks and then you can start taking 2.5 mg (half of 5 mg tablet) for about 2 more weeks and then take the drug on alternate days for next 2 weeks and then you can stop taking the drug. This will not cause any serious withdrawal symptoms.

Doxepine also helps in sleep and reducing the dose will cause insomnia and other withdrawal symptoms. Reduce the doses of this drug very gradually. You are currently taking 200 mg per day. Reduce the dose to 175 mg (100 in evening and 75 in morning) for two weeks then 150 mg per day for next two weeks and reduce the dose by 25 mg every two weeks. You can stop abruptly once you become stable at about 25-50 mg per day. This will not cause any serious withdrawal.

Talk to your doctor before making any significant change in prescription.

Thanks, take care. You are welcome to ask more for more clarifications.


Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 5192 Questions

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Can Diazepam Cause Leg Cramps At Night And Constipation?

Brief Answer: Yes the drug can cause leg cramps and constipation. Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for asking from HCM for your health related doubts I can understand your concern. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine drug. The drug is used in a number of problems and restless legs or leg cramps are one of them. The drug usually doesn't cause leg cramps as side effect in normal prescribed doses. But in some rare cases the drug can increase leg cramps paradoxically. Yes the drug can cause constipation in some individuals. Thanks. Take care If you want to get more information you can ask a follow up question.