Uses

Valium (diazepam), an anxiolytic (antipanic and antianxiety) medication, belongs to the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. It is used for its sedative, anxiety-relieving, and muscle-relaxing effects. It acts on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, causing the release of a neurotransmitter called GABA in the brain.

Valium was released in 1963 as an improved version of Librium. It is more potent than Librium and quickly surpassed Librium in terms of sales. After the success of Valium, other pharmaceutical companies started introducing other benzodiazepine derivatives.

How Does Valium Work?

Valium acts on GABA receptors. It appears to act on areas of the limbic system, thalamus, and hypothalamus, inducing anxiolytic effects. Diazepam increases the inhibitory processes in the cerebral cortex. The anticonvulsant properties of the drug are due to its binding with voltage-dependent sodium channels rather than GABA receptors. The drug produces muscle relaxant effects through inhibition of polysynaptic pathways in the spinal cord.

Dosage FAQs

• What is this drug used to treat?
  Valium has many uses as a medication. In addition to the treatment of anxiety, it is used for pre-surgery sedation, alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasms, and various types of seizures.
• What is a safe dose of this medication?
  • Anxiety: For anxiety-related conditions, this drug is given in doses of 2 mg to 10 mg orally two to three times a day. An Intravenous dose of Valium is 2 mg to 10 mg two to three times a day. The maximum dose, however, should not exceed 30 mg every eight hours.
  • Alcohol Withdrawal: A 10 mg oral dose of this medication is administered after every three to four hours during first 24 hours, after which it is reduced to a 5 mg oral dose as required.
  • Preoperative Sedation: A 10 mg intramuscular dose may be administered before surgery.
  • Muscle Spasm: A 2 mg to 10 mg oral dose of this drug may be given three to four times a day or as required.
• How does my body process this drug?
  Diazepam is well-absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. It has a bioavailability of 93% with a volume of distribution 0.8 to 1.0 L/kg. The protein binding of Valium is 98.5%. The active metabolite of this drug is desmethyldiazepam. It has a half-life of about 43 hours and ranges from 40 to 100 hours. This long half-life is due to the active metabolites. It is removed from the body in the urine.
• Is this drug safe for me if I become pregnant?
  This medication has been placed in pregnancy category D by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which means there is positive evidence of a risk to the fetus. However, if a person is experiencing epileptic seizures, the potential benefits may outweigh the risk. Before this drug is used during pregnancy, a thorough assessment should be performed by you and your doctor to ensure there are no alternative treatments and the benefits are worth the risks.
• Are there ways to get more out of my treatment with this medication?
  This drug is prescribed for several conditions that are also regularly addressed with psychotherapy. If you are prescribed this drug for anxiety related conditions or for alcohol withdrawal, consider pairing your treatment with a therapist or counselor. Finding a therapist with whom you can form a therapeutic relationship may help you achieve a better, longer-lasting mental health outcome.