Diazepam (Valium)
Diazepam (Valium) explained
Diazepam (Valium) is a long‑acting benzodiazepine for anxiety, muscle spasm, alcohol withdrawal, and seizures; carries dependence risks and additive sedation with depressants.
FDA ApprovedDiazepam (Valium) helps treat
• Anxiety (short‑term)
• Muscle spasm
• Alcohol withdrawal
• Status epilepticus
• Procedural sedation
additional medications
• SSRIs/SNRIs or buspirone (chronic anxiety)
• CBT
• Physical therapy for spasms as appropriate
medication risks
• Dependence, tolerance, withdrawal
• Respiratory depression with sedatives
• Falls and cognitive impairment
side effects
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Ataxia
• Blurred vision
FAQs
Q: What is diazepam used for?A: Short‑term anxiety, muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal, seizures.
Q: Dependence risk?
A: Yes—use lowest effective dose for shortest time.
Q: Driving?
A: Impairment possible—use caution.
Q: Alcohol/opioids?
A: Avoid—dangerous respiratory depression risk.
Q: Withdrawal?
A: Taper slowly under medical supervision.