Valium

Alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasms, and seizures are a few of the conditions that can be treated with Valium, a prescription drug that works by enhancing the effects of a naturally-calming chemical in the brain. The medication comes in the form of tablets, an oral liquid, and an injection. Side effects of Valium may include fatigue, drowsiness, and coordination problems.

 

What Is Valium?

Valium® (diazepam) is a prescription medication that is used to treat the following conditions:
 
(Click Valium Uses for more information on what the drug is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Valium?

Valium is currently made by Roche Products, Inc.
 

How Does It Work?

Valium is part of a group of medicines called benzodiazepines.
 These medicines have several effects on the body, including:
 
  • Reducing anxiety
  • Causing sleepiness
  • Relaxing muscles
  • Stopping seizures
  • Impairing short-term memory.
     
All medicines in this category can have these effects to some degree, depending on the specific benzodiazepine that is being taken. They work in the brain by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a brain chemical that is naturally calming. GABA can slow down or stop certain nerve signals in the brain. This is why Valium and other benzodiazepines are known as mild tranquilizers, sedatives, or central nervous system depressants (CNS depressants).
 

When and How to Take Valium

Some general considerations for when and how to take the medication include:
 
  • It comes in tablet, oral liquid, and injectable forms. When used orally, it is usually taken three or four times a day (or sometimes more or less often).
     
  • Valium can be taken with or without food. If it bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It may cause serious problems if you take it at higher dosages or for a longer period of time than your healthcare provider recommends (see Valium Addiction).
     

Dosing Information

The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Your age
  • Other medications you may be taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Valium Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Drowsiness
  • Fatigue
  • Coordination problems.
     
(Click Valium Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions

Valium can potentially interact with a few other medicines (see Valium Drug Interactions).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Valium Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take this medication.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose of Valium?

People who take too much of the medication may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Confusion
  • Drowsiness
  • Coma
  • Slow reflexes.
     
If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Valium Overdose for more information.)
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your dose as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of Valium.
 

Strengths

Valium tablets are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Valium 2 mg
  • Valium 5 mg
  • Valium 10 mg.
     
The medication is also available as an oral liquid and an injection.
 

Is There a Generic Version of Valium?

Currently, both brand-name and generic versions of Valium are licensed for sale (see Generic Valium).
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;