#
Valium
  • Treatments
  • Anxiety

Valium

Generic name:diazepam (oral) [ dye-AZ-e-pam ]
Drug classes:Benzodiazepine anticonvulsants, Benzodiazepines

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Dec 14, 2021.

What is Valium?

Valium is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen). It is thought that diazepam works by enhancing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.

Valium is used to treat anxiety disorders, or alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Valium is sometimes used with other medications to treat muscle spasms and stiffness, or seizures.

Warnings

You should not use Valium if you are allergic to diazepam or similar medicines (Ativan, Klonopin, Xanax, and others), or if you have myasthenia gravis, severe liver disease, narrow-angle glaucoma, a severe breathing problem, or sleep apnea.

Diazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol.

MISUSE OF THIS MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.

Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use. Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer.

Get medical help right away if you stop using Valium and have symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or thoughts about suicide.

Before taking this medicine

You sho...