If you are going through alcohol withdrawal, your healthcare provider may prescribe the medicine
Valium® (
diazepam) to help relieve withdrawal symptoms. The medication is also approved for the treatment of
anxiety, muscle spasms, and
seizures (when used in combination with other
seizure medications).
Occasionally, this drug can also be used "
off-label" to treat other conditions. Off-label Valium uses may include the treatment of agitation,
insomnia, and benzodiazepine withdrawal (which is due to stopping a benzodiazepine medicine too quickly).
Valium works by enhancing the effects of a naturally calming brain chemical called
gamma-aminobutyric acid (
GABA). It appears to have several effects on the body, including:
- Reducing anxiety
- Causing sleepiness
- Relaxing muscles
- Stopping seizures
- Impairing short-term memory.
(Click Valium Uses for more information on how Valium medicine works, to learn about the specific effects of this medication, and to find out if this drug is approved for use in children.)
