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Valium is the Hoffman-La Roche proprietary name for diazepam, a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety, insomnia, epilepsy, muscle spasm, restless legs syndrome, seizures and alcohol withdrawal. It may also be used to reduce anxiety before distressing medical procedures and to induce amnesia during some surgical procedures. As well as being anxiolytic, valium is also an anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant and also has hypnotic and sedative characteristics. It has the advantages of rapid effect and high efficiency which makes it useful for treating seizures. In addition, all benzodiazepines have relatively low toxicity.

Valium works on the brain by potentiating gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) a grain chemical which is a natural sedative with the capability of interfering with nerve signals in the brain which cause anxiety. Because of this action, Valium and similar benzodiazepines have mild tranquilizing action and are also central nervous system depressants.

What does Valium look like?

Valium is sold as a round tablet with a “V” shaped perforation in strengths of 2, 5 and 10 mgs. The 2 mg tablet is white with the imprint “Roche Roche 2 Valium”, the 5 mg tablet is yellow with the imprint “Roche Roche Valium 5” and the 10 mg tablet is blue with the imprint “Roche Roche Valium 10”. Valium is also available in oral liquid and injectable liquid forms.

Valium dosing and administration

The standard initial dosage of valium for anxiety is between 2 and 10 milligrams two to four times daily, depending on the severity of the condition. The same dosage is given for the control of seizures, usually in combination with other seizure drugs. For muscle spasms, the dosage is 2 to 10 mg three or four times daily. Valium is used for alcohol withdrawal at a starting dosage of 10 mg three or four times during the first 24 hours. From the second day, the dosage may be lowered to 5 mg three or four times a day. The treatment is usually short-term and restricted to the acute phase of alcohol withdrawal. Dosage for elderly people should be reduced because of possible hypersensitivity. The standard starting dose for all purposes is between 20 to 2.5 mg daily. This may be increased if necessary until the required effect is obtained. Valium may be given to children aged 6 or over at a dosage of 1 to 2.5 mg three times daily, on the advice of the doctor.

Common adverse effects from Valium

Valium is generally well tolerated and the most common side effects are drowsiness or fatigue. In rare cases there may be depression, hypotension, jaundice, suicidal ideation, dyspnea, anxiety, aggressive behavior, insomnia, hallucinations and erectile dysfunction or loss of libido. If these symptoms occur, immediate medical assistance should be sought.

Interactions with Valium

Valium should be used with caution when combined with alcohol, anesthetics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, barbiturates, sleeping medications, other benzodiazepines, probenecid, other seizure drugs and grapefruit juice.

Valium precautions and warnings

You should inform your doctor before taking Valium if you have glaucoma, a history of substance abuse, including alcohol, depression, liver or kidney disease or any kind of allergy.