Valium
(diazepam)
●●●●●
3.8/ 5 average rating with 976 reviewsforValium
Skip to: drug prices sectionSkip to: what to expect sectionSkip to: side effects sectionSkip to: risks and warnings sectionSkip to: common concerns from users and pharmacists
Helps you relax.
Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.
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Our bottom line
Valium (diazepam) is effective for occasional or short-term use for anxiety and muscle spasm. Compared to similar drugs, Valium (diazepam) acts very quickly but can have interactions with other medicines.
Quick facts about Valium
- Drug class: Mental health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (diazepam)
Upsides
- Valium (diazepam) effectively relieves anxiety and muscle spasms.
- Valium (diazepam) has less severe withdrawal symptoms compared to other similar drugs.
- Works very quickly.
- Available in generic.
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What to expect from Valium, on one page
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976Downsides
- Use of Valium (diazepam) can cause memory problems, drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion.
- Valium (diazepam) can be habit-forming, so it's not typically used for long-term treatment.
- Most people find that their body will get used to Valium (diazepam) levels and they may need higher doses over time to achieve the same effect.
- People with severe liver problems should not take Valium (diazepam). Several drugs can also interfere with how Valium (diazepam) works.
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What to expect from Valium, on one page
Download Fact SheetHow it works
Valium (diazepam) is a fast-acting benzodiazepine. It affects chemicals in the brain to reduce anxiety and help relax muscles.
Quick facts about Valium
- Drug class: Mental health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (diazepam)
Used for
- Anxiety
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Seizures
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.Prices and coupons for 30 (5mg) tablets of diazepam near
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$5.88 - Rite AidGet free coupon$5.99
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$6.65
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See more prices and coupons in your areaWhat to expect when you take Valium (diazepam) for Anxiety
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Full effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Worsened coordination
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Skin reactions
Side effect rates for Valium (diazepam)
Risks and Warnings for Valium (diazepam)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Taking Valium (diazepam) with opioids, drugs or alcohol
- › Using Valium (diazepam) for a longer duration and at high doses
Using Valium (diazepam) in combination with opioids (a type of pain medicine) may cause severe drowsiness, slowed breathing, and potentially even coma or death. This combination should be avoided. Alcohol use should also be avoided while taking Valium (diazepam). If you experience excessive drowsiness or slowed breathing, notify your doctor right away and seek medical care.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Means that some groups have a high risk of experiencing this side effect
Pharmacist Q&A
Valium (diazepam) questions for
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication treats symptoms of acute (sudden, abrupt) alcohol withdrawal.Common concerns from people taking Valium (diazepam)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Alcohol
- Valium (diazepam) is not safe to use with alcohol.
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Valiumon 9/26/2017Dont mix with alcohol, and limit dosage. Starting dosage at high mg intake right of that bat will ruin chances of feeling affects later on in usage. Start low, 20mg-30mg once every week or so will keep tolerance low enough that you can theoretically enjoy that similar dosage every time its happened upon. Valium over Xanax for 2 reasons, valium last longer. Relaxing and mellow. Very enjoyable. Xannax last only about half as long, leading you to redose and getting to deep to fast19ManA few monthsWould rather not say
Food
- Take Valium (diazepam) with food or water. Mix the oral concentration with water, juice, soda, applesauce, or pudding before use.
Pain
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed diazepamon 6/3/2019Don't drink and no pain meds60ManA year or soAnxiety
Sleep
- Using Valium (diazepam) in combination with opioids (a type of pain medicine) may cause severe drowsiness, slowed breathing, and potentially even coma or death. This combination should be avoided. Alcohol use should also be avoided while taking Valium (diazepam). If you experience excessive drowsiness or slowed breathing, notify your doctor right away and seek medical care.
- Valium (diazepam) can cause temporary dizziness and drowsiness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
- Use of Valium (diazepam) can cause memory problems, drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion.
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed Valiumon 10/10/2016Made me highly emotional and drowsy the next day20WomanAnxiety