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Diazepam (Valium)
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Diazepam is a type of medication known as a benzodiazepine, sometimes called a 'benzo' (NHS Inform, 2024). It is a prescription drug commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and insomnia. Diazepam was once widely recognised under the brand name Valium, though this is no longer available in the UK. Long-term use is generally not recommended, as benzodiazepines can be addictive and may lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms (Calcaterra & Barrow, 2014; Dhaliwal et al, 2022).
- Helps relieve anxiety
- Part of the anxiolytic-benzodiazepine group
- Also effective for the treatment of insomnia
- 100% genuine Medication
- Shipped from registered pharmacies
More Information
A Pharmacist's Overview
 | Pharmacist, Amardeep Bagga (MPharm, MBA) provides a simple explanation of the medication below: 'Diazepam is a benzodiazepine used to relieve anxiety, muscle spasms and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.'. If you think this is a treatment that can help you, start an online consultation now for a registered prescriber to review. If treatment is deemed suitable, they can prescribe it, and we can deliver it to you from the comfort of your own home with a range of convenient delivery and payment options for you to choose from. If you have any questions about a medication, you should always consult your doctor with any questions prior to starting treatment, to ensure that it is safe and suitable for you. |
Buy Diazepam (Valium)
Where can I buy Diazepam online?
Buy Valium
You can safely purchase genuine Diazepam tablets from PharmXtra. All prescription medication requests must go through an online clinical consultation, where a registered doctor will assess whether a prescription can be issued.
Before Diazepam (Valium) can be provided, an online consultation is required to confirm that it is a suitable treatment for you. This process ensures that buying Diazepam online is safe and appropriate, similar to the checks carried out at an online pharmacy.
It is important to speak to your doctor or healthcare provider before starting any medication to ensure it is safe and suitable for your needs.
Summary of Diazepam (Valium)
| Type of drug | Benzodiazepine / Depressant |
| Health conditions prescribed for | Insomnia, anxiety, panic disorder, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal (Weintraub, S., 2017) |
| Active Ingredients | Diazepam |
| Brand names | Valium |
| Available strengths | 2mg, 5mg, 10mg |
| Available as | Tablets, rectal solution, injections |
| Possible side effects | Sleepiness, severe drowsiness, confusion, lack of coordination, imbalance, shaky hands (tremors) |
| Patient Information Leaflet | For more information about this medication, see the Diazepam patient information leaflet. |
Diazepam (Valium) - Key Information
What is Diazepam?
- Diazepam is a medication used to treat anxiety, panic disorders, muscle spasms (including those linked to cerebral palsy) and seizures (fits) (Dhaliwal et al, 2022)
- It may also be prescribed to help people relax before medical procedures or as a muscle relaxant for pain.
- Diazepam was previously known as Valium, but this brand is no longer available in the UK (NHS, 2022).
- It is a controlled substance and classified as a ‘Class C drug’.
- Diazepam is most commonly taken as a tablet, but it is also available in liquid form or as a rectal medication.
- Treatment with diazepam is usually limited to a maximum of four weeks due to the risk of dependence (Young Minds, 2023). Your doctor will advise on the correct duration based on your needs.
- Diazepam can cause drowsiness, so you must not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking it.
- According to Griffin et al (2013), diazepam affects BZD-sensitive receptors in the central nervous system.
- Always read the patient leaflet for a complete list of side effects and precautions, and speak to your doctor for advice on your specific condition.
Video: An overview of Diazepam (Valium)
Watch the video below for a simple explanation of diazepam, including its uses, dosage, side effects, and precautions:
How does Diazepam work?
Diazepam belongs to the benzodiazepine family of medications. It works by enhancing the effect of GABA, a brain chemical that has a calming effect. This helps:
- Reduce anxiety – slows down overactive brain signals to create a sense of calm.
- Relax muscles – relieves tension or spasms.
- Aid sleep – can be prescribed short-term for sleep problems.
- Control seizures – acts quickly to stop seizures in emergencies (Epilepsy Foundation, 2018).
As diazepam has multiple effects, it is used for various conditions including anxiety, insomnia, muscle spasms and seizures. Always follow your doctor's guidance to ensure it is safe for you.
What experiences have Diazepam users had?
Patient Information Leaflet
For full details about this prescription medication, refer to the official Diazepam patient information leaflet.
Usage Advice
How is Diazepam taken?
Diazepam Tablets
Diazepam is usually taken as a tablet for anxiety, muscle stiffness, or sleep problems. If you have difficulty swallowing, an oral solution may be prescribed.
In children, rectal diazepam is often used to stop seizures quickly (Medicines for Children, 2024).
Dosage
What is the dosage of Diazepam?
Diazepam 2mg / 5mg / 10mg
The typical starting dose for anxiety is 2mg three times a day. If needed, your doctor may increase this to 5mg or 10mg three times daily (Cloos et al, 2021).
For insomnia caused by anxiety, doses may range from 5mg to 15mg before bed, but this is usually for short-term use due to the risk of addiction (Juergens, S., 1991; Gordon, E., 1967; Zhang et al, 2022).
Muscle spasms may be treated with doses between 2mg and 15mg per day, depending on severity (London Bridge Sports Medicine, 2022).
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Diazepam?
Like all medications, diazepam can have some side effects. The most common side effects include:
- Drowsiness or sleepiness
- Confusion
- Reduced coordination
- Shaking (tremors)
- Breathing problems
- Risk of dependence or withdrawal symptoms
If these occur, keep taking the medication but speak to your doctor for medical advice as soon as possible.
Rarely, more serious side effects can occur when taking diazepam. These include:
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (liver problems)
- Memory problems or hallucinations
- Severe mood changes (agitation, aggression)
If you have a severe allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, tongue, or trouble breathing), call 999 immediately.
Warnings
Does Diazepam come with any warnings?
Diazepam may not suit everyone. You should tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Liver or kidney disease
- Sleep apnoea
- Depression or suicidal thoughts
- History of alcohol or drug dependence
- Heart or circulation problems
- Muscle weakness conditions (e.g. myasthenia gravis)
Diazepam may not be suitable for older adults (65+), as it increases the risk of falls and drowsiness.
Some medications can interact with diazepam. You should let your doctor know if you take any of the following:
- Epilepsy medication
- Antidepressants or anxiety medications
- Sedating antihistamines
- Strong painkillers (opioids)
- Antibiotics or antifungal medicines
- Heartburn or reflux medication
Some painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol may be taken with Diazepam but only if advised by your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare provider. Stronger painkiller prescription medications (opioids) such as codeine, co-codamol and dihydrocodeine should strictly be avoided when taking Diazepam.
Can Diazepam interact with herbal supplements?
Yes, certain herbal supplements may interact with diazepam. Always check with your doctor before taking any.
Purchasing Diazepam online or anywhere else should be done with care and caution, due to the widely reported potential risks associated with counterfeit Diazepam tablets that may contain fentanyl (BBC News, 2019; BBC News, 2023).
It is important that your doctor checks that diazepam is suitable for you. Your doctor should complete a thorough health questionnaire and review your current medications before prescribing this medication. We have What happens if you take too much Diazepam (Valium)?
If you exceed the prescribed dosage of diazepam, you might experience the following symptoms: It's important to note that the quantity of diazepam that can result in an overdose can differ from one individual to another. No. Alcohol enhances the sedative effects of diazepam, which can lead to dangerous breathing problems. A doctor may prescribe it in certain cases, but it is not usually recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. 5mg is a moderate dose, stronger than 2mg but lower than 10mg. Your doctor will determine the right strength for you. According to the British Journal of Anaesthesia, Diazepam stays in the body longer than Lorazepam, but both belong to the benzodiazepine family. Diazepam and Clonazepam have different strengths and work for different lengths of time. Drugs.com offers a useful comparison of Diazepam (Valium) vs Clonazepam (KlonoPIN). If it is taken: Diazepam can last for more than 12 hours. However, it stays in the body for much longer, with a half-life of around 48 hours. Diazepam can relax muscles, reduce anxiety, cause drowsiness, or stop a seizure, depending on the condition being treated. Yes, Diazepam can be addictive, especially if taken in high doses for a long time or if you have a history of drug or alcohol problems. The risk of addiction is lower if you take the lowest effective dose for a short period (usually 2 to 4 weeks). Always speak to your doctor before starting treatment to ensure you are taking the safest and most appropriate dose. Yes. In the UK, Diazepam is a controlled drug and is usually prescribed only for short-term use in crisis situations related to generalised anxiety. For information on its legal status, visit GOV.UK and Release.org.uk. Yes. Diazepam is the active ingredient in Valium, which is a brand name for this prescription medication.
Diazepam FAQs
Can you drink alcohol when taking Diazepam?
Can you take Diazepam if you are pregnant?
Is 5mg of Diazepam strong?
How is Diazepam different to Lorazepam?
How is Diazepam different to Clonazepam?
How long does Diazepam take to work?
How long does Diazepam last?
How does Diazepam make you feel?
Is Diazepam addictive?
Is Diazepam a controlled drug?
Is Diazepam Valium?
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Medical Reviewer
Irfan Siddique
Dr Irfan Siddique is a qualified Medical Doctor licensed to practise in the UK by the General Medical Council (GMC). He earned his MBBS degree in 2017 from the University of Health Sciences, Lahore, and brings years of clinical experience and medical knowledge to his work.
