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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.
Get a better understanding of diazepam (Valium) on our infographic below.
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 is a benzodiazepine that boosts the calming brain chemical GABA, helping to reduce anxiety, relax muscles, improve short-term sleep and stop seizures in emergencies.
| Effect | How it helps | Related conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Reduces anxiety | Slows down overactive nerve signals to create calm. | Generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder |
| Relaxes muscles | Reduces muscle tension and spasms. | Muscle spasms, stiffness, cerebral palsy related hypertonia |
| Helps sleep (short-term) | Makes it easier to fall asleep when anxiety is the cause. | Insomnia linked to anxiety |
| Controls seizures | Acts quickly to calm brain activity during a seizure.(Epilepsy Foundation, 2018). | Status epilepticus, acute seizures |
Always follow your prescriber’s advice, because the right use depends on your condition and overall health.
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 doses vary by condition, age and medical history, so a registered prescriber will choose the safest strength and schedule for you.
| Condition | Typical adult starting dose | Important notes |
|---|---|---|
| Anxiety | 2mg, three times a day (Cloos et al, 2021) | Your doctor may increase to 5mg to 10mg, three times daily if needed. |
| Insomnia caused by anxiety | 5mg to 15mg before bed (Juergens, S., 1991; Gordon, E., 1967; Zhang et al, 2022) | Usually short-term only, due to dependence risk. |
| Muscle spasms | 2mg to 15mg per day (London Bridge Sports Medicine, 2022) | Dose depends on severity and how you respond. |
Do not increase or stop diazepam suddenly without medical advice.
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Diazepam?
Most diazepam side effects are mild and improve as your body adjusts, but rare serious effects need urgent medical help.
| Common side effects | What you might notice |
|---|---|
| Drowsiness or sleepiness | Feeling tired, slower reactions |
| Confusion | Trouble thinking clearly or feeling “foggy” |
| Reduced coordination | Feeling unsteady or clumsy |
| Tremors | Shaky hands or slight trembling |
| Breathing changes | Slower breathing, especially if combined with other sedatives |
| Dependence risk | More likely if used at high dose or for longer than advised |
| Serious side effects (urgent) | What to do |
|---|---|
| Slow or shallow breathing | Call 999 or go to A&E immediately. |
| Yellowing of skin or eyes | Seek urgent medical advice, this may be a liver problem. |
| Hallucinations or severe agitation | Contact a doctor urgently. |
| Severe allergic reaction | Call 999 if you have swelling of lips, tongue, face or breathing trouble. |
If you get side effects that worry you, speak to your doctor or pharmacist as soon as you can.
A doctor's overview of the side effects of this medication and how to manage them:
 | Dr. Irfan Siddique provides a simple explanation of the common side effects of the medication and how you can manage them: Diazepam is a prescription medication, used for anxiety disorders, insomnia, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and muscle spasms. Common side effects include drowsiness, tremors, breathing problems, and increased risk of dependence. Serious adverse effects include memory problems, hallucinations, agitation and aggressive mood. If experiencing any side effects of Diazepam, it is recommended to discuss with your doctor and seek immediate medical attention. |
Warnings
Does Diazepam come with any warnings?
Diazepam is not suitable for everyone, so your prescriber must check your health conditions and current medicines first.
| Tell your doctor if you have | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Liver or kidney disease | Diazepam may stay in your body longer, increasing side effects. |
| Sleep apnoea | Higher risk of breathing problems while asleep. |
| Depression or suicidal thoughts | Diazepam can worsen mood in some people. |
| History of alcohol or drug dependence | Greater chance of becoming dependent. |
| Heart or circulation problems | Sedation can affect safety and balance. |
| Muscle weakness like myasthenia gravis | May make weakness worse. |
| Age 65 or older | Higher risk of falls, confusion and long-lasting drowsiness. |
| Medicines that can interact with diazepam | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Opioid painkillers like codeine, co-codamol and dihydrocodeine | Dangerous breathing suppression and extreme sedation. |
| Antidepressants and other anxiety medicines | Extra drowsiness and slower reactions. |
| Sedating antihistamines | Increased sleepiness and poor coordination. |
| Epilepsy medicines | Changes in seizure control or sedation levels. |
| Some antibiotics or antifungals | May raise diazepam levels in the body. |
| Some reflux or heartburn medicines | Can increase sedation in certain cases. |
Be careful with diazepam bought outside regulated services. Counterfeit “benzo” tablets sold as diazepam have been found to contain dangerous substances such as fentanyl, which can be life threatening.
At PharmXtra, diazepam is only supplied after an online clinical consultation and a decision to prescribe by a registered prescriber, to ensure it is safe and appropriate for you.
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 diazepam tablets for sale here at PharmXtra if it has been approved for you by your healthcare provider.
What happens if you take too much Diazepam (Valium)?
Taking too much diazepam can slow breathing and heart function, so you should get emergency help straight away if an overdose is suspected.
| Possible overdose signs | What it can look like |
|---|---|
| Severe drowsiness | Hard to stay awake or respond. |
| Poor coordination or slurred speech | Stumbling or speaking unclearly. |
| Irregular heartbeat | Racing pulse, dizziness or fainting. |
| Involuntary eye movements | Eyes flicking or rolling. |
| Muscle weakness | Limbs feel heavy or hard to move. |
| Restlessness or agitation | Feeling unusually unsettled. |
If you think you or someone else has taken too much diazepam, call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
Diazepam FAQs
Can you drink alcohol when taking Diazepam?
No. Alcohol enhances the sedative effects of diazepam, which can lead to dangerous breathing problems.
Can you take Diazepam if you are pregnant?
A doctor may prescribe it in certain cases, but it is not usually recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Is 5mg of Diazepam strong?
5mg is a moderate dose, stronger than 2mg but lower than 10mg. Your doctor will determine the right strength for you.
How is Diazepam different to Lorazepam?
According to the British Journal of Anaesthesia, Diazepam stays in the body longer than Lorazepam, but both belong to the benzodiazepine family.
How is Diazepam different to Clonazepam?
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).
How long does Diazepam take to work?
If it is taken:
- As an intravenous injection - Diazepam typically begins to take effect within 1 to 3 minutes.
- Orally - Diazepam can take between 15 and 60 minutes to take effect.
How long does Diazepam last?
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.
How does Diazepam make you feel?
Diazepam can relax muscles, reduce anxiety, cause drowsiness, or stop a seizure, depending on the condition being treated.
Is Diazepam addictive?
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.
Is Diazepam a controlled drug?
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.
Is Diazepam Valium?
Yes. Diazepam is the active ingredient in Valium, which is a brand name for this prescription medication.
Sources:
Learn more with PharmXtra support resources for Diazepam:
- What is Diazepam? - Learn about Diazepam, a medication used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures.
- What is Diazepam Used For? - Discover the various conditions that Diazepam is used to treat, including anxiety and muscle spasms.
- Is Diazepam the Same as Valium? - Find out if Diazepam is the same as Valium and how they are related.
- Alprazolam vs Diazepam - Compare Alprazolam and Diazepam to understand their differences and uses in treating anxiety.
- Is 5mg of Diazepam Strong? - Learn whether a 5mg dose of Diazepam is strong enough to have the desired effect or if higher doses are required.
- How Long Does Diazepam Take to Work? - Find out how quickly Diazepam starts working after taking it and how long its effects last.
- Diazepam and Alcohol - Understand the risks of combining Diazepam with alcohol and why it's dangerous to mix them.
- Valium UK: Safety Advice When Buying Diazepam Online - Get important safety advice when considering buying Diazepam (Valium) online in the UK.
Medically Reviewed By:
Irfan Siddique
Dr Irfan Siddique is an independent 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. Please note: Dr Sidiqque works with PharmXtra specifically to review medical content for accuracy. He is not involved in any aspect of the consultation or prescription process.
