Your session is about to expire
What is Valium
DiazepamThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryDiazepam is a medication used to treat anxiety, insomnia, seizures, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal. It works by increasing the activity of a chemical in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid. It was first approved in the 1930s and has since been used to treat many conditions. In 2015-2016, an auto-injectable form of diazepam was approved by the FDA for the rapid treatment of uncontrolled seizures. This new form of diazepam allows for faster and more effective drug absorption, making it a valuable addition to the treatments available for people with epilepsy.
Valiumis the brand name
Valium Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Valium
Diazepam
1963
289
Effectiveness
How Valium Affects PatientsDiazepam is a type of medication that has calming, sleep-inducing, muscle-relaxing, anti-convulsive, and memory-altering effects. It works by increasing the activity of a chemical in the brain called GABA, which helps to reduce anxiety and slow down the nervous system.
How Valium works in the bodyDiazepam is a medication used to treat anxiety, seizures, and muscle spasms. It works by binding to receptors in the brain and spinal cord and increasing the activity of a chemical called GABA. This helps reduce the symptoms of anxiety, seizures, and muscle spasms.
When to interrupt dosage
The recommended dosage of Valium is predicated upon the diagnosed condition, such as Muscle Tissue, Seizures and Anger Management Therapy. The magnitude of dosage is contingent upon the administration technique specified in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Drug Resistant Epilepsy
5.0 mg/mL, , 25.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 75.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg/mL
Solution, Solution - Oral, , Oral, Rectal, Gel, Gel - Rectal, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Kit, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Emulsion, Emulsion - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, concentrate, Solution, concentrate - Oral, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Intramuscular, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular, Liquid - Intramuscular, Topical, Cream, Cream - Topical, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Nasal, Spray - Nasal, Spray
Status Epilepticus (Convulsive)
5.0 mg/mL, , 25.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 75.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg/mL
Solution, Solution - Oral, , Oral, Rectal, Gel, Gel - Rectal, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Kit, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Emulsion, Emulsion - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, concentrate, Solution, concentrate - Oral, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Intramuscular, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular, Liquid - Intramuscular, Topical, Cream, Cream - Topical, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Nasal, Spray - Nasal, Spray
Lockjaw
5.0 mg/mL, , 25.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 75.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg/mL
Solution, Solution - Oral, , Oral, Rectal, Gel, Gel - Rectal, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Kit, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Emulsion, Emulsion - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, concentrate, Solution, concentrate - Oral, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Intramuscular, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular, Liquid - Intramuscular, Topical, Cream, Cream - Topical, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Nasal, Spray - Nasal, Spray
Seizures
5.0 mg/mL, , 25.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 75.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg/mL
Solution, Solution - Oral, , Oral, Rectal, Gel, Gel - Rectal, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Kit, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Emulsion, Emulsion - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, concentrate, Solution, concentrate - Oral, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Intramuscular, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular, Liquid - Intramuscular, Topical, Cream, Cream - Topical, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Nasal, Spray - Nasal, Spray
Motor Neuron Disease, Upper
5.0 mg/mL, , 25.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 75.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg/mL
Solution, Solution - Oral, , Oral, Rectal, Gel, Gel - Rectal, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Kit, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Emulsion, Emulsion - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, concentrate, Solution, concentrate - Oral, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Intramuscular, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular, Liquid - Intramuscular, Topical, Cream, Cream - Topical, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Nasal, Spray - Nasal, Spray
Anxiety Disorders
5.0 mg/mL, , 25.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 75.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg/mL
Solution, Solution - Oral, , Oral, Rectal, Gel, Gel - Rectal, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Kit, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Emulsion, Emulsion - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, concentrate, Solution, concentrate - Oral, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Intramuscular, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular, Liquid - Intramuscular, Topical, Cream, Cream - Topical, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Nasal, Spray - Nasal, Spray
Stiff Man Syndrome
5.0 mg/mL, , 25.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 75.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg/mL
Solution, Solution - Oral, , Oral, Rectal, Gel, Gel - Rectal, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Kit, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Emulsion, Emulsion - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, concentrate, Solution, concentrate - Oral, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Intramuscular, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular, Liquid - Intramuscular, Topical, Cream, Cream - Topical, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Nasal, Spray - Nasal, Spray
Anger Management Therapy
5.0 mg/mL, , 25.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 75.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg/mL
Solution, Solution - Oral, , Oral, Rectal, Gel, Gel - Rectal, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Kit, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Emulsion, Emulsion - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, concentrate, Solution, concentrate - Oral, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Intramuscular, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular, Liquid - Intramuscular, Topical, Cream, Cream - Topical, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Nasal, Spray - Nasal, Spray
Muscle Tissue
5.0 mg/mL, , 25.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 75.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg/mL
Solution, Solution - Oral, , Oral, Rectal, Gel, Gel - Rectal, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Kit, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Emulsion, Emulsion - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, concentrate, Solution, concentrate - Oral, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Intramuscular, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular, Liquid - Intramuscular, Topical, Cream, Cream - Topical, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Nasal, Spray - Nasal, Spray
Athetosis
5.0 mg/mL, , 25.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 75.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg/mL
Solution, Solution - Oral, , Oral, Rectal, Gel, Gel - Rectal, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Kit, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Emulsion, Emulsion - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, concentrate, Solution, concentrate - Oral, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Intramuscular, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular, Liquid - Intramuscular, Topical, Cream, Cream - Topical, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Nasal, Spray - Nasal, Spray
Syndrome
5.0 mg/mL, , 25.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 75.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg/mL
Solution, Solution - Oral, , Oral, Rectal, Gel, Gel - Rectal, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Kit, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Emulsion, Emulsion - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, concentrate, Solution, concentrate - Oral, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Intramuscular, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular, Liquid - Intramuscular, Topical, Cream, Cream - Topical, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Nasal, Spray - Nasal, Spray
Sedation
5.0 mg/mL, , 25.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 75.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg/mL
Solution, Solution - Oral, , Oral, Rectal, Gel, Gel - Rectal, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Kit, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Emulsion, Emulsion - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, concentrate, Solution, concentrate - Oral, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Intramuscular, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular, Liquid - Intramuscular, Topical, Cream, Cream - Topical, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Nasal, Spray - Nasal, Spray
Sedation therapy
5.0 mg/mL, , 25.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 75.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg/mL
Solution, Solution - Oral, , Oral, Rectal, Gel, Gel - Rectal, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Kit, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Emulsion, Emulsion - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, concentrate, Solution, concentrate - Oral, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Intramuscular, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular, Liquid - Intramuscular, Topical, Cream, Cream - Topical, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Nasal, Spray - Nasal, Spray
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
5.0 mg/mL, , 25.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 75.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg/mL
Solution, Solution - Oral, , Oral, Rectal, Gel, Gel - Rectal, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Kit, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Emulsion, Emulsion - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, concentrate, Solution, concentrate - Oral, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Intramuscular, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular, Liquid - Intramuscular, Topical, Cream, Cream - Topical, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Nasal, Spray - Nasal, Spray
Warnings
Valium ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Do Not Combine
Glaucoma
Do Not Combine
Myasthenia Gravis
Do Not Combine
severe hepatic insufficiency
Do Not Combine
Respiratory Insufficiency
Do Not Combine
Common Valium Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Astemizole
Major
The metabolism of Astemizole can be decreased when combined with Diazepam.
Axitinib
Major
The metabolism of Axitinib can be decreased when combined with Diazepam.
Azelastine
Major
Diazepam may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Azelastine.
Cabazitaxel
Major
The metabolism of Cabazitaxel can be decreased when combined with Diazepam.
Copanlisib
Major
The metabolism of Copanlisib can be decreased when combined with Diazepam.
Valium Toxicity & Overdose RiskTaking too much diazepam can cause the same effects as taking the drug as intended but to a more intense degree. These symptoms include difficulty walking, drowsiness, slurred speech, muscle weakness, very deep sleep, low blood pressure, slow heartbeat, and jerky eye movements. In extreme cases, it can lead to coma, lack of reflexes, respiratory depression, and not being able to breath. If taken with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants, it could be fatal. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take diazepam as it can be passed to the fetus or baby in the breastmilk.
Valium Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Valium?
409 active trials are being conducted to assess the potential of Valium to alleviate Anxiety Disorders, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Stiff Man Syndrome.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Anxiety Disorders
199 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 3, Phase 1, Early Phase 1
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
233 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Early Phase 1, Phase 4
Sedation therapy
0 Actively Recruiting
Motor Neuron Disease, Upper
0 Actively Recruiting
Lockjaw
2 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2
Syndrome
3 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3
Drug Resistant Epilepsy
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Muscle Tissue
0 Actively Recruiting
Anger Management Therapy
0 Actively Recruiting
Stiff Man Syndrome
0 Actively Recruiting
Sedation
2 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3
Status Epilepticus (Convulsive)
0 Actively Recruiting
Seizures
0 Actively Recruiting
Athetosis
0 Actively Recruiting
Valium Reviews: What are patients saying about Valium?
5Patient Review
1/26/2019 I've tried nearly every type of benzodiazepine over the last 40 years for my PTSD, insomnia, and muscle spasms. Diazepam has by far been the most effective for me. The others either don't last long enough or make me feel terrible. Valium lets me live a fairly normal life even with my chronic pain.
5Patient Review
10/30/2021 This treatment has been really effective for both my seizures and vertigo. I take it alongside tegretol and meclizine, and together they work great.
5Patient Review
5/10/2022 Valium was a literal life-saver for me when detoxing from alcohol. It helped so much with the tremors and seizures that can come from withdrawal.
5Patient Review
12/1/2016 This treatment has been hugely effective for me in managing my keg spasms. I've been taking it for over 26 years and have never had any issues with addiction or side effects.
3.3Patient Review
11/12/2017 This medication has helped to stabilize my mood and I've been sleeping better since starting it. Additionally, even though I still experience pain regularly, this medication seems to help take the edge off.
3Patient Review
5/11/2018 I've used Valium for close to three years now, and it has lost its efficacy. I also tried Zanex for a while, but I was worried about addiction potential so I stopped. Buspar didn't work at all for me. So right now I'm taking two 10mg doses per day with no relief, and my doctor isn't suggesting anything else.
1.7Patient Review
11/11/2017 I had a lot of negative side effects from the generic diazepam, including crying spells. The real Valium I took years ago never gave me problems. If you're sensitive to drugs, it might be worth sticking with name brands.
1Patient Review
6/21/2017 I took this for two months to help with back spasms. Although it did dull the pain, I became very anxious while on the medication. When I tried to stop taking the drug, I ended up having panic attacks and muscle spasms all over my body worse than when I started taking the medication. It was absolute hell for four months.
1Patient Review
2/14/2020 Though Valium was effective in helping me sleep, I developed depression soon after taking it. This depression was much worse than any lack of sleep, so I stopped taking the Valium.
Patient Q&A Section about valium
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.Does Valium make you sleepy?
"Diazepam (Valium) can make you feel sleepy and affect your concentration and focus, so you should avoid activities that require you to be alert, like driving or operating machinery, until you know how the medication affects you."
Answered by AI
Is Valium good for anxiety?
"Valium and similar benzodiazepines can help reduce the intensity of panic attacks, nervousness, and anxiety."
Answered by AI
What class of drugs is Valium?
"Benzodiazepines are a type of drug that has a sedating or calming effect. There are many drugs in this group, and some, such as diazepam (Valium), are prescribed as medication in the UK. They are typically prescribed for anxiety or sometimes for sleeping disorders."
Answered by AI
What does Valium do to you?
"Diazepam is a medication used to treat anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, seizures, and muscle spasms. It works by calming the brain and nerves."
Answered by AI